Who needs to re-certify?
All Evaluators and all certified teams must re-certify every three years. We have made every effort to streamline the process, and links to the re-certification packets are located below in the appropriate sections. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us for assistance. We value your participation in our program and are here to help make this process as easy as possible for you.
How to re-certify as an Evaluator
Since 2008, the FSDS has worked hard to build an corps of skilled and qualified trainers / evaluators who are able to administer the certification test to those teams seeking certification. We value each and every one of our Evaluators and appreciate your continued participation in our program. You will need to re-certify by the last day of the month indicated on your card. We suggest that you begin the month prior to this time. Regardless of when we receive this, if you have re-certified on time, your new card will expire three years from the initial expiration date- not from the date of renewal. Thus, you will not lose any time by renewing early.
Some points to remember are:
- You will not need to re-take the evaluator test
- You will not need to re-submit the credentials you have already provided
- Please send copies of any new credentials you have earned since your initial certification.
- Please update any contact information on the renewal application
Download a copy of the Evaluator Renewal Form Nov 2021
How to re-certify as a certified service dog team.
IMPORTANT NOTE: All teams seeking certification must successfully complete the online SD 101: Orientation Course PRIOR to being permitted to take the skills test for certification. This requirement strengthens the meaning of certification, ensuring that all FSDS team handlers have received the same training, regardless of whether they are trained through our in-house or outreach programs. This is a one-time requirement.
Maintaining your certification is an important step in caring for your team. For those of you who live in areas prone to natural disaster such as earthquakes, wildfires, floods, tornadoes, etc this is especially important. In the event that you must seek shelter, remember that shelters are required to accept service dogs, however, they have the right to determine what teams are credible. This is necessary from a public health perspective. Your proof of current certification will assist shelter workers in doing their jobs, and help provide you with the peace of mind knowing that your team is protected.
Some important points to remember are:
- You do not need to submit a new Physician Statement of Disability
- If your current vest is in good condition, then you will not need to purchase a new vest- see form for charges
- Re-read the CSD Team Manual and practice the test prior to testing
The following must be provided annually
- a copy of your current county license
- proof of monthly flea & tick prevention [Send receipts]
- proof of current vaccination (a copy of veterinary invoice listing vaccinations is acceptable)
- update any contact information and names of alternate caregivers, as needed
The following need only be provided at the time of recertification testing:
- a recent head shot photo of you and your SD for your new ID
- proof of passing the skills test from one of our FSDS Evaluators
- a veterinary statement
In the event that you do not provide this information annually, we will suspend your certification, and you will have a 30 day grace period to comply. If you do not comply, your certification will be revoked. In the event that a documented medical problem, as verified by your treating physician, occurs you will be permitted to petition for reinstatement. There will be a $150 fee to process these requests as this is a time consuming process.
Download a copy of the CSD Re-certification Packet Nov 2021 for service dog teams.