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ADA Service Dog Laws (2020)
Service dog owners are afforded special rights and protections under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). It is essential for every service dog handler to understand what their legal rights are and how to exercise them. It is also important for staff members at establishments such as restaurants, stores, hotels, schools and other public locations to understand how they can properly verify a service dog without running afoul of ADA rules.
In this article we will explain what rights service dog handlers have under the ADA, how an animal companion qualifies as a service dog and what staff members at public establishments are permitted and not permitted to ask a service dog owner. We will also answer some frequently asked questions regarding service dog rules.
- What is a service animal?
- How does the ADA define a disability?
- What disabilities qualify for a service dog under the ADA?
- Where are service dogs allowed?
- What questions are you allowed to ask a service dog owner?
- Do I need a professional trainer to train my service dog? Can I train my service dog myself?
- Which breeds can be service dogs?
- Are emotional support animals the same thing as service animals?
- When can a business ask a service dog and its handler to leave an establishment?
- Do you need a vest, ID card or special harness for a service dog?
- How do you certify or register a service dog?
- My city requires dogs be registered and licensed, are service dogs exempt?
- My city requires that dogs be vaccinated, is that applicable to service dogs?
- Can a service dog be off leash?
- Can a restaurant or hotel force my service dog to remain in a certain area?
- Can a hotel charge me for staying with a service dog?
- Are service dogs allowed in self service restaurants, such as buffets?
- Are restaurants required to allow service dogs to be seated on chairs or be fed at the table?
1. What is a service animal?
The ADA defines a service animal as a dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for someone living with a disability. These tasks may include things like alerting people who are deaf, guiding people who are visually impaired, calming a person during an anxiety attack, reminding someone with depression to take prescription medications or protecting a person who is experiencing a seizure.
Service dogs are remarkable canines capable of a wide range of tasks that help make independent living possible for their handlers. These unique working animals undergo specialized training to learn tasks that mitigate the difficulties caused by specific disabilities. Service dogs are working animals – not pets. They must be trained to perform a task that is directly related to the handler’s disability.
2. How does the ADA define a disability?
ADA Service Dog Laws prohibit discrimination against disabled people with service animals in employment, public accommodations, state and local government activities, public transportation, commercial facilities, and telecommunication. In the context of the ADA, “disability” is used as a legal term as opposed to a medical one and has a specific definition:
Under the ADA, a person with a disability is someone who has a mental or physical impairment that substantially limits at least one major life activity. This includes individuals who are regarded as having a disability even if their disability is not physically visible. A person is also protected by The ADA if they have a history of a a disability.
3. What disabilities qualify for a service dog under the ADA?
In the context of the ADA, “disability” is used as a legal term as opposed to a medical one and has a specific definition: under the ADA, a person with a disability is someone who has a mental or physical impairment that substantially limits at least one major life activity. A disabled person can also be a person who has a history or record of such an impairment or a person who is perceived by others as having such an impairment.
The ADA does not specifically list out every type of impairment that qualifies as a disability. The disability can be a physical disability such as blindness or impaired mobility, or it can be an invisible disability in the form of a mental condition such as PTSD or severe depression or anxiety.
4. Where are service dogs allowed?
Businesses, nonprofit organizations, and state and local governments that serve the public are generally required to allow service dogs to accompany people with disabilities in any areas that are open to the public. This would include places such as restaurants, grocery stores, retail stores, hotels, office buildings, school campuses, parks and other establishments open to the public.
5. What questions are you allowed to ask a service dog owner?
The staff or employees at a public establishment such as a restaurant, bar, store, hotel, office building or school may only as two limited questions if it is not obvious what service the dog provides:
- Is the dog a service animal required because of a disability?
- What work or task has the dog been trained to perform?
The staff member cannot require a doctor’s note, inquire about the handler’s disability, ask for an identification card or training certificate, and/or demand medical documents.
In addition, staff members are not permitted to ask the handler to have their service dog demonstrate its ability to perform work for the owner. It is important to note as well that the two questions above are only allowed if the disability is not apparent. So for example if the service dog is being used as guide dog for a blind person, it would not be appropriate to interrogate them about their service dog.
6. Do I need a professional trainer to train my service dog? Can I train my service dog myself?
ADA service dog rules do not require that service dog owners use a professional trainer. In order to make your dog a service dog, you do not need to complete any specific training program. Service dog handlers are allowed to train their dog themselves without the help of a professional trainer or training program.
Service dog owners should note that under ADA rules, service dogs in training are not considered to be service animals. That means that before a service dog owner can enjoy all of the rights afforded to service dog owners under the ADA, their dog must be fully trained to perform the task that assists with the handler’s disability. Some State and local laws may however give rights to dogs that are still in the training stages.
7. Which breeds can be service dogs?
Under ADA rules for service dogs, a service dog can be any type of dog breed. A public establishment or landlord is not allowed to prohibit entry for a service dog solely because it is a certain breed. The service dog may be asked to leave the premises if it is not under the control of the handler or acts in a way that threatens the health and safety of others. Staff members and landlords at an establishment or apartment complex cannot however ask a service dog to leave simply because they are afraid of the dog solely due to preconceived notions about the dog’s breed.
ADA rules also take precedent over local rules regarding breed restrictions. For example, if your city bans a certain breed of dog, that ban cannot be categorically applied to service animals.
8. Are emotional support animals the same thing as service animals?
No, emotional support animals, or ESAs, are not the same thing as service animals. The ADA does not recognize dogs who solely provide emotional support or comfort as service animals. Unlike service dogs, emotional support animals do not require any special training.
Emotional support animals are intended to provide support for mental and emotional disabilities through companionship. ESAs have more limited access rights than service dogs. Emotional support animals are allowed in residences and on flights, but do not have a right to be in places such as stores, hotels or restaurants that prohibit pets the same way service dogs do.
That does not mean a service dog cannot assist with a psychiatric condition. For example, a service dog can be used to remind a depressed individual to take their medication. Or for someone with anxiety, a service dog can be trained to sense an impending anxiety attack and take actions to prevent the attack or minimize its impact. However, if a person with anxiety is just using the dog’s companionship as a source of comfort for their condition, the animal would not qualify as a service dog.
9. When can a business ask a service dog and its handler to leave an establishment?
A disabled person with a service dog can only be asked to remove their animal from the premises in limited circumstances. It is appropriate for staff members to ask a handler to remove their service dog if the dog is out of control or the dog is not housebroken. A service dog handler may also be asked to leave if their service dog’s actions are threatening the health and safety of other people.
It is not appropriate to ask for a service dog to leave due to allergies or a fear of dogs. Under ADA guidance, if someone is allergic to a dog and needs to share space with a disabled person and their service dog, both people should be accommodated by assigning them where possible to different locations within the room or facility.
10. Do you need a vest, ID card or special harness for a service dog?
Under ADA service dog rules, items such as vests, ID cards or special harnesses are not required for service dogs. However, many service dog owners utilize these accessories as helpful tools that signal to the public that their dog is a service dog. By using a service dog ID card, vest or harness, a service dog handler can clearly indicate to members of the public that their dog is on duty and should not be disturbed. These accessories help to set proper boundaries so handlers can avoid invasive inquiries and interactions.
11. How do you certify or register a service dog?
Service animals do not need to be certified or registered to qualify as service animals. Employees and staff are not permitted to require documentation from a handler that the animal is certified, trained or licensed as a service animal as a condition for entry.
Some service dog owners will certify or register their dogs through an organization to help notify others that their animal is a service dog. However, these documents are optional and do not by themselves convey legal rights under the ADA.
12. My city requires dogs be registered and licensed, are service dogs exempt?
No, service dogs are not exempt from local registration and licensing requirements that apply to all dogs. This is different from organizations that register and license dogs as service animals. As discussed earlier, these organizations do not confer any official status on service dogs and their services are optional. If your city however requires all dogs to be licensed and registered, your service dog must also comply.
13. My city requires that dogs be vaccinated, is that applicable to service dogs?
Service dogs are not exempt from local rules regarding animal control and health. If your city requires vaccinations for all dogs, then your service dog must also comply.
14. Can a service dog be off leash?
Under ADA rules, a service dog must always be under the control of its owner. Service dogs must be tethered, harnessed or leashed unless the owner’s disability prevents them from using these items or these items interfere with the dog’s ability to safety and effectively perform its tasks. In situations where a tether, harness or leash is not suitable, the handler must maintain control of their animal through voice, signal or other means of control. An establishment can ask a handler to remove their service dog from the premises if the handler does not have control of their animal.
15. Can a restaurant or hotel force my service dog to remain in a certain area?
No, under ADA Rules for service dogs, handlers with service dogs cannot be isolated from other customers or treated less favorably than other customers. The establishment cannot have a special area for service dogs and limit the handler’s activities to that one area. For example, a hotel cannot limit guests with service dogs to designated “pet friendly” rooms.
16. Can a hotel charge me for staying with a service dog?
No, a business can never charge a deposit or fee in connection with service dogs. If the hotel charges a fee for pets, it must waive that fee for a guest who is staying with a service dog. Hotels are also not allowed to charge service dog owners cleaning fees to clean up hair or dander shed by the dog. However, if the hotel or other business usually charges guests for damages, a handler can be held responsible for paying for any damage caused by their service dog.
17. Are service dogs allowed in self service restaurants, such as buffets?
Yes, service dogs must be allowed to accompany their owners through self-service food areas such as salad bars and buffets. Service animals are also allowed in cafeterias such as those found in the workplace or on school campuses.
18. Are restaurants required to allow service dogs to be seated on chairs or be fed at the table?
No, seating at a restaurant and the food served at the establishment are for patrons only. A service dog owner is allowed to have their animal companion next to them, but they cannot expect the restaurant to allow the dog to be seated or fed at the table.
Some State and local laws also define service animal more broadly than the ADA does. Information about such laws can be obtained from the relevant State attorney general s office.
I’m a real estate agent. I want to stay out of trouble. People call me all the time and say they’d like to see 5 or 6 homes. I often meet the client for the very first time at one of the houses I’m showing. If the client shows up with a service dog, does their right to have a service dog, trump the right of the private home owners to say whether an animal walks through their house? Who’s responsibility would it be to clean up any messes the service dog may make?
I can guarantee a lot of home owners don’t want a dog in their house. Serious question, who would be responsible for any messes?
I have had a person bring their little lap dog on a home tour and it peed on the carpet. I was the one who ended up cleaning it and getting my butt chewed by the home owner. I let another person bring their dog in my car because they were looking at $2 Milllion dollar homes and it scratched up my leather seats. I love animals, but know that sometimes they make messes.
In a perfect world the buyer with the service animal would have told me before we met that they were bringing the service dog and I would have had time to call each owner and ask if they’d mind a dog in their house, but in the real world I don’t have 15 to 20 minutes for that conversation at each of the 5 to 10 homes I show, and usually none of these listings are my sellers and it could be very difficult to track down the list agent and the list agents home sellers to ask permission.
I asked the same question on a Realtor forum with over 1000 replies and it was split about 50/50 on the answers. Half said “It’s the law” and the other half said “It’s up to the home owner” What’s the right answer?
Mike,
ADA laws concerning service dogs cover *PUBLIC establishments*. Private home owners DO have the right to refuse the presence of a service dog. Service dogs are required to remain under the control of their handler. Therefore, something such as a bathroom accident is then the responsibility of the handler/owner. Being a service dog does not cancel out financial or other responsibilities due to damages caused by the animal.
Also, if your vehicle is your private vehicle and not a company car, you also have the right to deny entry and require the handler to provide their own transportation.
The handler may not appreciate being banned from a specific home/vehicle, but these are not public establishments. The private owner has the right to deny the dog entry, and the right to hold the handler/owner responsible for any damages if entry is allowed.
Not necessarily service dogs but ANY animal that is not a wild animal is the full responsibility of the handler of that animal no matter what it does. This includes the animal doing a poo on the floor.. it is ALWAYS the owner’s responsibility to clean it up, service animal or otherwise
Halito! Chim Achvckma?
My name is Ms Eddie Spottedfeather
I am a Disabled Native American Transgender (Two Spirit/Trans) Oklahoma Choctaw (Chahta Okla)
District 9, Tribal ID CN118686
●In my own experience of training a Legitimate Service Dog, I will help you understand and clearly recognize a legitimate Service Dog.
*Please be mindful and recognize the following through observation in human behavior and Service Dog interaction.
Training a Service Animal for the first time is challenging and rewarding and fun for the both of Handler and the Service Dog in Training. There becomes a bond of loyalty, trust, and respect and understanding.
This has helped me from a bond closer to “Bucky”, as he is in the beginning stages of his 4-6 years of intense training, exercises, drills, nighttime operations, and many other important aspects of the work that he is currently in training for.
I adopted him back in September at my sister’s house on the Navajo Rez.(Crownpoint District, Thoreau Chapter)
Before the first signs of the Winter, I have studied extensively about how to train my Service Dog, “Bucky”. I have concluded that I was in need of a Service Animal to help me with certain tasks that I am struggling with, due to a TBI, Ataxia, Memory Impairment including preexisting medical conditions. So, to settle the matter once and for all, Keep a lookout for the following observations,
I guarantee you that by gut instinct, you will already know beforehand when you happen to meet a Legitimate Service Animal.
*1. A REAL Service Animal would let the Handler know beforehand, and stay alert, ready and stride alongside the Handler at ALL times. They are patient, attentive, quiet and yes, TRAINED.
*2. They will NOT draw any attention whatsoever, by loud barking, lunging at random people or other animals, whining, pulling or braking. Training your Service Dog for the first couple of weeks is a real struggle, but if you are stern, loving, patient, attentive, and you let the dog learn, you will aim to get the most out of your Service Dog in Training.
*2. A Service Animals are TRAINED to ASSIST AND OBEY the Handler regardless of any kind of loud noise or distraction.
The dogs eyes should be continually looking at the Handler awaiting the next command and letting the Handler know that he is attentive and ready.
Service Dogs DO NOT LIE DOWN WHILE WORKING. THEY KNOW BETTER THAN THIS.
DO NOT let children run up and yell and or touch them at any time. This is very disturbing to the Service Dog.( watch the tail and the backing up in front of the Handler)
They will retaliate and bark loud ONCE as a way of saying “stay away from me, I’m working.” THIS is another signal that the dog is warning the Handler that their personal space has been overstepped.
*3. I like to call this one, “Out Of Sight, Out of Mind”. Basically, this means that a REAL legitimate Service Dog does not sniff around and becomes a nuisance to the general public. They are trained to WORK! The animal is trained to recognize certain voice, sounds, cues, and visual commands from ONLY the Handler. They will automatically know that they are to go beside, or under the Handlers seat, and STAY there until they are signaled or cued that it’s time to work again.
During this time the animal is trained to not beg for food, bark, whine,or growl at people or other animals in ANY public establishments AT ANY TIME! This is also includes including modes of public transportation where this applies as well.
*4. “FOUR ON THE FLOOR”
Service Dogs are trained to be alongside their Handlers ALERT AND ATTENTIVE ON THE FLOOR AT ALL TIMES with the ability to handle certain situations that the Handler may need help with.
They do NOT belong in shopping carts, totes bags, purses, or any other mode of “CUTE PUPPY TRANSPORT”. This often leads to miscommunication, argument of legal statutes, or lack of understanding, or complete disregard to the legitimacy of a REAL SERVICE DOG.
This is a sign that this is clearly a FAKE SERVICE DOG.
*You have EVERY RIGHT as a disabled individual to publicly speak up and call them out on this and legally have the animal INCLUDING the owner of such animal removed from the premises, fined, and arrested for Impersonation and Abuse of the integrity of a REAL LEGITIMATE, WELL MANNERED AND WELL BEHAVED, AND CARED FOR SERVICE ANIMAL.
(Please correct me if I’m wrong)
*This bill is yet to be introduced into Congress by the Senate to enforce legitimacy and, or federal recognition for a legislative process to enact a U.S. FEDERAL SERVICE ANIMAL CERTIFICATION AUTHORITY
*5. In general, people that “play disabled”, or even try to legitimize their fake disabilities, and/ or fake service dogs to get “free passes”, absolutely disgusts me, and yes it IS ILLEGAL UNDER ADA FEDERAL LAW.
People like these, should be aware that they can get themselves in serious trouble and face penalties, fines, and or jail time for doing this. It’s like saying that you are a Military Veteran, and you parade yourself around in a fake uniform looking to gain public favoritism and recognition-it’s called Stolen Valor.
That is, until your fun at gaining personal attention just to “look important” for no apparent reason at all, turns sour and REAL embarrassing, real fast, when a REAL VETERAN with PTSD, who has actually been in the military and who has actually seen, experienced the terrifying reality of constant wars overseas call you out as a fake or a poser. You might as well just hide yourself under a rock in PUBLIC humiliation, embarrassment and shame.
In my brutally honest opinion, Under Federal law, this SHOULD BE ENFORCED AND MONITORED BY THE ADA-
IMAGINE how many people would get busted by lying, downplaying the legitimacy of a REAL Service Animal.
Yakoke! (Thank You)
Ms. Eddie Spottedfeather
[femme pronouns preferred, she/her]
Two-Spirit/Native Trans Elder, AIM Supporter, Activist, Independent, Performer, Former Disabled Sex Worker,
“I do not fear, my enemies in the darkness, yet, they fear and flee when they see truth and honor strip their cowardly disguises”.
Oklahoma Choctaw, Tribal ID 118686
District 9, Eastern Oklahoma Division Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA)
Is there anywhere, specific agency, person, or something in Arkansas – to report someone with a badly-behaved, untrained, fake service dog?
The Service Dog in question, the Owner should be asked to leave the premises if they cannot control their animal. If this animal were trained for someone who is blind, in a wheelchair that animal would have been trained through Service Dogs
However, if the animal is for Emotional Support then the owner doesn’t require training. Therefore the person should be told. My dog is for Emotional Support However I would never allow him to be misbehaved. It is up to the owner to train their animal. The animal behavior reflects the owner! Apparently he needs attention 🙄 I can put my dog in a grocery cart and he won’t move. If I carry him he wraps himself right up to my neck. He never barks or acts out!
This person makes it bad for others which is NOT right.
Not true my medical alert service dog who alerted me for 11 years to an on coming seizure had no training at all. However she did exactly what a trained service animal would do
In response to your comment, once again I will point out that Emotional Support Animals are NOT covered under the ADA FEDERAL LAW, and are NOT WORKING SERVICE DOGS.
If you get called out because your dog is being carried or riding in a shopping cart and you state that your dog is a “Service Dog” when in reality ESA and Service Dogs perform two completely different services for their handler. I WARN YOU-be prepared to get shamed and embarrassed when you are asked to leave the premises. You can take your ESA anywhere EXCEPT IN PUBLIC VENUES, STORES, RESTRAUNTS where REAL WORKING SERVICE DOGS ARE ALLOWED. You need to leave your dog behind, otherwise if you continue to play these little mindgame with people in general, chance are likely that the outcome is not going to be in your favor,and you WILL get in serious trouble, and publicly reprimanded, embarrassed and shamed, so save yourself a FEDERAL LAWSUIT by leaving your Emotional Support Animals behind while you go shopping. This will save you a shitload of trouble you DO NOT WANT, OR EVEN NEED.
This issue can be confusing….a vest or card stating service dog status is not reliable proof of a service dog and you may only ask two questions legally…”is this a service dog?” and “what functions does your service dog do for you?” A “real” service dog owner would advise you in advance, although this is not legally required. A “real” service dog owner would probably extend the courtesy of advising you in advance of their need for their service dog, but this is legally not required. All damages and “messes” are solely the owners responsibility alone. As for your leather seats, you would have to make the call and decide if the potential for a sale outweighs the potential damage to your property. How about carrying a seat cover in your trunk and asking the client to help you adjust it when you see they have their service animal?
My granddaughter took my service animal up street approximately two house up the street and a little dog ran out of owners hands and ran barking towards my service dog it circled around service dog towards hind legs and service dog bites and shakes him the dog startled my service animal running into public sidewalk without leash to do so. The owner neglected to take her pet in and dies 4days later.the owner let the dog lie . Her neglect of treatment caused the death.My dog acted caccirding The pet owner then calls police who only take statement of her side and come to declare my dog as dangerous and that it was unprovoked.my service dog has been in custody over 10days and is set to be destroyed because of this insident. I don’t have money for what they are asking.What is fair about this if the same Officer took a report of my daughter being bit by a dog and nothing was done .Only after I brought it up and complained have they begin to see what happened. Dog still at larch. The discrimination and violations they have done when it come to me has carried over to my children and sevice animal. Please anyone help my dog isn’t coolant the sill haven’t question my family . Help not private
Question. I’m a manager at a pet friendly motel, which limits the number of pets per room to 2 with a combined weight of 150 lbs. I understand that service animals are not considered pets, therefore do not have to follow the same pet policies. I also understand that some individuals require more than one service animal. But do I have to allow a guest to have 4 large service animals stay in her motel room which is not large enough to accomodate 4 large service dogs and a human? I’m allowed to limit the number of adults allowed to stay in a 1 bed room, am I allowed to limit the number of service animals allowed to stay in a 1 bed room? Or can I require her to rent a 2 bed room due to the number of occupants (her service animals) just as I could require a person to rent a 2 bed room if they had too many people for a 1 bed room to accomodate? Their is a slight price difference in the one beds vs two beds, but a guest with 4 other adults would have to rent a 2 bed room at the slightly higher price because the 1 bed rooms are not big enough for 5 people. The one bed rooms are not big enough for 1 human and 4 dogs either.
With service animals it comes down to you must treat the individual the same as any other person who is a customer that doesn’t have a service animal …..
So with a 2 pet maximum per room it seems you would require a guest with say 3 or 4 dogs to get the 2 bed room as well, therefore it is reasonable to require that of the customer with the service animals as well.
In your case just to be certain I would reach out to local disability advocates as well as an attorney with ADA law experience & make sure, then also verify that your policy is written in such language that it is compliant to both ADA & fire/occupancy etc… standards – then post policy publicly
In response to your comment, once again I will point out that Emotional Support Animals are NOT covered under the ADA FEDERAL LAW, and are NOT WORKING SERVICE DOGS.
If you get called out because your dog is being carried or riding in a shopping cart and you state that your dog is a “Service Dog” when in reality ESA and Service Dogs perform two completely different services for their handler. I WARN YOU-be prepared to get shamed and embarrassed when you are asked to leave the premises. You can take your ESA anywhere EXCEPT IN PUBLIC VENUES, STORES, RESTRAUNTS where REAL WORKING SERVICE DOGS ARE ALLOWED. You need to leave your dog behind, otherwise if you continue to play these little mindgame with people in general, chance are likely that the outcome is not going to be in your favor,and you WILL get in serious trouble, and publicly reprimanded, embarrassed and shamed, so save yourself a FEDERAL LAWSUIT by leaving your Emotional Support Animals behind while you go shopping. This will save you a shitload of trouble you DO NOT WANT, OR EVEN NEED.
So I have 2 service dogs, one is guide trained due to I am legally blind, he knows how to forward, left , right, and stop for stairs and sidewalks that raise up. The other one is PTSD trained and knows block, watch, post, lean, and space. My husband job is relocating to another state, we went to look at a place and we got told we have to pay and extra 300.00 for pet fees, and get liability insurance on the animals for 300,000.00 due to her insurance does not cover them and I have to also provide her a doctors note on why I am needing my service dogs. My question is all this legal? I have all of this information including she will not proceed until she gets to speak with Fair housing in Kansas City, KS. in an email she just sent on Monday August 17,2020. Is there anything I can do about this situation?
What the hell does a person need with FOUR “Service Dogs??
ONE Service Dog is enough to be trained to handle multiple tasks,commands, assistance, and many other services. This is a red flag that this person lacks the regards of LEGITIMATE SERVICE DOGS.
Remind them that lying about this will land them a FEDERAL lawsuit.
Have you ever seen a blind man with four service dogs? Chances are you won’t.
HOWEVER, if you have, then he is downplaying the integrity of a Service Animal and THAT, is against ADA FEDERAL LAW AND YOU CAN GET YOURSELF IN REAL TROUBLE,REAL FAST.
Depends on the owner’s medical condition. What the dogs cues for this condition are. So whose to say if having the dog in the stroller is right or wrong? Is this individual hurting himself or others while the dog in the stroller? Nope?Then being different should not be a crime. As we all live in the Information age then being ignorant of the ADA rules regarding service animals should be..
Hello my landlord is trying to make me get pet insurance for a service dog they already knew about I’ve had this dog for almost 10 year and been with the landlord for about 6 is it legal for her to make me get pet insurance and threaten to evicted me if I dont
Nope!
Under the fair housing act. Your Landlord can not force you to pay a pet deposit,or uptain any pet insurance for your service animal. Nor can she try to evict you for non payment. A specially if she has known that your dog is a service animal,but shown contempt in regards to the law. Keep,& make detailed copies of every communication you’ve ever received from her on this. Over the years was there any mentioning of your service dog in the lease agreements? If so there is your answer. Sounds to me that after 6yrs of knowing that your dog is required to be there with you,& then wants extra money for your dog. That there may be an underlying story here..
Can you have multiple small pups as emotional support animals?
Or is there a cap of tye number?
Under HUD guidelines, there is no limit to how many ESAs you can have, but each ESA has to be recommended by your licensed healthcare professional to individually help you as part of your treatment. So your licensed professional must mention the exact number of ESA in the ESA letter. Airlines however will generally only allow you to fly with one ESA.
You may find this article that I’ve found on another website interesting – It discussed exactly the question of how many ESA’s you can have https://esadoctors.com/how-many-emotional-support-animals-can-you-have/
This issue can be confusing….a vest or card stating service dog status is not reliable proof of a service dog and you may only ask two questions legally…”is this a service dog?” and “what functions does your service dog do for you?” A “real” service dog owner would advise you in advance, although this is not legally required. A “real” service dog owner would probably extend the courtesy of advising you in advance of their need for their service dog, but this is legally not required. All damages and “messes” are solely the owners responsibility alone. As for your leather seats, you would have to make the call and decide if the potential for a sale outweighs the potential damage to your property. How about carrying a seat cover in your trunk and asking the client to help you adjust it when you see they have their service animal?
UNDER ADA FEDERAL LAW, You are not REQUIRED to show ANY KIND OF CERTIFICATION.
Collecting additional pet fees for Service Dog IS illegal and violates the Law in standing.
As for the PTSD THERAPUTIC DOG, the ADA FEDERAL LAW does NOT include ESAs, Emotional Support Animals or Theraputic Dogs WILL require a pet fee.
After being a very frequent (think 5-7 times a month) patron of Moe’s Southwestern for the past four years, my ADA registered service dog and I had a run-in with shift manager. He told us that I had to leave because no dogs were allowed in the restaurant. Both my boyfriend and I stated my dog was a service dog (wearing her vest and tags), and that she was allowed to be anywhere I was. She’s a 65lb 5 year old golden doodle. She was very well behaved, just as she always is there. The manager was rude and arrogant.
I do not want to go back. I’ve never been treated like that before….
I’m writing a letter to the general manager, I’m writing to their headquarters… I’d post on social media, but i don’t have facebook, twitter or whatever… If i could post signs on their doors I would. If I could hand out flyers i would.
They lost great patrons tonight. It’s too bad that people are so mean.
Depends on the owner’s medical condition. What the dogs cues for this condition are. So whose to say if having the dog in the stroller is right or wrong? Is this individual hurting himself or others while the dog in the stroller? Nope?Then being different should not be a crime. As we all live in the Information age then being ignorant of the ADA rules regarding service animals should be..
You have rights under FEDERAL LAW!
STAND UP FOR YOURSELF!
DON’T LET THEM BULLY YOU OUT THE DOOR…What’s wrong with you?
TURN BACK AROUND AND SLAP THEM WITH A FEDERAL LAWSUIT! SHIT,MAN- GROW SOME FUCKING BALLS AND DON’T LET THEM INTIMIDATE YOU!
Bluegreen resort just denied my service dog. We could stay but for $300 additional cleaning fee.
Did you contact their corporate office? I would also report it to the ADA for discrimination. Then begin legal actions.
Advice:
Slap them with a FEDERAL LAWSUIT!
Where did you certify and register your animal? I have found multiple “registries” and there doesn’t seem to be anything officially “official”…
Service dog registrations are not legally required. However, some service dog owners find their rights are more respected by businesses and landlords when they bring a service dog certificate or ID along. You may find this article on registration requirements interesting – https://www.servicedogcertifications.org/registration-requirements-service-dog-certification/
THERE IS NONE!! THEY ARE ALL FAKE!
I have a service animal that is a “non-traditional breed” for the work and services provided. He was trained by me for specific needs for disability. I was under the impression that not all service dogs have certifications, but still are service? Once people see the things he can do it becomes less of an issue, but it takes time. People can be close minded and judgmental in general when they see his size. Dr.s confirm disability and service status, letters to prove.
We are being asked for “government papers” of service or he is considered an emotional support and can be charged an additional $300 pet deposit. Applying for income based housing HUD and I want to provide accurate and truthful information. If there is a government paper to obtain, we are willing to do it, but we managed to bypass when people saw the impact of his skills. Can you advise how to proceed? What do I need to do?
Carry an ADA card with you and gracefully make them look at their own stupidity.
If a handler claims that his/her dog is a service dog but the dog does not appeared to have any service gear or tag.. is it still against the law to ask the handler for proof of documentation that the dog is a service dog??
Absolutely YES.
Under ADA FEDERAL LAW it is illegal and intrusive.
Emotional Support Animals are different than Service Dogs. He/She does not have to accommodate an Emotional Support Dog. Emotional Support Aninals are only given the same rights as a service dog is.
This is where you are wrong. UNDER ADA FEDERAL LAW,
ESA are not recognized as SERVICE DOGS.
I own a sandwich shop in a small town where a service dog took a shit on a heater. Smelled like shit for a week. Now I’m the shit shop. F the Ada
I’m training a Diabetic Alert Dog and she’s a year old now. She’s housebroken, obeys orders, and knows how to behave in public. Anyone know what the laws are on taking a D.A.D in training into a hospital for a check-up?
This is a Therapeutic Animal, and is NOT legally recognized by the ADA FEDERAL LAW.
Emotional support animals are not covered in the way service animals are. Your landlord is under ZERO obligation to do anything. The only thing a landlord is obligated to do is let you have them and not charge you a pet fee. Even if the animal was an actual service dog I don’t believe they are obligated to do anything.
If I was trying to pay my balance at Indian Cove Resorts and walked in with my mini Australian Shepherd who is also a service dog.. he had his badge on and harness.. who would I report them to as stating, “I don’t care if he’s a service dog or not, he’s not allowed”
Thank you,
Lynda P
Me and my mom went into mount dora pizza with her service dog (alerts for when my mom has seizures,asthma attacks,etc) for a ladies lunch. When we asked where we would be seated a employee informed my mom that after the lunch she couldn’t bring her service dog back in with her anymore because other customers had complained about it in the past. We told them that we have her service dog’s id and papers stating what the service dog is for and has been trained for. Was the employee legally allowed to say that despite us having been in the restaurant multiple times before and only just recently after covid-19 started because other customers were complaining despite us having shown the owners and employees all legal documents for my mom’s service dog multiple times when customers have said something
Shelly, No, the employee has no right. At times like this I request to speak with the Manager and go from there. Also, by ADA law, you don’t have to show any paper work, certificate or license. When they ask for this, it is also breaking federal law.
Tell them to step up, grow some balls, and take you to court if he so dares!!
Silver dollar city camp ground in Branson Missouri just denied my stay with my medical.support dog.
This is high illegal. It was to stay at a cabin on the campground.
I want to sue. How do I go about this.
My dog is not emotional support. She is medical support .
Indian Cove Resorts in Sandbridge VA told me to get out with my service dog other day and all I was doing was trying to pay my balance.. ?
Unfortunately the VA is one of the worst places a veteran can sometimes go with a SE. They don’t RX then; they don’t want to pay maintenance etc but, they’ll get it twisted as to if you have an ESA vs SA. The ones that are worse are the professionals that HAVE NO INTESTINAL FORTITUDE & document into your records you brought a dog to your appointment & never even ask you if it’s a service animal or yet better… You tell them it is at opening of seeing you & they state the same…..
What do you mean by medical support? There’s no such thing. Do you mean medical alert?
There is no such thing as a “Medical Support Animals” quit lying!!
Can A police officer kick a service dog off the beach? and or ask for identification
No!!!! Not if You Both Are abiding ADA Standards.
Nope!
Service animals are always allowed to go anywhere you go. In any place that services the public such as the beach. Why would this cop require your id? Which you don’t have to show by the way. Have any laws been broken while on this beach with your service dog? Has your service dog broken any laws while on this beach with you? No! Then if no laws have been violated you,& your dog in the eyes of the law are golden This is when you ask this cop for their name? There badge #? What precinct are they from? The cop has to give it out. Then ask to speak with the watch commander. Then in the presence of his commanding officer. Ask.. Why if I,& my service dog have not broken any laws? Are we being asked to leave the beach? Why do you require, if no laws have been violated that I give you my ID? You know you’ve done nothing to warrant this type of behavior from this cop. Then voice your displeasure,& be demanding. But remember be calm,& use small words so they will have an clear understanding that you refuse to be treated in this manner..
This is unconstitutional. You do NOT have to show ANY documentation where none is required.
DO NOT TALK TO COPS AT ALL!!
I have experienced about everything and going through every demoralizing degrading insulting never ending discrimination with my Medical Alert Dog a four pd Chihuahua for the last 11 years. She is registered with the Animal Control as a Service/Medical Alert Dog but that doesn’t change the ignorance and stupidity of the people and you can never let your guard down. Always be prepared for the worst and I recommend that you register your dog with your local Animal Control. It gives you something to fight with as I am still fighting for the Rights for all of us with Service Dogs, especially the small breads who are so amazing in doing their Job.
There is no such thing as a “Service/Medical Alert Dog” under ADA FEDERAL LAW.
Be prepared to get reprimanded, YOU are just making a mess for yourself.
I’m glad that the ADA now has rules and regulations that will help my dog become a true service animal. I think that my dog can provide vital assistance to my brother so I’ll find a service that will help my pet become certified. This way, we can abide by the ADA rules so that he can take the pet out to the public.
I work at a climbing gym. We allow dogs and of course we allow service dogs. We have a member who has a service dog that yells at people if they make a comment about the dog like “he’s cute!” or “you’re dog is really well trained”. She usually says something along the lines of “it’s illegal to ask me that” , “I can sue you for saying that” and such. One of our staff members was woking out prior to work, he has a similar dog and really likes hers, and he asked “how old is your dog?” trying to start a conversation, to which she said “you can’t ask me that it’s illegal”. Usually she yells and becomes aggressive and very upset. The dog has no identifying tags or vest that say he’s a service dog, which I know is not required. One person walked past her dog and as he passed the dog he pet him, the girl then started yelling and demanding that he be thrown out and that she can sue him and it’s illegal to have done that and that we’re legally required to tell people not to touch her dog and so on.
I guess my question(s) is / are:
1) Is it illegal for people to ask her how old her dog is?
2) Is it illegal to pet her dog (I know you’re not supposed to…strangers who don’t know…)?
3) Is it illegal to compliment her dog in any way?
4) Are we as a business required to tell people what they can and cannot do with her and her service dog?
Service Dogs are best described as an extension of a disabled person. If a patron can’t see; they help them see the unseen. If a patron can have a sudden attack that is a chronic condition or better yet preclude that attack then that’s freaking awesome I’d think. Would someone ask someone’s eye if they can be touched? Would someone want to pet a person having a seizure like event? No. No & No. As for your client she/he is not allowed to badger other inept clients just because they are maybe ignorantto proper standards of strangers interacting with service handlers & their SE. It’s not card blanch for skip your Prozac for the day. Not being funny or sarcastic or making light of any condition as I’ve actually seen people act a fool this way & it’s even scarier to know they operate a motor vehicle (most common deadly weapon know to most adults) & will probably jump in take off as they just tried to take off some poor clients head. Best of luck & you can refuse to serve on basis of handlers behavior that’s out of line. Just saying.
1) No it’s not. It’s a friendly conversation starter and the ADA Laws saying they may ask the following- They may ask if the dog is a service animal that is required due to a disability and what type of work or task the dog has been trained to do. There’s nothing in there saying you can’t ask a service dog’s age, merely about the dog, as opposed to other questions regarding service dog status.
2) You’re not supposed to pet the service dog if they’re on duty, or working. If there’s no sign the dog’s on duty or unordinary, it’s a common mistake and a simple misunderstanding. Next time she enters maybe ask her if her dog is on duty or not at the moment.
3) It’s not, like I stated in the first answer. If it’s not regarding the service animal’s status, there’s nothing offensive or illegal about it. She can’t sue you for saying her dog has nice eyes.
4) No you aren’t. In fact, your business has the right to refuse service for that woman. Individuals or groups who are causing trouble or being disruptive may be asked to leave. That woman has been disrespectful of other customers and by extension, your business. If her attitude is influencing other customers’ actions or disrupting others, you have full right to kick her out and ban her, service dog or not. If you choose to, however, I suggest recording a few minutes of the disruptive occurrences in case she tries to blame or sue you for anything.
I strongly suggest talking to the woman first and seeing how a conversation excluding the dog would differentiate. If she’s still rude, kick her out and don’t let her come back. That simple. I hope everything works out for you.
1) Is it illegal for people to ask her how old her dog is? It’s in no way illegal. As someone who has a service dog, at times when I’m busy and it’s the 7th time in one day I’ve been asked, it can be exhausting, but not illegal.
2) Is it illegal to pet her dog (I know you’re not supposed to…strangers who don’t know…)?
Distracting a service dog is a violation, especially if the dog is performing a task that can save the owners life
3) Is it illegal to compliment her dog in any way? Not at all.
4) Are we as a business required to tell people what they can and cannot do with her and her service dog? Not exactly. You’re allowed to ask is it a service dog, and what tasks does it perform. Tasks are not sit and lay down. For example, mine has tasks like block, cover, six, and an unspoken task “interrupt” when I’m having a panic attack. If they can’t give and tasks outside of basic obedience, then I highly doubt it’s a service dog.
That’s the thing, there is no required documentation, & the reason for that is bc there are two different ways to get a service dog. If you get one from an organization, then you probably will get some form of documentation with it. However, people are legally allowed to train their own service dogs, & no documentation is required for those dogs. Before any goes off saying that people shouldn’t be allowed to do this, I will give you my own story. I’ve had multiple lifelong disabilities since my early 20’s (I’m 49 now). At age 36 I realized I was starting to need some assistance w/ walking/balance. I have osteoarthritis, numerous back injuries/diagnoses, fibromyalgia, traumatic brain injury & much more. I spent my whole career working w/ people w/ all types of disabilities as well as the elderly & caregivers. I needed to continue to be independent at home as well as at work as my medical issues got worse. I met w/ a team of physical therapists to decide what the best option as far as medical technology would be to help me. A service dog was the answer. However where I live there weren’t any programs nearby to help me get one, & I would have to be on a wait list 5+ years & then travel at least 4 hours away to a program I would need to spend weeks at training with a dog. Due to my condition, I’m unable to travel that far, nor could I afford the expenses. Then I would have a dog unfamiliar to me trained with commands that I wouldn’t necessarily want to use myself. So I decided that I wanted to give training a dog myself a shot. I didn’t know if it would work, but I’m pretty intelligent, so it didn’t hurt to try, & if I couldn’t do it then I had a pet dog at the very least. Well it turned out that I am very good at it as a matter of fact. I taught myself about dog behaviors first: what their different postures mean, what the different barks mean, etc. Then I learned how to do simple training & walking on a leash. I moved on to walking on a more advanced service dog harness & more advanced commands/tasks. You have to figure out what each particular dog will work for. For some it’s a treat, others a toy, but then you get to the point where all you need is praise. There are so many things I had to teach, & it is continuous as my needs progress. What I didn’t foresee was the amazing bond that occurred from training this way. I lost my 1st service dog to lymphosarcoma not long ago. It was like losing my right hand & part of my soul. We knew what each other were thinking before we did things. He was amazing. I miss him every second of every day. Right now I have my 7 year old & my 22 month old. I make sure I have 2, & get them 6 years apart, so that I’m never without one and so they always have companions. The problem that is out there is the FAKERS! The pieces of human CRAP that buy service dog equipment from the internet so they can bring Fido to the store & to the restaurant, & then the rest of the legitimate service dog owners have to deal w/ the problems brought on by these ignorant morons when their dogs pee all over everything or attack people. The answer is not taking away the ability to purchase these items over the internet though, bc people like me need to be able to purchase the equipment we need for our legitimate animals. There is no fast & easy answer, but changes are starting to be made in the airlines & in housing laws to weed out the fakers. The one thing I can say is that it is not easy to train your own dog, & I rarely recommend it to people anymore, bc in all the years I’ve been doing this the thing I notice all the time is that most people don’t even know how to properly walk a dog or teach them how to complete even the simplest task. I wouldn’t be doing them any favors by telling them they can train their own dog. I know there are more options out there now where private individuals will help w/ training, so that’s what I usually tell folks to check into when I’m asked 100 times at the grocery store if they can pet my dog, how can they get a dog like mine & how they wish they could bring their dog to the store. As for my responses to the other 2 questions…I would gladly give you my disabilities & pain so you can bring your dog to the grocery store!…and No you can’t pet my dog. It only says that in 6 places on his harness, collar & leash. He is working. Do not talk to him, do not whistle at him or make other goofy noises to distract him, leave him alone! Would you ask a person in a wheelchair to get up out of it so you can get in it & take it for a spin??? Well that’s what you’re doing when you’re distracting my dog from his job. If he is distracted & I fall, I have another medical condition where I have a bleeding issue & I’ll bleed out quickly & die. All for you to pet my dog. Really?? Think about that next time…I’m not saying that to the person whose comment I’m replying to, so please don’t be offended. This is just info. I wanted to put out there that people need. Thanks for listening!
i just wanted to say thank you for this comment! i trained along side 3 separate trainers since I was 17 so I could train my own service dog because I cant afford one from an organization nor do live close to one at all, its been two years and my dog is constantly still learning new tasks all the time even if she is considered fully trained. and where I live is a small college town so all the college kids bring their dogs and just throw vests on them and take them everywhere its frustrating.
My brother lives alone and he has diabetes, so, he is planning to have a dog. It was explained here that dogs can help people with disability. Furthermore, it’s recommended to consult experts when in need of medical alert service dog training.
Great advice to pursue with his clinicians.
Under ADA FEDERAL LAW, here is no such thing!! Quit trying to pass your PET a false title for your satisfaction.
Your dog is a PET
NOT a so-called “Medical Alert Service Dog”
If you continue to use this falsehood,you will be exposed, reprimanded,fined and jailed for violating the law,and generally lying.
Does a service dog owner have to carry proof that the dog is a service dog? I was told by a store manager that I must carry proof with me.
No. Google the Americans with Disabilities Act. It’s amazing that other people with disabilities (like myself) are not intimately familiar with a law written a full 28 years ago that is designed specifically to protect their rights.
No. Vests and ID cards are NOT required.
No, Not, Never, Ever But…. Said ADA patron might tell them by law they are not required to & you have your script or what not & the Direct Number to the Department of Justice so they report themselves as violating a disabled person’s right with all THEIR PERSONAL INFORMATION PROVIDED & THEN TALK ABOUT YOUR PAPERWORK. Not yelling at you btw just ignorant ASSinine (yes extra s for extra stupid people) excuses of mankind. Ironic no! Mankind does not necessarily mean KindMan. Best of luck.
No you don’t. It’s not actually required by law.
Can people with dogs essentially lie that there dog is a service dog, just to force them down some one else’s throut?
Not really. As any legitimate service dog owner can attest, we spend many hours and a lot of money on training our dogs to become the service dog we need to help us through the day. If you encounter someone with a service dog, you are allowed to ask the following two questions:
1. Is the dog a service animal required because of a disability?
2. What work or task has the dog been trained to perform?
A true service dog owner will be able to answer these without hesitation. You may find this article on what makes a service dog legal interesting https://www.servicedogcertifications.org/what-makes-a-service-dog-legal/
No,He is violating ADA FEDERAL LAW!!
WORD OF ADVICE, SUE THE FUCK OUTTA HIM AND THE COMPANY.
Does anyone know how it is handled when a spouse is refusing to let someone have back their service dog in a divorce? My service animal provides me assistance due to black out spells from multiple heart conditions as well as PTSD. My grandmother got sick and needed help so I went to help her but couldn’t bring my service animal due to the nature of everything. It was only supposed to be a few days and there would not be any period of time I was alone except sleeping. I found out my spouse is cheating on me and decided to stay longer. I told her I would work something out and come get my service animal and she has refused. She says that because I was able to go a few days without him and because he is still going through some extra training that I dont need him and she isnt giving him to me. My apartment complex contacted me today stating that he has been acting weird and barking at stuff and she is not properly handling him. He has never done that with me except once when a big dog someone was walking went crazy and tried to attack him and me. It has now been a couple weeks I have been trying to get him. Can she legally refuse to return him to me? If I have to deal with it in the divorce will the courts rule in my favor since its a service dog? I am just trying to find out how screwed I am or if I am going to get lucky with this because it is not easy and it is very time consuming and in some cases expensive to obtain/train a service animal.
Your Attorney is your best bet for the fasted return to you.
I’m pretty sure withholding your service dog from you is illegal. It actually counts as cruelty to the animal, number 13 on the list: “13. Intentionally or knowingly obtains or exerts unauthorized control over a service animal with the intent to deprive the service animal handler of the service animal.” You can find this in Title 13. Criminal Code. Chapter 29. Offenses Against Public Order. I hope this helps and you get your dog back.
Please come to denver and teach people what a service dog is! I constantly see dogs who are obviously not service dogs in places they don’t belong. When I bring this to the management everyone here is so scared to say anything , that they just let these people continue about there lives.
If you are In a public place, where your dog doesn’t belong, I will approach you and ask about your “service dog”.
I love my dogs, they are my family, but they dont belong in the supermarket.
I would never take someones right to have a service dog away, but the blatant abuse to these loose definitions, and peoples misunderstanding of the rules is infuriating!
I work in a grocery in Virginia, an on several occasions customers bringing in dogs without service vests or identifying markings showing they are service dogs have either put the dog in the shopping cart where an infant would sit or I even had one customer with his dog inside a carrier, put the dog on the service conveyor belt where customers lie food to be rang up. Is this considered legal, and are they health code violations against this …!?!
I sincerely love all animals BUT I would never allow my pet or pets on the kitchen table or counters or any place where I would place food or have food …!
Are service animals allowed to be placed in shopping carts where food is placed or conveyor belts where food is being placed …!?! An what are laws concerning this …!?!
Service dogs don’t legally have to have a vest or anything. With that being said Virginia is horrible for people with actual service dogs. My local big box stores won’t mention names allows fake in does nothing and doesn’t care about actual disabled people. Several fakes have attacked my girlfriend’s service dog( he is for medical alert and response) and they did nothing. It ridiculous they are literally putting actual service dogs in danger by letting in fakes and pets. Just because they say it’s a service dog doesn’t mean it’s a service dog. Honestly all businesses should be asking 1.) Is it a service dog needed to mitigate a disability? And 2.) What tasks is it trained to do to mitigate that disability? Most fakes can’t answer the second question because their service dog is fake and isn’t trained.
ABSOLUTELY NOT!
People should be allowed to call out others who pass off pets as service animals and those dishonest people should be fined $1000.00 for each offense (and the money would go to the person doing the calling out). However if someone calls out a person who actually is disabled by mistake then the person making that mistake should be fined $5000.00. Obviously the $5000.00 goes to the disabled person and that should take some of the sting out of being treated that way in public.
Now how do we actually make that a law and keep people from killing each other when they try to collect the money?
Impressive how it’s what “you” deem & “where” “you” deem & please do not hide behind the passive aggressive comment of “I would never…” as you just did & didn’t have the decency to give tactful & articulate examples of your righteous decisions about people You highly like know absolutely about. Is the dog well behaved, attentive to handler, clean & conducting business that does not directly affect you? Confirmations you have come across a four legged mammal that behaves better than 10 year old 2 legged mammal that have usually had several humans by this time to teach them better than a dog; mans best friend. May you find enlightenment & peace….. & Not A Life Altering Disability That Leaves You Other Than Blind or Paralyzed as those are only two conditions SA’s are scripted for right?!?!?!?!
So when your service dog has completed training then what? If you’ve trained him yourself do you take him somewhere to be certified or do you need a doctors note? I’m confused on how people actually prove their dog truly is a service dog. Thank you
You don’t need to prove it, legally. I find it helps to carry around little paper print-outs stating the service dog law regarding identification, public access, behavior and actions, and a business’s expectations of a service animal. Or you could copy and print your service dog certificate. Hope this helps.
Only one word to sum this up:
OBSERVATION
Why is it an issue to have people who have service dogs carry a card proving so? I have to carry my license to drive in case I am pulled over or if I want to buy alcohol/tobacco products. I have seen true service dogs at work. They are very disciplined and focused on their person/job. I have also seen dogs that are barely controlled by their person which makes me doubt they are truly service dogs. So how does an id card discriminate? Some states have fines/jail time if you lie about your animal being a service dog. How do you know they are lying if you can’t ask for proof? When it attacks someone and there is an investigation? Sadly some dog owners ruin it or those that actually have and need service animals. I will no longer shop in a store that has a dog walking around without a service vest on. Like many other people, I have had a bad experience with a dog (bitten) and am not comfortable around most of them. If I, or a family member, were ever to be bitten in a store by a dog whose owner falsely claimed that it was a service dog I would definitely look into suing the ADA for not providing a means for people to verify a dog’s service status. This law offers no protection to the general public and is abused by some pet owners…which is disgusting and why id cards, and vests, should be mandatory.
Having a license to drive a vehicle is a priviledge, having a disability isn’t. Individuals have a right to medical accommodations which is what ADA considers, service and therapy dogs. ADA & FHA consider ESAs non pets for housing.
I feel like until you experience what it’s like to have a disability you really need to stop complaining and keep your ableist opinions to yourself. Obtaining a service dog, or self training one, is already a difficult, expensive, and time-consuming process. There are plenty of disabled people who aren’t able to have service dogs, even under the current regulations, because they can’t afford to hire professional training, can’t afford a dog that would be able to meet their specific needs, or aren’t able to spend the time and energy required to self-train a service dog. Given how difficult the process of getting a service dog already is, adding any more requirements and red tape would make getting necessary accommodations even more impossible for disabled people. Not to mention the fact that people with service dogs deserve to be able to live their lives without constantly being harassed by strangers and asked for “proof.” Can you imagine if, every time you went to a store or restaurant, you were stopped at the door and singled out, asked to provide something other patrons don’t have to? It would be embarrassing and would make you feel alienated, which is something disabled people already regularly face. I agree that it is very wrong for an able-bodied person to try to pass off an untrained dog as a service animal, especially if that animal is aggressive. But making life harder for disabled people is simply not the answer, and you should try to have a little more empathy. It’s really difficult navigating a world that is typically not built to accommodate those of us with different needs, and we deserve to have easy access to accommodations and to be free from harassment. There will always be a few bad eggs that will take advantage of the system, but that’s not an excuse to make life harder for those of us with disabilities. The real solution is to spread awareness about how important it is for people to not present untrained dogs as service dogs, and to teach people to understand that accommodations are not an extra benefit but rather a necessity, and as such it is harmful to pretend to need one if you don’t. I know that even spreading that sort of message won’t stop every jerk who decides to fake a service dog, but I’d rather a few jerks get away with doing that than have a system which harms the ability of disabled people to obtain needed accommodations.
I don’t see a problem requiring service animals to have ID and vests in view at all times as long as you don’t have a problem being strip searched in full public view every time you want to visit a restaurant, grocery store, or other public place. After all you *could* be carrying concealed weapons or illegal drugs so strip searching you would provide a valuable public service. Does that sound like a fair trade to you? If not and if you want to keep your private parts private please respect the rights of people with disabilities to have a little privacy themselves.
My dog is black and we dont drive those vests make her to hot in summer
UNCONSTITUTIONAL!
Same way just about anyone can have a baby…. It’s their business until you make it your business because they have no business….
How about you able bodied people who have the time to go bitching about trainined dogs and disabled business,go train your kids and grandkids to act right. Afterwards teach them and yourselves to mind your dam business!?!? Mmmmkay
Hahahaaaa! Im in love with you Ashley! Marry me, please!
Amen! Preach!!!🙏🏼
I am wondering about emotional Support dogs. I have a service dog because I am legally blind. I went to Walmart in Whitehall, PA where I live. As I was leaving the store, a young lady who had an Emotional Support Dog; and said oh look at the big dog and started walking towards me. I told her that she can not bring her dog over to me, because he is an actual service dog. This dog did not have a vest, orany paperwork with it. The person at the door told her she could not bring the dog in and the woman that was with this young lady, ignored her and kept on walking. Now I find a website for emotional support dogs and they are selling a kit for these dogs. I don’t think it is fair that they are doing this. And I wish someone would make a sign that says do not pet or talk to me I am working.
Thanks
Emotional support dogs are different than service dogs yes. Most definitely. Unfortunately, some clinicians have defined some patients who need device animals as psychological support animals or phrasing as such. Either, any & all require certification/script etc but, only a landlord is privileged to simple facts provided by clinician. As for people not listening… Ah. They simply don’t listen. Best wishes.
I just attempted to ride on our local regional bus service. I have a psychiatric support dog weighing 10 lbs. I was denied admittance on the bus, stating that emotional support animals are not allowed.
I have my service dog due to severe anxiety with dissociative panic attacks, and social anxiety.
My need for my dog is most important when trying to travel on public transportation. I am working with a mental health team, and taking public transportation is one of my goals. My community connection worker was with me as well.
The driver repeatedly said that ESAs are not allowed, and wanted proof that she was a service dog (certification, a vest or tag, etc.), and asked why she is a service dog.. I stated the ADA laws, and what he was allowed to ask, and the whole vest/ID thing. When I was trying to educate him, and he was being a self-righteous arse, I told him to look up the law. He walked away from me and supposedly called his supervisor. He came back and said that they do not allow “dogs for comfort”. SMH. if I can’t take my service dog on public transportation, I will remain isolated in my Bedrock-type town. That brings about a whole different set of issues.
Lastly, Having an invisible illness that is a sensitive issue, does anyone have suggestions for stating what her task is without disclosing my illness? She puts her paws or paws either around my wrist, or on my face when I begin to have a panic attack and zone out. This reorients me.
I refuse to spend my disability income on unnecessary id just to satisfy ignorant people and/or draw unwanted attention to myself. I will be lodging complaint with the DOT, along with a copy of the ada laws. Thanks. Sorry so long…
It’s simple. Clarify it’s not an ESA & ask them to stop the bus & all passengers as he/she makes contacts Senior Dispatch Employee. That’s already too much for goal/task at hand? No worries. I totally get that & your team is not just there to give out advice, homework & therapy. They should also help you navigate this situation In Person if they believe your service animal is necessary. Also, I would not afford a deferential/confusion of the ADA ignorant. Simply tell anyone who asks: it’s a service animal, yes it aided me with the disabilities & the services it renders aid me when my condition should arise or better it precludes some conditions. I wish you the best of luck, you are your best advocate & you’ve totally got this.🙏🏼
Is it illegal to film my service dog (even if They crop my face out, I’m a minor)?
I love dogs. Unfortunately I am living in an apartment where the tenant above me has a 50 pound support dog/service dog. I said unfortunately because the dog barks at various times and very loud. He scratches like crazy and we can hear the pounding on the wood floor. It is making us crazy. The tenant above us is nasty and not easy to talk to. We don’t have much help from Management either. She said, according to the laws he could have a horse if he wanted. PLEASE ADVICE. Do I have any rights?
By law service animals can not be unruly basically but, do not have to be seen & not heard 24/7. It’s sad as all dogs are not “born “ that way & it’s owner driven behavior unless maybe a medical condition. I hope you find help.
A Service Dog CANNOT CAUSE ANY DISTURBANCES or can be asked to leave ( ADA LAW )>
Show that to your manager and if it doesn’t cease you have TWO defendants —
the management in tandem with the egregious tenant.
QUIET ENJOYMENT OF THE PREMISES IS INHERENT IN ALL LEASES.
Different laws for service animals then emotional support animals where housing is concerned however a service dog in its own home is allowed to bark. Mine has to bark if unable to unlock a door to get me help if i crash so stating dog cant bark at its own home is bs. Now i do know that most apartments do have a quiet time and if dog is barking during that time you may want to stop being selfish and maybe knock on their door and make sure they are not dying and need an ambulance
UNCONSTITUTIONAL!
I started training my service dog in public after getting over the fear of what my interaction with people will be. Trust me my dog is far from being perfect and passing the test but we just started this journey. I went to the gas station and immediately the owner starts falsely yelling that my dog was sniffing the food etc even tho he was nowhere near the food. My dog sat calmly next to me as I stated the laws and a customer watched this whole interaction. If you see a dog with a handler even if the dog isn’t behaving perfectly approach us nicely please. Some of us are still afraid and just trying to live our life as best as we can. You never know what that person is going through It’s not like you yell at little kids that misbehave like that. My dog and I are trying but we are not perfect.
If a so called “service dog” is allowed to urinate and even “poo-poo” in a hotel room, must the hotel extend their stay or can they be denied a room?
If the dog is not housebroken, does damage or is aggressive and cannot be controlled by owner. You can ask guest to remove animal and charge damage fee. You cannot ask the guest to leave.
I’m having difficulty understanding why an establishment which doesn’t allow animals has to change their policy just because someone CLAIMS to have a service animal. I have no problem allowing a well trained service animal, but if I have no right to ask for proof, there is no merit to the law. A doctor has to have a degree and prove it by displaying his credentials. Therefore why can’t we ask for credentials for the service dog. People everywhere are taking advantage of this law and bringing untrained FIDO everywhere. Where is our protection???
You don’t have a right to demand “protection” when that protection would make life more difficult for the disabled community. You don’t have a right to complain about accommodations that are trying to even the playing field so that those of us with disabilities have a chance of living comfortably in a world that doesn’t do much to help people who have different needs. I know that you think it isn’t a big deal to require credentials, but requiring that sort of “proof” both creates extra barriers for disabled people and opens disabled people up to harassment and to social alienation.
Obtaining a service dog, or self training one, is already a difficult, expensive, and time-consuming process. There are plenty of disabled people who aren’t able to have service dogs, even under the current regulations, because they can’t afford to hire professional training, can’t afford a dog that would be able to meet their specific needs, or aren’t able to spend the time and energy required to self-train a service dog. Given how difficult the process of getting a service dog already is, adding any more requirements and red tape would make getting necessary accommodations even more impossible for disabled people. Not to mention the fact that people with service dogs deserve to be able to live their lives without constantly being harassed by strangers and asked for “proof.” Can you imagine if, every time you went to a store or restaurant, you were stopped at the door and singled out, asked to provide something other patrons don’t have to? It would be embarrassing and would make you feel alienated, which is something disabled people already regularly face. I agree that it is very wrong for an able-bodied person to try to pass off an untrained dog as a service animal, especially if that animal is aggressive. But making life harder for disabled people is simply not the answer, and you should try to have a little more empathy. It’s really difficult navigating a world that is typically not built to accommodate those of us with different needs, and we deserve to have easy access to accommodations and to be free from harassment. There will always be a few bad eggs that will take advantage of the system, but that’s not an excuse to make life harder for those of us with disabilities. The real solution is to spread awareness about how important it is for people to not present untrained dogs as service dogs, and to teach people to understand that accommodations are not an extra benefit but rather a necessity, and as such it is harmful to pretend to need one if you don’t. I know that even spreading that sort of message won’t stop every jerk who decides to fake a service dog, but I’d rather a few jerks get away with doing that than have a system which harms the ability of disabled people to obtain needed accommodations.
I hope you can look back on your comment and realize that you were being a little bit selfish, and that in the future you can think less about how these things inconvenience you and think more about the needs of people who don’t have things as easy as you.
Unfortunately most of the people I see have dogs that are truly not service dogs. They are people that just want their pets with them is want to avoid paying a pet fee. I realize that dogs for the blind go through extensive training. I understand that dogs for many different disabilities are trained for many different things. What I don’t understand is why there is not a basic training required for ALL service dogs that are going to be in public. At least pass the Canine Good Citizen training. I don’t know the percentage of false service dogs. You keep referring to “a few”. I would guess more than half are not. At least here in Southern California. Go to the malls in Orange County. Everyone has a dog with them and they are all “service dogs”! I’m a special ed teacher and have gone through training for 2 therapy dogs. I just think it has gotten out of control and there needs to be some accountability.
Well put Sara and Jacquie your protection is your common sense and the same as it is when out in public in other places. Do you demand that people walking their dogs, playing in the park or have a parrot or monkey give you certified protection as to their behaviour?
The merit is it’s illegal to ask as it’s illegal to fake the funk shall we say. Would you like people to infer you are inferior having service animal allowed you to leave your house as it is a deterrent or assists you when you have seizure like disorder only You Are Fully Awake & Can’t Move, Talk or maybe even blink? Would you like to be an almost absolute shut in because you were afraid of being vulnerable after the worst things that humans can do to each other has left you in this disabling state. It kills me it’s simple. If someone has a service animal & animal does not cause harm to others than who are we to give them a harder time in life. I simply think of how would I like to be treated?!?
HARASSMENT — everywhere they go everyone can ask for papers? Doctors aren’t asked for credentials everywhere they go for they are not doctors everywhere they go — only at the hospital. Incredibly imbecilic analogy — if I were judging a debate
in my editor capacity — you’d get an F and thrown off the debate team for a poor paradigm.
You’d make a fine Nazi.
Do I need a written note or “prescription” for a service dog?
https://esadoctors.com/ask-doctor-emotional-support-animal-letter/
For it to be certified? You would need it to be evaluated by a government approved evaluator for the legal certificate. To prove to others? You need no proof according to the law.
Is an emotional support dog prescribed by a physician or psychologist a service dog?
A canine ESA is never a service dog, it’s always an ESA. ADA only allows ESA’s protection under FHA. You can Google it for more info.
https://esadoctors.com/emotional-support-animal-doctors-note/
Either to include psychiatrists & therapist….
If my service dog doesn’t have a service vest or tags can a business or fast food place or restaurant ask to see the tags for him?
Why would your service dog not have a vest or tags?
Does a Service Dogs have to wear a vest? You may be surprised to learn that according to the Americans with Disabilities Act Service Dogs are not required to wear a vest at all, in fact they are not required to have any identification at all.
https://www.workingservicedog.com/do-service-dogs-have-to-wear-a-vest.aspx
You aren’t legally required to show any credentials. If you decide to carry identification, that’s your choice that would probably benefit you if you do want to prove anything, but you’re not required to. You have nothing to prove and they must serve you and the animal regardless.
Question: Can a landlord in low income housing ask a tenant to not leave their service dog alone at home for long periods of time?
If it’s a service dog, it should be with you at all times
No
Regular housing is regular housing — not a hotel.
Can leave alone all they want as long as the animal is not causing a disturbance to the other tenants.
Illegal to ask that is animal is fine alone.
ABSOLUTELY NOT!
A SERVICE DOG IS TRAINED TO BE WITH THE HANDLER AND ACCOMPANY HIM/HER AT ALL TIMES ON A LEASH. NO EXCUSE.
My tenant (in a rental house) has a service dog for her 7 year old daughter. Am I allowed to collect a damage deposit for the pet? Also, there is an HOA community pool. Service dogs are allowed, but what happens when the child is in the pool? She would need an adult with her – what happens to the dog?
No deposits allowed.
Read the ADA.
Is it ok for pet screening to ask you for an Esa letter for a handler?
No
IT IS NOT LEGAL FOR A LANDLORD TO DO THAT. SUGGESTION: SEND A COPY OF YOUR RIGHTS TO LANDLORD.
ALONG WITH STATEMENT ASKING DO THEY NEED YOUR LAWYER TO CONTACT THEM AND HELP WITH ANY QUESTIONS THEY MAY STILL HAVE!! 🙂
If a patient brings in a “service” dog to a surgical clinic, can I require them to sign a form that affirms the need due to a disability (we don’t ask what it is) and that lists what work or task it has been trained to do. it is standard to put that information into our medical record.
Your request does not seem unreasonable, however I believe you cannot require written info. However you can ask what work it has been trained for and most people with disabilities that are not obvious don’t have a problem explaining what it is. Also if I remember correctly Airlines as for the doctor’s letter, but no sure the new regulations have outlawed that. Go to the ADA Rules and Regulations for service animals to confirm.
Not, Not, Never, Ever…. Unless breaking Department of Justice Laws are acceptable too?!? Even healthcare worker have to respect boundaries of HIPPA . So, unless the the day wound care has anything to do with the seizure like disorder one has say from extensive PTSD; hands off…. Just saying.
Yes. Those are the exact questions businesses and companies are legally allowed to ask, and there shouldn’t be a problem with them filling out that form.
Read the ADA — unbelievable you run a clinic and don’t know the law —
you’ll be in for the lawsuit of your life — on so many levels.
Ignorance is not bliss in this case.
does a dog go through harsh training to become a service dog
No, any trainer that is harsh should be reported for animal abuse. Good trainers do it with time, patience and knowledge.
Not necessarily.
We have a customer at our restaurant who’s service dog is filthy causing other patrons to complain. The dog is not groomed and leaves excessive amounts of fur behind. What actions can we take to keep this from happening?
If a service dog is not under control and the handler fails to act to gain to control, a business owner or staff member is permitted to ask that the animal be removed from the premises.
A handler may also be asked to remove a service dog that is not housebroken, is behaving aggressively, or is otherwise posing a threat to human health and safety.
Absolutely! Thank you for tactfully, respectfully & by legal statutes putting things into plain English.
Service Animals have to BE CLEAN.
Just like the people entering the restaurant.
Our apartment complex wants a signed form from my husbands doctor saying what’s wrong with him and why he needs the service dog when she is registered and has an identification card, if we do not get this form signed from a doctor then we will have to pay a $450 fee to have her in our apartment…. one question… is this legal?
This is not legal.
No ma’am! That is not legal! 1st you can explain to the landlord, that your husband’s “health records” like their own are protected under HIPPA law.
In order for me to even get my service dog I had to provide the trainer a “order” (if you will). So that again is covered under HIPPA.
THEN Kindly ask them to look up and read their rights along with yours.
In there it will state THEY CAN NOT ASK NOR REQUIRE THAT INFO.
I hope this rate helps in some way…
I love in a small close minded area…its very hard w a derive animal…
No. Requiring anything besides a doctor indicating it’s medically needed is in violation…..
Boy, are they playing fast and loose.
Tell them no way, and let them try and evict you.
They will be in for a lesson they never will forget when your attorney takes over.
And you will afford a much nicer place, compliments of their Criminal Behaviors towards you.
Where is she registared ? Thru this company or thru the federal governments company . go back and read ada laws there is no legal registory
When going through training with my Service Dog, I was taught that ALL Service Dogs are trained to have “all four on the floor”, meaning that if it is being carried (or pushed in a stroller, buggy or cart), then it could be a Support Dog, but is NOT a Service Dog by ADA standards.
My service dog weighs 19 pounds and is 16 inches tall. There are lots of public situations where “all four on the floor” puts her in danger of being stepped on. So yes, when we are in a crowded area she is often carried. For her own safety. And if she feels unsafe on a crowd she will put her front paws up on my thigh, which is exactly what she is trained to do if she is afraid of all the feet around too close to her. And occasionally when we are sitting in a crowded area she is on my lap rather than under the chair. Especially if there are lots of kids around trying to bother her. Unlike a bigger service dog, parents don’t seem to feel their kids need to respect a tiny dog. So if I don’t feel like babysitting other people’s kids, the dog sits in my lap where I can be 100% sure she isn’t being harassed.
If you are legally allowed to be there, then so is your service animal. Allergies of other people is not a reason to not allow you access.
recheck your information that is not stated in the ADA rules and regulations.
There is NO ADA requirement for service dogs to have “all four on the floor”. That is a common misconception. There are rules however, regarding service animals not being on tables or chairs, such as in eating establishments…nor are they required to provide food or water for a service animal. No legitimate service dog handler would have their dog anywhere but quietly at their feet under their table. There are many “small” breeds that serve as service dogs & it is not unusual for them to be carried. Also, PTSD dogs are often trained to provide “tactile stimulation” by putting their upper body in their handlers lap to put pressure against their abdomens. This trained action (task) would leave only “two feet on the floor”. This is one of the tasks my dog is trained to dog when I experience a panic attack.
Again, idiots who think they have an actual medical background.
Reference “Seizure Alert Animals” — many require to be next to the person’s torso.
I was asked by a n Amtrack rep to tell her what School and the name of the instructor where my dog was trained. Also, what service she provided. Did I have papers? I have had 2 stroke s since I got her, I told the rep that and she scoffed audible. It’s not like there is a GUIDE DOGS OF THE STOP BREATHING.