About the Evaluation

To see the PDF rubric of the evaluation, click below:

Download Evaluation Rubric

Evaluation Guide (same info as PDF):

Info before you begin:

The evaluation begins the moment you arrive. Your evaluator may take into account things that happen before the official test begins.
Your dog should not soil during testing.
A service dog cannot also be a therapy dog. They already have a job.
Dogs must have Rabies vaccine with proof by a veterinarian and be healthy.

Part 1: Initial Greeting

Evaluator checks dog collar and paws and makes sure dog is clean, one year of age, and in proper equipment.

Goal: Dog does not jump, act wild, or act aggressive or fearful.

Part 2: Dog Away From Handler

Handler leaves dog in a down or sit stay, hands off the dog, and leaves for 2 minutes.

Goal: Dog does not pull, act panicked, or aggressive. Dog is allowed to break stay position but must stay regulated.

Part 3: Walking through a Crowd

Dog and handler walks through a crowd of people.

Goal: Dog stays calm and does not show aggression or excitement towards people. Dog doesn't jump on people or lung at them.

Part 4: A Sit Stay

Handler puts dog into a sit with a stay and walks out 20 feet. Handler returns to dog without the dog breaking.

Goal: Dog can be trusted to stay at a distance.

Part 5: A Down Stay

Handler puts dog into a down with a stay and walks out 20 feet. Handler returns to dog without the dog breaking.

Goal: Dog can be trusted to stay at a distance.

to end of 6 foot leash.

Part 6: Socializing

A friendly stranger pets the dog, including rubbing them and touching their paws. Strangers will pet the dog with walkers, crutches, and wheelchairs.

Goal: Dog is not aggressive, doesn't jump, and is happy to socialize. Dog shows no fear towards friendly stranger or equipment.

Part 7: Loose Leash Walking

Dog walks an "L" pattern with 90 degree left and right turns, about, cut off by evaluator, clapping, loud noises (dropping something), approaching from behind, etc.

Goal: Dog remains calm and attentive to handler. Leash stays loose. Walking can be on either side of the handler.

Part 8: Leave It From Floor

A treat is on the floor and the dog has to walk past it and not eat it.

Goal: Dog does not eat the treat off of the floor or has bad manners. Handler cannot force the dog to not eat the treat. Dog must respond to handler's verbal command.

Part 9: Leave It From Person

A person offers the dog a treat and the dog must not eat it.

Goal: Dog does not eat the treat, bite the person's hand, or pull towards the treat.

Part 10: Meeting Another Dog

Another handler-dog team comes up to the first dog and handler. The handlers have a short conversation, then continue on their way. Dogs should maintain 6 feet from each other.

Goal: Dog stays calm and exhibits good behavior around other dog.

Part 11: Doorway Exercise

Handler will approach the door and have dog sit, down, or stand stay while evaluator goes through the door with some verbal communication and energy.

Goal: The dog stays calm, is regulated. Dog cannot jump or show excitement.

Part 12: Reaction to Children

A child or children play like normal children near the dog. A realistic doll can be used in the place of a child if no children are available.

Goal: The dog stays calm, is not aggressive. The dog lays down to mimic the handler reading the book to the child. Dog cannot jump or lung at children/doll or evaluator.