Fake Service Dogs

[Camilla and Darwin]

This has been something that has bothered me for a LONG time now. So this is somewhat of a rant

People will buy fake service dog vests from online sources, and then take their pet into stores with them. Even people who use their therapy dog vests to pass their dog as a service dog bug me. There was a woman trying to take in her St Bernard to a walmart, stating that he was a therapy dog for "severe melancholy"....

I have read a lot about issues that real service dogs have getting into places, because of these people. Basically, someone will take in a dog who is NOT a legitimate service animal, then the dog will cause problems or disruptions because it is a pet, and not as well trained as a legitimate service animal. Then the owner will not want to allow in any service dogs in the future, and even though they are required, will be more difficult or try to avoid allowing it. 

Do you know anyone who does this? I know a woman who adopted a 6 month old black lab from the shelter last year. She purchased a service dog vest online and takes him everywhere with her, claiming he's a real service dog. This dog is not well trained, will react to other dogs, kids, cats, etc. And barks when he's in public places. Basically, he actually creates disturbances. She does have a disability, she has Parkinson's disease, an uncommon form of it. She told me she uses him to pull herself up when she falls. That is the only service he performs aside from companionship. The point is that when out in public, the dog doesn't aid her. In fact he's a hindrance because she constantly has to control/drag him away from whatever he's reacting to.

She posted a status today about how annoyed she was with a man trying to pass his little toy breed off as a service dog. She said she confronted him because it's just wrong. She doesn't see that she does the same thing??? I want so badly to tell her off/confront her but I'm too much of a wimp to do so. Is there a good way for store owners to distinguish between a legitimate service dog and these false online certifications?

Have any of you come across someone who does this?

[Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty]

I'm not gonna lie, I can see why this is tempting ;-) I would love to take the doodles shopping with me. :)

 

...of course I wouldn't do it, but still...

 

I think that website is right up there with websites that sell fake diplomas. I think that is just shameful. There ought to be some sort of law..?

[F, Calla & Luca]

I can too and I did give it a passing thought. But I would never want to make life difficult for the folks with real service dogs. Besides, I don't think any one would accept that I needed two of them : )

[Pat and Traveler]

Hmmmmmm.....nah....won't go there.  LOL

[Sue & Lily Grace]

I agree. We have the southeastern guide dog association here in Bradenton, Florida. They breed labs for the sightless. It is quite an organization. I had the opportunity to walk sightless with one of the dogs at their recent open house. It was completely amazing, putting your complete faith in this dog to keep you safe. It just is not fair for others to make it harder for this type of needed service to exist. The dogs go through puppy training for 12 - 14 months to learn many commands and manners. They then go back to Southeastern for harness training and speciality training. They then are matched up with their new owners and go through training specific to the needs of the new owner. It is an amazing thing to see.

[Sally]

We joked around about it at my office because I was bringing Duncan to work with me until the leasing company told me that dogs aren't allowed. I was so bummed. We joked about making him a "service dog" but then thought it'd be cuter to "smuggle" him in by putting him in a baby carriage and covering him with a blanket. LOL! Needless to say i've done neither because i'm a good citizen and abide by the rules (once they've been explained to me of course. 

Needless to say Duncan has adjusted so well to being home alone and I AM THE ONE with separation anxiety. I miss him all day long.

[F, Calla & Luca]

As I understand it no one is allowed to question you on the reason or need for a service dog. I guess this is like the HIPPA laws regarding medical privacy. Still it would seem it would be acceptable to ask to see some proof the dog is indeed a service dog.

[F, Calla & Luca]

This was interesting from the ADA site: "In addition to the provisions about service dogs, the Department’s revised ADA regulations have a new, separate provision about miniature horses that have been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities. (Miniature horses generally range in height from 24 inches to 34 inches measured to the shoulders and generally weigh between 70 and 100 pounds.) Entities covered by the ADA must modify their policies to permit miniature horses where reasonable. The regulations set out four assessment factors to assist entities in determining whether miniature horses can be accommodated in their facility. The assessment factors are (1) whether the miniature horse is housebroken; (2) whether the miniature horse is under the owner’s control; (3) whether the facility can accommodate the miniature horse’s type, size, and weight; and (4) whether the miniature horse’s presence will not compromise legitimate safety requirements necessary for safe operation of the facility."

[Camilla and Darwin]

wow

[F, Calla & Luca]

Funny, no?

[Kaytlin and Cooper]

i watched a program with my MIl a few months ago about a miniature horse service animal

[F, Calla & Luca]

What did it do?

[Carol and Banjo]

Interesting post Camilla.....and something I've kidded about doing at times when I really wanted to bring Banjo in where he wasn't welcome.   I never imagined there were folks out there who'd go to the trouble of buying the fake vests and ID's....but the world seems to be full of con artists....who think only of themselves.      Now that you've brought this up - I wonder if these same people have fake Handicapped stickers on their vehicles.    In any case,  IF a dog ANY DOG is in a store or public building and is creating a nuisance or threat to any one the dog should be escorted out along with the owner.