How to Register a Companion Dog in San Francisco County
Service animals (which are commonly dogs) are trained to provide support and assistance to persons with various disabilities (such as those prone to seizures or those who are deaf or blind, or in a wheelchair). Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), businesses open to the public must allow persons with disabilities to bring their service animals with them. In San Francisco County, California, persons with companion dogs may register their dogs as a companion animal as proof that the dog is a service animal and allowed to be with them in public places.
Instructions
Obtain a valid dog license from San Francisco Animal Care and Control. You must provide proof that your dog is up to date on its rabies vaccination. (For a list of addresses where you can purchase a dog license, see Resource 1. Use the application in Resources 2 to apply for a license.)
Get a letter from your physician that explains your need for a companion dog. San Francisco County requires proof that you have a medical condition and that the service animal would, in your physician's medical opinion, aid in the treatment of that condition.
Contact Animal Care &Control by calling (415) 554-6364. Explain that you have a regular dog license and a letter from your physician explaining your need for a service animal. Ask for a tag that identifies your dog as a companion dog.