I have to go through training required by my employer regarding the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act). There is no required training for service dogs and the owner does not have to prove they have a disability. IN FACT, it is AGAINST THE LAW to ask why someone needs a service dog---if you walk into a restaurant and they tell you no dogs allowed, all you have to say is "this is a service dog" and that is the end of the discussion according to ADA.
Do people take advantage of this? Of course.
Is there any recourse under the law? NO--Service animals (even fraudulent ones) are strictly hands off.
Will people who take advantage of this law to take their pets into restaurants cause the law to be changed? Maybe, time will tell.
I was told by my employer if anyone comes in with any animal and claims it as a service animal to just let them be. This is kind of scary because I hear there is someone in town with a boa constrictor that is a service animal.
My employer told me to just say that "I am sorry, but I am uncomfortable around snakes....I will get someone else who can help you."