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1. Both the ADA and the federal Civil Rights Q&A state that any service dog must be in the control of the owner at all times. Usually this requires the dog be leashed unless the leash would prevent him from providing the intended service to the owner, but in that case the dog must be controlled by voice, or a signal from the owner.
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Yeah, I have had dogs all my life. I have one now who obeys me instantly with a mere look. INSTANTLY.
But I'd have to be looney toons to claim I had "control" of any other living creature at any time.
It's a cute law, but one absolutely silly and without teeth (pun intended).
I do think that airlines should offer better accommodations for pets. I would never put an animal on an airplane unless it could be in the cabin with me - crated and sedated, of course. The way airlines transports animals is cruel.
I think, initially, the powers that be did not require any certified specialist to be service dog providers is that it is possible, if you have the skills, to train your own dog. I have a dog that I trained to help me with my disability when I'm at home. Free dog from the shelter as opposed to up to $20,000 for a professionally trained dog. There are organizations that help with the some of the costs sometimes, but it's expensive.
I was never prescribed a service animal, although, I certainly would qualify. I try not to make a big deal about it.
I stand corrected. My dogs are 85 pounds each--I'd need to buy out the entire first class cabin to have room for them.
Thank you Apex for correcting Annerk before I got back here.
BTW, Annerk: Even if you did buy out the entire first class section, you're dogs are going in cargo. The won't fit under the seat = cargo hold. Some airlines also enforce a weight restriction regardless of the size of the dog.
And certain breeds are not allowed in cargo (specifically the brachycephalic breeds - flat nose - dogs and cats). And there are seasonal exclusions to having dogs in the cargo hold as well.
Our pets will never travel in cargo. I once put one of my cats on the airline under the seat when I moved cross country (she flew on the plane while I drove - she was elderly). Otherwise, if we take the pets, it's a road trip.
There are a couple of airlines that fly dogs/cats in cabin (no passengers except those that look after the pets). Look them up on the internet because I'm not recommending any of them.
At the very least, there is a coat or blanket that says "Service Dog" or "Service Animal". If they are not wearing that then they are not a service animal legally.
That's the problem. People are buying those things over the internet and putting them on their pets, merely so they can take them places where they normally wouldn't be allowed.
A "service" insignia by itself does not create a service animal and the people perpetrating this fraud usually have no real physician-diagnosed disability that would allow them to procure a service animal. The training required to create a service animal is very expensive and is often done by charitable non-profit organizations because many of the people in need of one would never be able to afford it without assistance.
Service animal insignia is inappropriate for the pets of the able-bodied and this ever-growing practice needs to be stopped before more people with real disabilities are harmed.
Thank you Apex for correcting Annerk before I got back here.
BTW, Annerk: Even if you did buy out the entire first class section, you're dogs are going in cargo. The won't fit under the seat = cargo hold. Some airlines also enforce a weight restriction regardless of the size of the dog.
And certain breeds are not allowed in cargo (specifically the brachycephalic breeds - flat nose - dogs and cats). And there are seasonal exclusions to having dogs in the cargo hold as well.
Our pets will never travel in cargo. I once put one of my cats on the airline under the seat when I moved cross country (she flew on the plane while I drove - she was elderly). Otherwise, if we take the pets, it's a road trip.
There are a couple of airlines that fly dogs/cats in cabin (no passengers except those that look after the pets). Look them up on the internet because I'm not recommending any of them.
It was humor. I wouldn't fly my dogs, they don't do well outside their regular routine and space. Two of them came from abusive or traumatic backgrounds, so the last thing I'd do is put them in the belly of a plane--or even on a plane.
Companion animals get the same preferential treatment.
I think too many people get upset about nothing. Is it your dog? Does it put you out of your way? How many do you see in a given week? I have seen about 10 in my lifetime and I am in the DC area. I use to donate to a seiing eye dog foundation by the name of "Guiding Eyes". My neighbor has a dog trained to be one but is a pet.
My own dog is well behaved enough to take anywhere though he loves people too much. He smiles and goes out of his way to greet people while wagging his tail. He is my companion and goes everywhere with me. All I need is a vest and we are gold. Those who complain need to get a life or a dog.
Quote:
Originally Posted by OpenD
No, they absolutely do not. Not legally. Read the ADA bulletin I posted ...
I've seen people asked to leave a restaurant because they had a dog that was clearly not an ADA Service dog.
Those who don't understand the issues they cause for people who are genuinely disabled deserve to get tickets with the same fines as those who park in Handicapped Parking spaces. Say, $500. That might help people get their heads straight about this problem. Service animals are not pets. Pets are not service animals ...
Companion animals might not LEGALLY get the same preferential treatment that service animals are afforded, but unfortunately in real life they very often do. I've worked various retail jobs in two different states and in both locations I specifically asked every employer about people bringing animals into the stores. No matter what type of store it was, I was always given the same version of this answer: "They're customers. We have to put up with it. Don't act like you like the animal, but don't ask them to leave because it will cause too much trouble."
OpenD might have seen people being asked to leave a restaurant because they brought their dog, but while living in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Arizona, California, and DC, I have yet to see that even once. What the law says, and what business owners have the guts to enforce are two entirely different things in most cases.
Personally I am especially distressed seeing animals in places where food is sold and/or prepared. I live in Arizona currently and I see dogs in supermarkets and restaurants all the time. As I mentioned before, I have seen people with dogs in Costco four different times and I only go there twice a month. Costco is a place that not only prepares food but it also sells food that will be served in restaurants.
And Armory, let me get this straight ... you are actually promoting the idea of passing off your pet as a service animal so you can increase the number of places you go together??
Just because I don't harass people who have dogs in inappropriate places, that doesn't mean I am not offended. I will be especially glad if the Federal laws regarding food safety begin to be enforced better.
Another cost for flying with pets is that you're supposed to have a recent health certificate with proof of rabies vaccination in the past year to the tune of at least a $50 vet visit per pop. (Old vet only charge like $5 to fill out the form on top of a well cat visit so we were lucky)
I do wonder how often alleged service animals are asked for the same. IIRC, the health certificate was a USDA rule that shouldn't interfere with the ADA rules, and if I go bit by a dog with no proof of rabies vaccine, I'd be suing the heck out of both owner and airline.
At the very least, there is a coat or blanket that says "Service Dog" or "Service Animal". If they are not wearing that then they are not a service animal legally.
Putting on a tin star doesn't make you a cop any more than throwing on a "service dog" coat makes it a service dog!
Location: Living near our Nation's Capitol since 2010
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I work on an airplane most days a week. Let me tell you, we have seen it all when it comes to "service animals". I would guess that at least (note: AT LEAST) 75% of service animals are bogus. Usually it is people who game the system and want to avoid the animal fees.
I have had dogs who were supposed to be "service animals" who growl, bark, drool, shed, smell and yes, poop onboard. True service animals are well trained (and very wecome) onboard. They are well mannered, clean, quiet and serve their owners. Bogus animals are not. It infuriates me when I KNOW that people are bringing non-trained animals on claiming that they are "emotional support" creatures. It s not unusual for those poor animals to freak out and cause problems. If someone is so emotionally fragile, perhaps they should re-evaluate their travel plans.
I hate cheaters. Welcome to all who have true service animals. The rest, shame on you.
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