Apartment building doesn't allow pets but would like to get a dog, what about getting a service dog? (rent, to buy)

[GoldenKiwi]

My neighbor (in the same building) has a service dog because their daughter has "epilepsy" so I was considering getting a service dog to help with "depression".

I'd like to stay where I'm at for the time being and really don't want to have to move just because I want to get a dog. Is this a terrible idea and if so why? Please spare me the "it's unethical" argument, I know many of you feel that way but let's be honest, this really wouldn't be hurting anybody.

Not sure if it's relevant at all, but I'd like to get a mini or standard schnauzer (~30-40 lbs).

[ndcairngorm]

Schnauzers are notorious for barking at everything, so I think you'd get lots of complaints and then you'd really be depressed.

[nightlysparrow]

Originally Posted by GoldenKiwi

...let's be honest, this really wouldn't be hurting anybody.

Unethical behavior hurts everybody, actually. Like saying shoplifting is "stealing lite." Or like people who fake disability to get a handicapped placard for parking.

[Bakeneko]

Originally Posted by nightlysparrow

Unethical behavior hurts everybody, actually. Like saying shoplifting is "stealing lite." Or like people who fake disability to get a handicapped placard for parking.

I think the abuse of the privileges of service dogs does hurt people who legitimately need their service animals. As a landlord - I sometimes give the stink eye to applications with "service dogs" if the individual doesn't have a obvious disability.

If you want a dog, find a place that will rent to you with one or scrap together the money to buy your own place.

[Kid Ashbury]

OP you sound like all the other self-centered narcissists who have made the term "service animal" synonymous in the last few years with douche bags who don't actually need a service animal but just want an excuse to bring their dogs with them on planes or take them wherever they want.

Don't be a self-centered douchebag OP. Those laws are not for you. If you want a dog, move someplace where you're allowed to have one.

[RosieSD]

It's not as easy qualifying for a service animal as one might expect. Legally, in order to qualify, you must be disabled and have a medical necessity for the animal.

"Disabled" as defined by Federal law means that your medical condition makes you unable to preform major life activities as defined by the ADA:

"....major life activities include, but are not limited to, caring for oneself, performing manual tasks, seeing, hearing, eating, sleeping, walking, standing, lifting, bending, speaking, breathing, learning, reading, concentrating, thinking, communicating, and working..."

You'll need to have a medical professional (i.e., a psychiatrist who has been treating you) certify that your mental disability falls into this category. And, service dogs must be trained as support animals -- you can't just swing by your local pet store and buy whatever strikes your fancy and say it's a service dog.

However, if you do fall under the legal definition of being disabled because of your psychiatric condition, I don't see a problem with looking into this.

If you're not disabled, thank your lucky stars, and then start looking for a new place to live where you can keep a dog.

[Jehjeh]

Originally Posted by GoldenKiwi

My neighbor (in the same building) has a service dog because their daughter has "epilepsy" so I was considering getting a service dog to help with "depression".

I find it interesting that you put epilepsy in quotes. What's the kid supposed to do, have seizures on command to prove it to you?

[moved]

Originally Posted by Kid Ashbury

OP you sound like all the other self-centered narcissists who have made the term "service animal" synonymous in the last few years with douche bags who don't actually need a service animal but just want an excuse to bring their dogs with them on planes or take them wherever they want.

Don't be a self-centered douchebag OP. Those laws are not for you. If you want a dog, move someplace where you're allowed to have one.

Yep!

[ShelbyGirl1]

Originally Posted by nightlysparrow

Unethical behavior hurts everybody, actually. Like saying shoplifting is "stealing lite." Or like people who fake disability to get a handicapped placard for parking.

^ This.

[MarciaMarshaMarcia]

^^^I agree x10