What is a service dog?
“Just because someone’s toy poodle makes them feel good, doesn’t make them a certified service dog,” says Corey Hudson, the Chief Executive Officer of Canine Companions for Independence of Santa Rosa, which trains highly-skilled dogs to help persons with disabilities.
In Sonoma County, it is common place to see the blue-vested dogs helping persons in wheelchairs. The dog goes through a rigorous 18-month training program. The handler is required to take classes on canine care and training. The handler/dog teams are tested by members of the Assistance Dog International, which sets national standards for service dog certification. Once the dog/handler teams pass an access test, they are given an ID card identifying the dog as a “certified service dog.”
But another increasingly common way people obtain a service dog is by adopting a pet, going on the Internet and buying a vest that says “Service Dog.” They then go to Sonoma County Animal Care and Control office in north Santa Rosa, where with little inquiry, a service dog tag can be obtained.
Service dog tags easy to get
It is the service dog tag that allows people to take their dogs to places most dogs are not allowed, like the grocery store or to a restaurant.
One dog has months of training and the other may not know how to sit on command, but both can wear a service dog tag. It’s perfectly legal in California and has been for more than 10 years. But lately, requests for service dog tags have been increasing in many Bay Area counties.
That upsets the people who have spent years creating standards for service dog training programs. Hudson accuses people who get service dog tags for a dog who has had little training of “violating the spirit of ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act.) I get revved up about this time again and looking for a way to remedy this. Ideally, we should have an equivalent of a DMV for service dogs,” but Hudson admits adding another regulatory agency amid shrinking state budgets is very unlikely.
Federal law prevents inquiries for assistance dogs
Amy Cooper, Director of Sonoma County Animal Care and Control, says they have little regulatory control over who is getting service dog tags. Federal law prevents inquiring as to the nature of the dog’s service or the disability involved.
Cooper admits her hands are tied. “My understanding is that we at the county can’t require “proof” that the animal performs any specific service duty – and the animal does not even have to be a dog. It is a VERY broad category. We do have applicant fill out an “affidavit of assistance dog owner,” where they declare that the dog is a service, guide or signal dog. We can request, but cannot require a doctor’s note. And they are not required to buy a license for a “service dog.’”
The federal American with Disabilities Act (ADA) trumps state or local regulation of service, guide or signal dogs. Although California penal code does allow for prosecution should someone knowingly claim to have a service, guide or signal dog and not need it. But it’s a Catch-22, animal control officers are prevented by federal law from even asking the very questions that would provide evidence of a violation.
Violating the spirit of ADA
Service dog tags provide access, and the unscrupulous know that.
“Somebody sent me a cut/paste out of craigslist that said if you want to take your pet anywhere in the county and are tired of getting hassled, just go to animal control and tell them you have an assistance dog,” says Hudson. “Our concern has always been who is handing them out and who is getting them.”
Hudson admits not all service dogs need to come from accredited service dog programs. “I have mixed emotions about It. We have no objections to people who have a highly trained dog who have done so privately. Yes, there are going to exceptions. We are creating standards for the greater good,” he says.
The waiting list for a service dog from an organization like Canine Companions for Independence can be one year. A daunting wait to some.
One Sebastopol man, who battles anxiety, relies on his dog to get him out of the house for daily walks. This is a well-mannered mutt who has had no special training. This dog provides a service to this man.
Hudson says the battle over what he calls “well intentioned state law” is for another day.
Wow Charlyne… you really are a sad, angry little person. Good news though! You’ve won your argument! Clearly you have mental issues and need your service dog… so I hope that he/she is allowed to stay with you at ALL times to protect the general public – from YOU and your aggressive attitude! Flybat made open, friendly (legitimate) points up until the point YOU started getting abusive. Threatening ME by saying I shouldn’t go there by appraoching you in public? I assure you… that’s one predicament your little dog couldn’t get you out of. And is someone with SO MANY “disabilities” really threatening violence? Wow… great representation there, Charlyne. Oh wait… that’s right – you would assault me with your words, right? I am all about learning about new things and accepting change, but Flybat was right – every time you throw out “lawyer” or “lawsuits”, your credibility goes out the window. Do you know how many mom and pop restaurants have been shut down because disabled people sue over the lack of access? Even though these are small businesses who simply cannot afford to renovate and keep up with the ever-changing ADA regulations. It is a terrible situation when someone cannot go out and enjoy evening because they of their disability. But at the same time, why are your rights so much more important than anyone else’s? YOU have turned this about you… you say that you don’t spend “time” on blog sites, and yet you wrote over 10,000 words on this blog site alone! The only reason I even came back on this site was to laugh at the response I KNEW you would post. Any you didn’t let me down! I said you were lonely and your continous need to “defend” yourself just confirms it. You aren’t interested in teaching people about “invisible disabilities”… you just want to WIN your argument. Whatever is is. And by the way, I would never go up to someone with a “service” dog or disability placard because I DO know that there are so many unseen disabilities. The problem becomes when people take advantage and have their little dogs in stores or restaurants who aren’t well behaved or there to be of service.
Oh..Stacy…it’s \you\ again! I see you and FlyBat have a lot in common. Good luck with that.
Yes..you are the one who said my Legal Service Dog is \a little yapper in a stroller\ and my dog is not a \Legal Service Dog\ and you think I don’t need my dog in public with me\.
And that I’m not \disabled\ ..\just a lonely person who makes my dog my everything!\
And you think it is not appropriate for me to take comments like this personally, even when you attach my name to comments like this?
And now you say \I’m an angry person\ because I object to statements like this?
Well..then..uh..thanks for all the kindhearted \support\ for both me and other disabled people with non-traditional looking Legal Service Dogs!
Your comments were emotionally violent, unkind, but I see that if I take offence to them..then you think I threatened you with \physical violence\?
This was quite the opposite actually. I was suggesting you contain your comments, especially if you go around expressing yourself like this to people in public.
It’s just not a good idea in general to go around insulting people in public to their face…especially if they have a trained dog with them.
It just isn’t really \safe\ for YOU.
PS..oh by the way, Stacy, FlyBat is now saying he also has an ADA attorney as well…go pick on him.
I have never threatened anyone with a lawsuit, nor did I say anything like this, on this forum. I said I have an ADA attorney that has coached me in “proper legal behavior” in public with my Legal Service Dog. And that I know my legal rights and responsiblities regarding this …both for myself and for others behavior as well.
I use my attorney frequently to ask legal questions, to make sure I am within the legal bounds of my rights and not imposing my rights upon others, but am within the bounds of the law.
If Legal Service Dogs were an imposition to other people, in public…I wonder why the Federal Government allows Legal Service Dogs to assist the disabled in public?
Perhaps there is a good reason for this that perhaps you are not aware of?
Or perhaps you are one of the people who have an opinion that disabled people should “just stay home” and not have the audacity to go out in public with a Legal Service Dog?
Thankfully…most people do NOT share your opinions!
As a professional who has my own business (as well as being disabled) I am a Risk Manager and a business consultant for businesses.
I provide business consulting services and legal services to “family owned” businesses..so that they can also know the laws that pertain to “proper legal business practices” so they do NOT get “sued and go out of business”.
Laws now have become too complicated for many small business owners to keep up with all of them and some are at risk of inadvertently not being aware of either ADA or the many other laws in place, for businesses. And..yes..this does place the business in jeprody of being sued and possibly losing their business.
I actually help businesses with this, with my company and services.
Thanks for pointing out the risks of small business owners when they operate their businessses, unaware of the laws in place for proper business behavior.
Charlyne,
Just so you know..I do support service animals 120%. My saying that you are rude and arrogant…that is not name calling..that is stating an observation of which you project by stating “Oh I have a lawyer!” Why can’t you focus on educating instead of every post that you put up says “Oh I have a lawyer!” People learn when one is friendly..yes there are a “few” people that might need to learn after being prompted by a lawyer after receiving a letter. People would be much more receptive of you teaching about the service dog instead of hearing that you have a lawyer. Service dogs are allowed everyone where a human is!!!!!
I do know about disabilities as I have several myself. I have had questions tossed at me because I use a interpreter but do you hear me saying “Oh I have a lawyer?” If I did that..I wouldn’t be able to teach the people around me about my rights for having an interpreter present now would I? I firmly believe if you just ignore the hostilities and you just say..my dog is a service dog..here are his papers..if you have any questions; please feel free to ask me!” If you said it that way then you will find it so much easier to get ahead but when you are rude and arrogant, you make it harder for the next disabled person whether it be a disabled person with a service dog or a person that has an interpreter with him/her. Disabled people no matter what your disability(s) is want to fit in but when you throw out “Oh I have a lawyer!” then that makes it hard for the able bodied person to accept the next disabled person.
You are the one that is calling me Dingbat and you continue to do so after I stated that my name on this is FlyBat …I’m not going to engage you in here but mind you..it not because you have a “lawyer” …it because of the arrogant attitude that you have. Now if you didn’t mean to be arrogant and rude then you would not be calling me Dingbat or BatDung.
My point is that service dogs are allowed every where that the owner is allowed.
Because the moderator asked that “We” focus on the subject matter..
I do hope that in the future you will have more success at educating people instead of stating you have a lawyer.
Do have a great day and I do wish you a lot more success at educating people when they do have a question about service animals.
Sincerely,
FlyBat a.k.a BatDung/DingBat etc..
I have an ADA attorney. I don’t go around saying that to the general public…I guess you have made an assumption that I do say that??? Well..you misunderstood, as usual.
I stated that I have an attorney (for the purposes of THIS particular forum debate)who is ADA specialist in that I DO already KNOW my “legal rights”. And the the “advice” you were trying to give me, is inconsistent with the professinal legal advice from my personal ADA attorney.
ANd..no…it is not necessary to show “papers” of any type when in public with a Legal Service Dog. I have never done this and I have never been asked for this.
The appropriate person who is in charge of determining if a Service Dog is Legal..is they inspect the “tag” my dog wears. And again..this rarely occurs,mainly I am just asked simply: “is this a Sevice Dog?” And I say “yes he is”. and that is the end of it.
You just got all up in the air when I mentioned I have an attorney ..got Stacy all riled up too..who jumped to a conclusion that “having an attorney” actually means “lawsuit”. This is normally the assumption from people who do not have an attorney.
The main purpose of my attorney, is to help me be in compliance with the law, myself…as there are so many “opinions” from non-professionals about WHAT the laws actually say and mean.
No matter what “you” think…I also suggest that OTHER disabled people..who have trouble accessing public places or transportation, to contact ”
DISABILITY SERVICES AND LEGAL CENTER at 707.528.2745 to receive FREE legal assistance.
I do not use this service myself, because I have a personal attorney…
The disabled with Service Dogs are STILL discriminated against..on public transporation, public places, rentals, and other places.
Oh that is right..I do need to be careful..you have a lawyer and I don’t know anything about ADA law per your so called expert knowledge…I have more experience with ADA law and the law itself in my little pinky then you could have in your entire life.
I’m done…you hide behind the service dog issue really well.
moderator..in fact plz remove my last comment…I wish not to engage charlynne…not worth my time to engage someone who calls me batdung or whatever.
Thank you
Dear Sonoma Pets,
This Service Dog disucussion has been very interesting. What a very wide range of opinions, thoughts and personal comments there are collected here.
What a controversial topic this ended up being!
I found it very interesting to read people’s thoughts on this issue, that I would never probably get to meet in person!
The people that I know, have the same perspective that I do, so this was very educational for me to see there are so many people here locally that think differently than I do.
This probably kind of wraps up this particular discussion here.
Thank you for supporting freedom of expression for everyone, regardless of their communication style or personal bias.
This has been entertaining..to say the least!
Hi all, Can anyone please tell me if you are allowed to have more than one assistance dog per disabled person?
I cant seem to find anything about this online.
Why don’t you call Disablity and Legal Services (the phone number is above in one of my posts)and ask them. They have attorneys who know ADA laws regarding Service Dogs.
They will probably be able to answer that question for you (at no cost)and receive a professional answer.
Your doctor neds to sign and state that you “require” two dogs (whatever) due to your disability…that should cover it.
I need a small dog to help me with My anxiety attacks
Any information on that?
Mary
Yes.www.psychdogs.org is a wonderful site for legal and logistical information on using Service Dogs for this medical problem.
Ask your doctor for a letter (can be very short) to perscribe this solution for you. The go to So.Co. Animal Control to get a legal tag for the dog. The dog also needs to have a current rabies vacine and you need to bring this with you as well as the doctor letter, as well as a short, physical description of the dog. (you do not have to bring the dog to get the certification.)
However, it sounds as if you do not yet have this dog? The website above discusses everything you need to know and be responsible for.
Proper behavior of your dog in public is very important. You are legally allowed to train your own dog.
This website is very clear and specific as to what “proper behavior” means.
Having a small Service Dog in public can be a challange on several levels. I have found that although my Service dog is of “medium size” he has short legs and many times people in public do not look down to see him. I do not want him injured or stepped on.
You can legally carry your dog, put him in the top of a grocery cart, with a blanket or carrier, or have a dog stroller for him if this is helpful for you.
You are not legally required to buy a dog Service Vest (as the tag is sufficient) however you can buy one online and by doing this, it helps other people realize you are with a Service Dog and will probably be helpful in this area (to reduce unhelpful confrontations or questions.)
You do NOT need to “carry papers” around to show to people, and you do NOT have to “discuss your disablity” (although you may be asked this by people who don’t know that.)
You might want to be prepared when you are first out in public with your Service Dog to be confronted, either by uninformed people who work in public places, or the general public themselves who do not know that ALL types of Service Dogs are legal, and I am saying this to you because you said you have anxiety attacks.
Reading this website (above) will explain this much more.
However,if this is helpful to you, about 99% of any interactions I have had in public with other people have been incredibly positive, kind and helpful.
Good luck with this, truly..and I hope after you have your Legal Service Dog you will post again and share how this has helped you.
Website about what to do when confronted with a Service Dog:
http://sdog.danawheels.net/whattodo.shtml This is a very helpful site as it advises the disabled with Service Dogs what to do and NOT do!
Website for buying a Service Dog tag:http://www.servicedogtags.com/service_dog_tags_c.htm?gclid=CNm_qcvXs6ECFRP_iAodY32-_g
If you google Service Dog Vest or tag you will find many suppliers. Most of these sites will also give you legal information and other tips on how to be in public with your Service Dog.
However..it is not mandated by law that you buy any of these items, (the websites will say this), it just makes is easier for a disabled person to move about in public without being hassled, denied access, or embaressed or treated rudely in public.
As the handler of my own Legal Service Dog, I have elected to NOT buy these additional products, but you might want to read about this on these sites to see if this would be helpful for you.
Every assistance dog team will be confronted at one time or another when trying to enter a public place. Many of these confrontations are minor, some are more confrontational, and a few will be the business flatly denying you access. It is my hope that this page will help you minimize ALL types of confrontations, and to have the resources available to gain access to ANY business, whether they want you there or not.
Yes, I said, whether they want you there or not. A friend of mine, who runs an organization that educates about service animals gets many calls from businesses trying to find out how to keep out assistance dogs. Yes, that’s right, owners are trying to figure out a way to keep you out of their businesses. The law IS on your side, you have the right to be accompanied by your assistance animal, whereever you go. Many business owners, however, are ignorant to the fact that the law allows you to have your dog with you. Ignorance of the law is no excuse, but with the right tools, you can almost be guaranteed access.
Things To Do
1) Dress your dog.
The Americans with Disabilities Act says that you do not need to dress your dog, and that’s all well and good, but dressing your dog in a vest, harness or backpack, makes your dog look different than just someone’s pet.
Dress your dog according to your disability. If you have a hearing dog, put your dog in an orange vest. If you have a seizure disorder, dress your dog in a vest or backpacks. If you use a wheelchair, you may want to use a harness or backpacks.
2) Walk into the business like you belong there.
If you walk into a public place, with your head held high, and with the expectation that you will NOT be stopped, most likely, you will not be bothered. This isn’t an absolute rule, because I’ve gotten stopped even though I walk into places expecting NOT to get stopped.
3) When told, “No Dogs allowed!”, answer with “This is my Assistance Dog.”
Many people do not understand what a “Service Dog” is, so while the term “service dog” is what is written in the law, “assistance dog” is much more descriptive.
4) Only two questions may be asked.
Only two questions may be asked of you. “Are you disabled?” Answer yes, and do NOT be any more specific. The person asking does not have the right to any other answer than that. You do not have to disclose your disability. “Is that a Service Dog?” OR “Is that an Assistance Dog?” Once the business has been informed that you are disabled, and that your dog is an Assistance Dog, they should leave you alone! If not, politely tell them so. You do not have to answer any more questions.
5) Carry the ADA (just the service dog part), and your state laws with you.
If you are confronted, and the person will not allow you access, even after you’ve explained your dog is an assistance dog, show them the law. Most of the time, this will be enough to allow you access.
6) Call the police.
If the business still refuses access, call the police. Show the law to the police and demand that you be let in. Don’t ask, demand. It is your right to be allowed into any public business, with your Assistance Dog. And it’s the police officer’s DUTY to enforce all the laws, and uphold your rights.
Things You You Should Not Do
There are several things that you can do that may make your access into a public place easier, but will cause problems for any teams that come behind you. Please do NOT do these things unless you explain that YOU are doing them, because you WANT to, and that the next team does not have to do so.
Even so, many business owners and employees will expect the teams that follow you to do exactly what you did, no matter what you tell them. It’s better to NOT do the things below, for all of us.
1) Show ID
By showing ID, you are giving the business the idea that ID is required, when it is not. Showing ID makes it impossible for the person with NO ID (because they are training their own dog), to gain access.
2) Stop at customer service and tell them you’re bringing an assistance dog in.
You are giving the business the idea that they have the right to expect every Assistance Dog team to stop at customer service to let them know they are in the building. The business doesn’t require this of someone who is black, or who wears glasses, or who uses a wheelchair.
3) Showing papers documenting your disability.
It’s no one’s business but your own that you are disabled, and the law states you do not have to show documentation or certification to be allowed into public places.
I work for a retail store and we allow service animals. My problem is people that come in with their pets and have a fit. I have no problem with a dog that is assisting anyone with a disablity. But here is a question does the dog that is a companion not a service animal but a companion considered a service animal by law and should they be allowed? To me a companion dog is the exact same as a pet. My animals are my companions but they are not service animals. I hope this makes sense.
This is confusing. The terms, “assistance”, “service”, “companion” dogs are mostly interchangable. (CCI..actually stands for “Canine Companions for Independence,” an organization based in Santa Rosa which trains dogs for a variety of service related issues including hearing impairment.
According to ADA laws, the handler of such a dog must be “disabled”. By simply asking the person with the dog “are you disabled?” would probably simplify this for you.
Most retail stores have a written policy. Have you checked with the store you work for about this?
I went to Ross Dress For Less the other day with my Service Dog and got stopped by management. She said if my dog is NOT a “Service dog” I may NOT have him stand on the floor..but I may carry him or put him in the shopping cart. But IF he IS a “Service Dog” he may stand on the floor.
(I do not understand the logic of this particular store rule/policy…)but I sometimes experience different “rules” in different types of public places)
So..this would mean that Ross DOES allow dogs in the store that are NOT “Service Dogs” but they have a different set of “rules” for each type of dog.
This is confusing for the handlers, as well as other shoppers and probably management.
In Healdsburg you will notice that dogs are welcome in stores etc, and even provided with dog cookies and water bowls etc. (not just Service Dogs, but dogs in general)
It seems that dogs that are not Service dogs are also welcomed and encouraged at retail stores at Montgomery Village.
Exchange Banks keep dog cookies for their dog customers (not just Service Dogs) and has done so for many years.
So..it seems the general attitude for dogs in public, here in Sonoma County have relaxed a bit.
“Churches” by the way do NOT have to obey any ADA laws at all…even with Service Dogs. They can “allow or not allow” and they can make up their own rules.
The church I attend allows Service Dogs and “emotional comfort dogs” to be in church, but they have to be on the floor. You may pick them up in your arms, but only if you are standing up. It is not allowed to pick them up if you are sitting down on a chair.
When shopping with my Service Dog, I am allowed or encouraged to put my dog in the top of the “shopping cart” on a blanket.
So..there are ADA laws, there are different store policies and rules.
Even though I have researched ADA laws and actually retain a Law Firm and have an ADA attorney, the local rules and customs are confusing for me.
Years ago, when I first moved to Santa Rosa, I had a dog that was NOT a “Service Dog”, he was a “Pet Therapy Dog” with the Humane Society. I was out walking him downtown Santa Rosa on public streets. The Wednesday night Farmers Market was happening that night. As I walked down 4th St, on my way home, I was stopped by 2 police officers and demanded I leave the area immediately or I would be arrested.
So…store policies regarding dogs..Service Dogs or just “pets” are widely varied.
If I owned my own retail store, I would probably consider the fact that the nicer you are to people, the more they will want to shop there.
Even though I now have a Legal Service Dog…I tend to shop where I know I will be welcomed and treated kindly.
So…in the end, I have learned that it is just a “judgement call” most of the time, for both retail employees as well as for myself and my Service Dog and have found that mutual respect and kindness are by far..the guidelines I follow as well as appreciate in return.
I worked for an airline for a while and during the training for working at the ticket counter, we went all through the ADA. The airline was so afraid of being sued that we were just supposed to ask,”is that your service animal?” and if the answer was yes, let em on. When I say animal, I mean any animal. The lady teaching the class specifically mentioned monkeys.
I think it’s wonderful that service dogs are being more widely recognized for disabilities that may not be physically visible. I think animals help bring comfort and support to people, wether you have a disability or not. Some people just need a little confidence to do normal day to day activities. I think a lot of people who might be obese or have social anxiety would be a lot more likely to go on walks, or got o the dog park, etc if they had an animal to walk to give those walks “purpose” or to make them feel more secure. I know that I don’t like to walk by myself, but when I walk my dog I will walk more often, and for longer periods of time because I’m “exercising my dog”, and i always run into people who want to pet my dog, or ask questions about her. My dog is very well behaved, and has had quite a bit of professional training. I have contemplated getting her a service dog tag. My dog makes me excited to go places, and do things that I would otherwise feel uncomfortable doing. I tend to get anxious and uncomfortable in social situations when i don’t know other people, and my dog is a bit of a security blanket. When people see my beautiful dog they light up and want to socialize with me and my dog. It is reassuring and comforting to know she is there, and when I walk her by myself i feel safer knowing that I have a dog by my side. I wish more people would realize that a dog doesn’t have to be trained to open doors or pick up objects to be of service to someone, and that an emotional support dog is incredibly beneficial and helps people break down barriers that no amount of medication or counseling can do. My dog gets me out and interacting with people, and improves my quality of life. I think it’s reasonable to have to exhibit a certain level of obedience to keep others safe around your dog, but they don’t necessarily have to be trained the same as a dog from canine companions, and it’s not easy to get a dog from them, and they only offer large, hairy breeds of dogs. My dog is a thin coated Cocker Spaniel, and I don’t think I would want a golden retriever that sheds like crazy, takes up a lot of room, and is difficult to travel easily with.
Hi,
I am thankful to Charlyne for all of your information on service dogs. My dog is a little chihuahua/min pin mix who was a rescue because I fostered his mom and she was pregnant. I am training him myself and I get stopped, glared at and all kinds of things.
I got kicked out of grocery outlet the other day bc they said unless I had my papers or a tag on my dog, I could not be there.
I decided enough is enough.
He is an emotional support dog for PTSD as well as a seizure alert dog for partial seizures.
Some people don’t understand that this is a whole process to train your dog yourself and you need to expose them to everything.
I am grateful that I can go get a tag at Animal Control so that there are less problems even though he is not fully trained for his duties as a service dog yet. He is however very well behaved.
So, I guess to give my two cents, the whole contemplation of whether other people should be frustrated that they paid money and got a highly trained service dog whereas I am training him myself, I believe that both are legitimate and that emotional disorders even as simple and yet as extreme as major anxiety/depression/agoraphobia are reasonable for a service dog. I know it is harder to get them certified through an agency-since you have to prove through the agency that they can actually “do” something. I thought I would have to train my dog to recognize my seizures, learn to get my phone, create a way for him to inform others if I needed help etc. before I could get a tag. That made going places and socializing my dog difficult since I didn’t know if I could be legitimate to take him places before he could do all those “tasks”.
I am very grateful for animal control acknowledging that if I have a disability and I have a service animal- I can get a tag. Then I can take my “puppy in training” so that he can get really socialized as part of the early training process.
I also see that just because I have a disability such as epilepsy, other people have debilitating mental/emotional disorders and there should be no judgement with that either.
I am on federal disability, but even if I get off bc I am able to get a job again-that does not take away my need for my service animal. In fact, he is helping me get there and be more independent.
I want everyone to know that I believe and understand invisible disabilities since I have three- the other at this point is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and people do not realize that disabilities come in all shapes and sizes.
If someone believes they need a service dog and they are able to deal with difficulties in their life that otherwise denied them the ability to deal with everyday stuff, then they need a service animal, and the certification requirements for some dogs cannot always show or prove that the dog is incredibly vital for that person and their ability to function.
I think that is a good way to put it. A disability is something that interferes with your everyday life in such a way that you are not able to participate and function fully in such ways that others can. This dog helps to do that.
Then they are “service” animals.
Thanks, and best of acceptance to all of you.
There are always people who misuse every possible loophole we have to do get what they want. However, the number of people who are helped, and the true difference it makes in their life is more important to me than some people abusing the system. Strength to those with invisible disabilities. Support from others with invisible chronic illnesses is great too.
Ariel
Charlyne,
I also agree with you about how each person with a service animal can help others to not be hassled by stores etc. if they do not always do the “proof” aspect right away.
I personally am going to get cards that talk about service animals and the etiquette for stores etc. so that I can help train owners and stores etc. to leave others with service animals alone and treat them with respect.
Thanks Arial,
This weekend I was in a kitchen store at Montgomery Village, (no food being served) with my Service Dog. One of the clerks stopped me and said none too kindly “you HAVE to pick up your dog off the floor!”
(he is too big to carry!) I said “I’m sorry, I am unable to do that-I am disabled!”
She snapped back “well ..how was I to know!”
All I have to identify him is his So. Co. Animal Control tag, which is sufficient…but it’s kind of small.
When I get treated rudely, it is always an upsetting event for me. I have resisted buying a Service Dog vest on the internet due to the cost, and it is not legally necessary, but I am beginning to re-think this.
If I had a “vest” for him, this would help uninformed and sometimes rude, store clerks to be able to “idenify” him as a Service Animal more easily…and save me unpleasant interactions like this.
(I left the store without my purchasing what I had specifically come to buy)
Dog Vests can be purchased online at different online stores for different prices. One online store will make a tag for you and your dog with the ADA laws printed on it, as well as your photo. All this isn’t necessary “legally”…but it’s very disturbing to be treated as a second class citizen that doesn’t deserve polite treatment.
ANd I think it is just too much to “expect” for every store clerk to be trained in either ADA laws or polite behavior!
We who are disabled have enough going on already without having to deal with confrontation and embaressment in public and there just are times I want to be able to attend to my errands and don’t feel like “educating” store clerks.
I will call the management of ths store to report this unpleasant incident..but if I did this on a regular basis..it would just turn into a “time consuming job”…and really …I just want to live my life, be happy, and be treated kindly!
So…if you can afford to buy a vest to mark your dog, in addition to the So.Co. official “tag” (which is free)…this may make life easier for you.
Good luck to you.
Thanks Arial and Charlyne,
I have a little shih tsu who has been trained to be my service animal, and he always wears his vest.
However, on two recent occasions I was left in tears after being verbally abused. Most recently I was basically
“thrown out” of a restaurant the when the staff stated they do not allow dogs in their establishment.
They demanded to see my papers, which I didn’t have at the time. Thus, I now have the laws for my state printed out to show anyone who has a problem with this.
Thank GOD for our service animals!
Charlene, we’ve all pulled out of a parking space, only to see ahead someone who is perfectly healthy and able to walk, take a parking spot for the disabled. It’s called gaming the system. When I was a server in Bodega Bay, we had a patio. We would have the most untrained ridiculous dogs on our patio and the owners would look us square in the eye and say that they are a handicap dog. they have a very general certificate(if that) and that’s it. Meanwhile the “service dog” is molesting all the customers around them, trying to beg, and bark at them. this is why sales people look at you that way when you don’t come in with all your vests and other geer….sadly this is a society that can get a plaque for being 20 lbs overweight. Meanwhile an ALS patient drives around and around, looking for a space. It makes me sick! If you eat fries,sugar & burgers all your life & now you’re ill: own up to it and don’t put it upon others. That’s why people like Charlene have to go through this. We should go after the docs who hand out these plaques.