Certify Canine Inc

Certify Canine’s program follows a three-step process: 1) Registration and portal setup to submit dog and handler information; 2) Testing and verification, including a handler knowledge questionnaire, public access test, and task demonstration (2–3 specific tasks for service dogs or temperament assessment for facility dogs); and 3) Membership upon passing, which includes a unique ID, access to liability insurance, discounts, and community resources. Training is self-directed by the handler using provided guidelines, with certification evaluations conducted by certified professionals.

Pricing Summary

Pricing details are not publicly listed. Certification involves a registration fee and testing costs, with membership providing access to liability insurance and benefits. Specific rates are disclosed within the client portal after registration.

Certify Canine Inc is a dog training and certification organization that specializes in preparing service, therapy, and facility dogs through a standardized, three-step process: registration, testing, and membership. They focus on building and validating canine-human teams that perform reliably under pressure, with an emphasis on real-life readiness rather than just obedience. Their unique advantage lies in combining training with third-party certification that qualifies handlers for specialized animal liability insurance—a rare offering in the industry. They support both professionally trained dogs and owner-trained teams, offering educational resources on ADA law, public access rights, and working dog responsibilities. Their founder, Blake Woody, is a certified trainer with over 14 years of experience, and they work with a network of certified evaluators across the U.S. to deliver consistent standards.

They do not offer general pet training or boarding services but focus exclusively on working dog roles, including task-based service dogs and facility therapy dogs. Their training is integrated with certification testing, ensuring dogs demonstrate specific tasks (for service dogs) or handler temperament (for facility dogs) before earning certification. They provide access to a supportive community, discounts on working dog essentials, and advocacy resources to help handlers navigate public access challenges.

While they do not run traditional group classes or in-home sessions, their process involves structured evaluations and educational portals that guide handlers through training milestones aligned with their certification requirements.

Accomplishments

Founded by Blake Woody, a trainer with 14+ years of experience in service and therapy dog training, Certify Canine has developed a nationally recognized certification standard that includes third-party liability insurance access. They collaborate with ADA law experts, veterinarians, and therapists to ensure their standards reflect current best practices. Their program is cited as a solution to the lack of standardized certification in the working dog industry.

How to Get Started!

Begin by registering on the Certify Canine website to access your personal portal. Complete your profile and submit your dog’s information. You will then receive guidance on preparing for the testing phase, which includes a handler knowledge assessment and a public access evaluation. Testing can be scheduled with a certified evaluator in your area or completed remotely via the portal.