The goal of every student entering the TOP DOG program is to become a certified TOP DOG team. To date we have certified over 70 teams in Tucson and around the country. To become a certified TOP DOG team, the student and dog must pass a rigorous test, which demonstrates the strength of the bond between person and dog, the control of the dog in public, and the usefulness of the dog to its owner. Once they have passed the test, they proudly display TOP DOG identification which tells everyone that this is a professional, working service dog. A TOP DOG team has the legal right to go into all public buildings and ride all public transportation.

Many people with disabilities, living outside the Tucson area, have worked hard to train their own dogs. TOP DOG has set up a program to certify these teams as TOP DOGs. They must meet the same high standards set for people who go through the program locally, but they do not have to move to Tucson for two years. If you would like more information about out of state certification, please call the TOP DOG office or click here.