Q: The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) doesn’t require certification for service animals. Service dog handlers usually use gear such a vest, harness, or other visible marker to identify the dog as a service animal. While the dog's training is what grants access to public places that normally don’t allow animals. The gear can make it easier to show the dog is an assistance dog while keeping your illness or disability private. Certification or gear is not what makes a service dog a service dog, rather, training is what constitutes a dog's status as a service animal. Laws vary from one country to another. If you live outside the U.S., look up the legal requirements of service dogs, their trainers, and their partners. This test is optional in the United States, but most reputable trainers will highly recommend that handlers and their service dogs take the test. Visit ADI at http://www.assistancedogsinternational.org/standards/public-access-test. Scroll to the bottom left of the page, and click “Members Search.” This will give you a list of the accredited members and candidates that can administer the test. To find a location near you:  Choose your region by clicking it on the map. Choose your country from the drop-down list. Depending on where you live, you might see a second drop-down list that asks you to choose your state or province. Scroll down slowly to find an organization near you. Click on their website, call the number, or send an email to the listed address. Ask for the next available dates and times they will be conducting the test.  You might be required to do a “demo” before taking the actual test. This will usually consist of three tasks that the organization will assess to see if you and your dog are ready for the next step. If your dog has been trained in medical alert tasks, be prepared to submit a video of your dog performing them.  Ask the organization if they record the test. If not, have the test recorded and keep it available at all times. You might need proof in the future that you and your dog passed. Because the ADA doesn’t require certification, scam artists might try to take advantage of you. If you need guidance, call the ADA information line at 800-514-0301 (voice) or 800-514-0383 (TTY) between 9:30 AM and 5:30 PM (Mon.-Wed., Fri.) or between 12:30 PM and 5:30 PM on Thursday. All times are Eastern Time. There are many registries and websites across the internet that claim to provide unfettered access via ID cards or papers. This is generally frowned upon by trainers and service dog handlers because certifying a service dog and providing papers for them encourages businesses to ask for them. This is not only illegal, but can also provide an easy way for someone to pass off an untrained pet as a trained service animal.  Registering a dog as an emotional support animal (ESA) does not grant any public access for the dog, as comfort is not a legally permissible task under the ADA. Registration is not required for ESAs and has no legal standing. All that is required for an ESA is a letter from a healthcare provider that the animal eases symptoms of a disability through comfort.
A: Research key information about certification. Register for the Public Access Test. Beware of scams!

Q: It is appropriate and courteous to pick up any trash or garbage before dropping your car off with a valet service. As the valet workers will be driving your car, it is respectful to tidy up and ensure that their experience driving your car is not a negative one. Remove any trash or leftover items of food at a gas station or service station before starting your trip.  Although washing the exterior of your car is not necessary, do so if your car is extremely dirty. Valet parking is a classy service, so ensuring that your car is presentable will be a nice touch before entering the drop off zone. It is a nice touch to hang an air freshener in your car if you smoke or if you’ve eaten any food in the car recently. Tipping your valet is an important thing to do, as valet jobs are difficult and drivers are sometimes reliant on tips to complete their full minimum wage. Plan on spending $2 - $5 (USD) on tips when you drop off your car, and 2 to 5 dollars when you pick your car back up.  Taking out ten dollars in cash and saving it specifically for tipping will keep you from not having any cash on hand when the time comes. Although a two to five-dollar tip is average, you can tip more if your valet was particularly professional and hard working. Before arriving at your destination, place your valuables in a bag, or take them out of your car before you leave for your destination. Although you should not assume that the valet will steal anything from you, there is no reason to risk theft by leaving something expensive in your car.  Things like electronics, wallets, or sentimental items should all be removed prior to dropping your car off. If you have items that you are not particularly worried about, you can tuck them under the seats of your car. The prices for valet services could vary significantly depending on where you are dropping off your car. Some businesses will provide complimentary valet parking, but others will charge you. Checking beforehand will allow you to prepare for the expense.  Ask if they take credit or debit cards, or if they only accept cash. If you are using valet services at a hotel, they will mostly like charge you a daily rate. When dropping your car off at the valet, there is a chance that your key could be lost. Although this is rare, it is not worth risking your entire key ring. Either bring a spare car key to give the valet worker, or take the key off the ring and bring the rest of your keys with you, keeping them safe and secure. Giving your entire key ring to the valet worker is also a pain for them, especially if you have an abundance of keys on your ring.
A:
Clean your car before entering the drop off zone. Stop to get some cash for tips beforehand. Remove any valuable personal items from the car. Call ahead for the price of the valet. Remove your car key from the rest of your keys.