Our Review Methodology
Every ranking on this site is the product of a structured, repeatable testing process — not opinion, and never paid placement. This page explains exactly how we evaluate service dog registration providers, who is involved, and how often we update our findings.
Registrars cannot purchase a higher score or ranking position. We may earn an affiliate commission when you sign up through our links — this revenue never factors into our scoring. See our full affiliate disclosure for details.
How We Calculate the Score
Each provider receives a score out of 10, calculated from four weighted criteria. Every sub-score is based on direct, independent testing — never on self-reported claims from the provider.
| Criterion | Weight | What We Measure |
|---|---|---|
| ADA Accuracy | 35% | Whether site copy misrepresents registration as legally required; accuracy of public-access and business-question guidance against current DOJ ADA standards. |
| ID Card / Product Quality | 25% | Physical card material, print durability, digital delivery speed, and accuracy of registry database entries — based on a product we purchase ourselves. |
| Price / Value | 20% | Total cost versus what is included, presence of hidden renewal fees or upsells, and refund policy fairness. |
| Customer Support | 20% | Response time and accuracy across three standardized test inquiries sent to each provider's support channel. |
Our Testing Process
Every provider listed on this site goes through the same four-step process before receiving a published score.
ADA Compliance Audit
We review every page of the provider's site for misleading claims about mandatory registration, cross-checking language against current DOJ guidance on service animals.
Product Purchase & Test
We independently buy the most popular package using our own funds, time delivery, and physically inspect card material, printing, and database accuracy.
Support Evaluation
Three standardized test emails are sent to each provider's support channel to measure response time, tone, and accuracy of the guidance given.
Editorial Review & Scoring
Findings are compiled into the four weighted criteria above, cross-checked by our ADA legal consultant, and published with a visible last-updated date.
Who Conducts These Reviews
12 years training service dogs for veterans with PTSD. ADI-accredited evaluator. Personally conducts every product purchase test.
Disability rights attorney with a decade of ADA enforcement experience. Former DOJ consultant. Reviews every ADA accuracy score before publication.
8 years reviewing consumer products. Service dog owner and ADA advocate since 2018. Runs the support-response testing protocol.
What We Don't Do
- We do not accept payment in exchange for a higher score or ranking position.
- We do not publish a score for any provider we have not personally tested.
- We do not rely on a provider's self-reported claims for ADA accuracy or product quality scoring.
- We do not remove a negative finding because a provider requests it — corrections are only made when we find a factual error.
Methodology FAQ
Do registrars pay to be ranked higher?
No. We follow a strict no-pay-for-placement policy. Rankings are determined solely by our weighted scoring criteria, independent of any affiliate or advertising relationship.
How often is the methodology updated?
We review our scoring criteria annually and re-test every listed provider at least twice a year, or sooner if a provider changes its pricing, products, or policies.
Who reviews the rankings for accuracy?
Every ranking is reviewed by our ADA legal consultant and at least one certified assistance dog trainer before publication.
Disclaimer: This page describes our editorial process and is for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice. Some outbound links on this site are affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you, which never influences our scoring. Full disclosure →