Certification Program
International Assistance Animal Certification Standards
Certification Types
Medical Assistance Animal
The Medical Assistance Animal certification is our highest level of recognition, granted to teams where the handler has documented medical needs requiring the continuous presence of a trained assistance animal. This certification covers a wide range of medical conditions including mobility assistance, seizure alert, diabetic alert, psychiatric service, and more.
- • Medical documentation
- • Public access test pass
- • Behavioral evaluation
- • Health clearance
- • International ID card
- • Travel documentation
- • Public access rights
- • 5-year certification
Therapeutic Support Animal
Therapeutic Support Animal certification is for animals that provide documented psychological or emotional therapeutic assistance under the guidance of a licensed healthcare professional. This includes animals used in therapeutic settings such as hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and counseling facilities.
- • Professional referral
- • Temperament evaluation
- • Handler training program
- • Annual renewal
- • Facility access card
- • Professional recognition
- • Insurance documentation
- • 2-year certification
Emotional Support Animal
The Emotional Support Animal program provides recognition for animals that offer emotional comfort and support to their handlers. While ESAs do not require specialized task training, they must demonstrate basic obedience and good public behavior.
- • Handler need documentation
- • Basic obedience test
- • Veterinary clearance
- • Good behavior assessment
- • Recognition card
- • Handler support resources
- • Community access
- • 5-year certification
Certification Process
Application
Submit your application with required documentation, including medical records, veterinary clearance, and handler identification.
Documentation Review
Our Medical Division reviews all submitted documentation to verify eligibility and determine the appropriate certification level.
Evaluation
Schedule and complete the behavioral evaluation, public access test, and health assessment for your assistance animal.
Certification
Upon successful completion, receive your international certification, ID card, travel documentation, and registry enrollment.
Ongoing Support
Maintain your certification with periodic reviews and access our international support network for certified teams.