Can the Police Ask for Service Dog Proof?
What the ADA says: Police, like any other third party, can verify a service dog by asking two questions: 1. Is the dog a service dog required for a disability? and 2. What work or task has the dog been trained to perform?
Do you have to provide the police with anything else? Just like with other third parties, you can voluntarily show a service dog ID card, vest, tag, or certificate. However, you can’t be denied entry if you don’t have or just forgot to bring these items.
How service dog accessories make life easier 🐕🦺 :
Rather than explaining their situation to every passerby in a no-dog environment or having people inappropriately touch their dog, service dog owners use these items to visually inform others and keep them at a safe distance.
Countless service dog handlers are repeatedly badgered for ID cards and certificates to prove they own a service dog. Therefore, many owners have these items handy instead of getting into recurring debates about service dog verification procedures.
What else to keep in mind: Remember, most people are not as well-informed about service dog rights. You can present your service dog ID card, certificate, or other accessories, but if you don’t have these items on you, the best course of action is to calmly explain that answering the two questions defined by the ADA is sufficient.
About the Author: The writing team at Service Dog Certifications is made up of folks who really know their stuff when it comes to disability laws and assistance animals. Many of our writers and editors have service dogs themselves and share insights from their own experiences. All of us have a passion for disability rights and animals.
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It is not required by law for service dog users to use any type of id or certificate. Every single legitimate handler I have met despises this sh-t because it makes it HARDER for us to patronize businesses when they expect us to hand over some fake ID printed off Amazon!!! Soooooooooooo many FAKE service dog handlers and their PETS with a $20 “Service Dog” vest off of Amazon have and present these id cards and/or certificates to businesses to gain entry for their bada-ss untrained, aggressive chihuahua, and then the next time a LEGITIMATE service dog handler comes in with their REAL service dog, then they’re turned away or denied access because they didn’t present a fake card for conditional entry!! These ID cards and certificates are NOT actually used by service dog teams because they do NOT. HELP. US. If you cared an OUNCE about the disabled community that needs to utilize service dogs to LIVE, you would stop selling this sh-t!!!!!!
We hear both sides of the issue and believe its better to give service dog owners the option for a few reason. 1. Service dog owners tell us that ID cards help them in the same way vests and tags do, they’re visual signals to leave their dogs alone. 2. As you point out, service dog owners are unfairly harassed for ID cards – many choose to just show them instead of having a fight. 3. The best way to solve this would be to better educate everyone about service dog rules and make the public understand that ID cards are not required. We always emphasize that service dog owners do not need ID cards and no third party has the right to demand one. Companies that sell ID cards who claim otherwise are acting unethically. 4. We have also heard the opposite position from service dog owners – many want a program for an official ID card to prevent fraud. Others however believe that would just create additional burden and expense for owners.
Thank you for speaking truth! Not only do I train Estes. I have one of my own and have had one since 1999 because of my disabilities. One thing that people need to understand is if a person is refused entry from to an establishment with their SD that is against the law and that establishment can be sued. When I have told him establishment owner this and I asked them to look it up, they do, and I am granted entry. However, because of untrained phony STDs and these. IDs sold online they hassle becomes more frequent.
It just needs to be a licenses doesn’t have to have anything revealing just saying yes this dog/animal has been trained give a serial number not tied to any single condition just tied to the handler that trained the animal that’s it.. stamp in on a special name Tag for the collar or vest.. there is a way to do it without trampling rights but everyone on both sides is being beyond stupid about it
Sounds like the issue is with the people that try to pass off pets as service animals and not the legitimate business owners just trying to make a living and not have non service dogs run off loyal paying customers. There should be stiffer penalties or fines for those inconsiderate enough to try to take their pet anywhere they want at the expense of true service dog owners.
would it not be better to have an ID for the individual, issued by state or medical personnel stating the person requires the assistance of a service animal?
After all is that not the reason for these helpful service animals.
Whether service dog owners should get IDs is a hotly contested issue. Some argue that it would lead to more integrity in the service dog verification process, while many service dog owners say that it would just be a burdensome obstacle for them to get disability rights and potentially violate their privacy.
Can a hotel with a pet policy refuse someone with a dog claiming it is a service but refuse To answer when the hotel ask the two questions
Is the dog a service animal required because of a disability?
What work or task has the dog been trained to perform?
Service dog owners must answer the two questions allowed by the ADA if they want to access a no dogs area. If the disability and need for the dog are readily apparent however, the questions are not necessary.