In certain counties in California, assistance dog handlers have the option to register their dogs and obtain official service animal identification tags. For example, under Los Angeles County Code §10.20.090 — Service Animal License and License Tag:
A person owning or having custody of a service animal, may obtain a service animal license and tag. The Director may issue a license and tag after receiving proof that the animal has been successfully trained as a service animal.
California Service Dog ADA Rights
- This license and tag are optional. Service dog handlers are not required to present or obtain this tag to access public spaces or businesses in California.
- Additionally, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) does not require service dogs to be registered or to wear identification.
- Many handlers choose to get the tag for convenience or emergency identification purposes, not because it’s mandatory.