Service Dog Question

[taxlady]

There is no reason NOT to have your "helper" with you, and that is what most store clerics call them, if you need. Get him trained and certified. While the small disks or ID tags are good, and people really aren't supposed to hassle you, the service vest is BEST. Most easily recognized, is the royal blue one. Most visible, but not cheap, from what my BFF said w/patches, shipping etc, approx $35. And REALLY...TARGET, get a life, after you spent money. AHH, things like this really pi$$ me off, so many people have disabilities that are not "visible", it doesn't make them not real or developing. Sorry MY soap box issue. . Because of my BFF. One other point, and not to be aggressive with the store people because most are just caught in the "middle" between policy and law, BUT KNOW YOUR RIGHTS, the ADA web site has some good info, the humane society, even your local free law web site if you need. A good tactic is, the store people or who ever, look them right in the eye, SMILE BIG, and thank them for their concern. STATE VERY LOUDLY "I DON'T OWN A PET, HE IS A SERVICE ANIMAL", smile and walk away. No discussion, nothing, not your problem. If and a big IF, they push, ask for THEIR piece of picture ID, write down the info, legal issue. Then as in all things vote with your $$ or rather where you spend your $$ and make sure corporate understands WHY. This part is the legal issue, a corporate thingy, very sensitive, everyone wants to be politically correct. Sorry this post was so long, it really is a soap box issue with me, too many of our brothers and sisters who have a real need are denied help and care when just the smallest and most loving little people (ours) could be of so much help. Good luck in your search for the help you are looking for.

[mscat]

My son autism with intellecual delays, His psychatrsit wrote a letter to make accomadations for him to have a service dog in a no pet policy where lived, A few years later our yorkie Suzi has been his service dog. My son says she is his "baby" Suzi obeys him better then she does me. We do have service dog vest and these buisness sized cards thathstates the ADA rules and regulations , to be given out to anyone who questions that she is a service dog. Legally a service animal can be trained by the person , and does not have to go through extensive training, which can cos into the thousands. Suzi is now 4 years old and my son will soon be 19. A year later, I was officially granted legal permission to have my own service dog for mental health issiues. I brought home a tiny shh tzu 3 years ago. She is very calm and her temperment is perfect for this type of work and training. Both service dogs have assisted us daily, When I was very ill Suzi stayed at my side 24/7 when I was bedridden and trying to recoupe after severe 3rd degree burns.
The issue we face now is we have moved now, and were charged a "pet depoist" which is against CA law ADA. So I have been trying to get the leasing agency to refund that money. I've given them the DR.'s letters, researched the internet, and then printed out paperwork about service dogs and the law and sent it certified mail to them, then I also sent the agency a list of service dog tasks they perform , it was very specific, and wrote two letters regarding what specific tasks the service dogs perform. My other place I lived did not even question it, but this place is, and we still have not been refunded, we only have lived here less then two months, and it is going through a change of ownership. I am at a loss now, what else to do to get refunded. Hopefully they will honor the law and will refund the charge Service dogs are not considered pets, therefore cannot be charged a "pet deposit"
their a few things I am aware of is that if your service dog is creating a nucience in a estabilied place, they can ask you to leave. Example if the dog is barking, or defacating on the premisis, they can be asked to leave, and that is al legal.
From personal experience, I do know that a trained therapy dog is allowed to visit hospital patients. I was in the critical care burn unit for several weeks at a time, and a older woman would bring her therapy dog , a jack russel terrier to visit patients. Now this was a burn unit where many people are very ill, and infection is a big risk, however, It woulf make me feel so much better to have this dog visit. the dog could lay right on my bed so I could pet him, and he was amazing. The owner had little dog treats and let me give the dog the treats, it really made my day, and the lady was so kind.

[Stormyw2000]

I never considered my old schnauzer a service dog officially, but now as I look back he really was. He used to retrieve dropped items and even fetch stuff when I asked him (like the remote). It started as a joke - my mom & I used to play "my dog is smarter than yours". She got hers to put all his toys away by telling him my dogs were coming over. I got mine to fetch the remote & stuff for me. She said "when he makes you breakfast in bed, I'll concede."

Did any catch Diane Sawyer last night? She did a story about dogs that can sense low blood pressure & warn the person before they faint.

[Msgatorslayer]

Originally Posted by Yorkiemom1

Did you get this service dog from some place that actually trained him to do the service he provides? If you did, it seems to me they should provide you with some kind of ID that indicates he is indeed a service dog and not just a pet that likes to go everywhere with his owner. I have had several encounters with service dogs and they have all had ID badges, a vest of some kind or a vest with a patch indicating, "service dog" or "therapy dog". Then there was my cousins friend that went into Target with her dsog and they told her she had to leave with the dog...she claimed the dog was a "service dog" that sensed when she was going to have an anxiety attack and would lick her and calm her down.....that definition did not work!

IMO, not having to 'prove' an animal is service dog is being heavily exploided by people who just want to bring their pet everywhere with them.

Good intentions have turned into a loophole.

[Wylie's Mom]

Originally Posted by Stormyw2000

I was told by a Target employee that I had to PROVE my dog is a service dog or leave the store. (interesting that they didnt have an issue until after i paid for $60 worth of pet supplies and not while I was shopping!) How do I prove it? What do I have to do? I haven't had him long & I don't know his history but he's amazing. I have lupus and several related diseases. He senses when I'm in pain and wakes me up to take my meds, he alerts me to the alarm clock and smoke alarm when I'm sleeping to deeply to hear them. Even when we're out, he refused to move unless I sat down & rested.

This is illegal...and if you feel inclined, report this to the manager of the Target, and Target Corporate as well.

Here is a link to the ADA policy, which it sounds like you already have; it confirms what a business can ask about your dog and yourself: http://www.ada.gov/svcabrs3.pdf

I made a couple documents for a family member that she can carry w/ her. They summarize the ADA law...I hope they're still up to date - I updated them about 6mths ago. One is just a word doc that she could print and hand out, if questioned - if she wanted to carry them w/ her. The other document contains the same info, but is formatted to make a double-sided card for a wallet - you can print it, cut it, and laminate the 2 sided together. Just thought I'd attach them in case you want to use....

[Wylie's Mom]

Also, you can purchase service dog vests, patches, IDs allllllllll over the place -- there is no official mandate for a service dog to wear any identifier whatsoever, it's up to your preference.

Here are some links to vests etc: Service Dog Vests | Service Dog Harnesses | Service Dog Supplies

Simple patch you could put on any current vest you have, $3.75: Amazon.com: SERVICE DOG ADA Assistance Animal...

There are tons of online sites for this. Many of them also provide official looking "IDs"...but they are often so overpriced -- and they are NOT required by law, at all.

[ladyjane]

Does this mean that any person can go into a store with any dog and claim it is a service dog?
Is there any protection for the public?
I am just curious because I was recently in my local market and a lady was in there in a wheelchair with a totally untrained dog that was pulling away from her and barking at people. It was pretty obvious to me it was probably not a service dog, but I looked online and saw pretty much what is posted here and it blew my mind. I really thought the dogs had to have certificates??

[mscat]

No, A service dog legally does not have to be certified or specially trained , the owner can legally train their own dog as a sevice dog, and willies mom is correct, you can find service dog vests and patches, plus service dog business cards that states the ADA laws. When I researched having my 2 smal dgs trained by a professional the costs are into the thousands of dollars. My son and I are both severely disabled, and I have a psycharist with several other professional diplomas. We moved a few months ago and were actually charged a "pet deposit" although their are no pets here, I had to mail and fax specific information regarding ADA laws, and then I proved to the leasing department what specific tasks the dogs are trained to do, I wrote two different letters, one for my son and the other for, it took a few months after the move that they paid me back the deposit. But they did and it is illegal for them to charge a pet deposit on a service dog, it would fall under the catorgory as discrimination against the disabled, I do understand that certain people who are not disabled may try to say their dog is a service animal, which is illegal.
Having a servce dog vest and tags, with the buisness cards explaining the ADA law, helps when you take your service dog into estabilshments. It just helps with anyone wanting to question the validity of you service dog. I think the general public has the idea in their heads that a service dog is used mainly for specific breeds, such as the golden retrievers and labs, or german shepards, that is the belief, however, their is no specific breed type, however certain dogs are better equipped as a service animal, do to their temperment, and training.
My Shih Tzu is calm, laid back, hardly barks and is unphased by people, noises and children, making her a perfect example of a dog that is suitable for training. I know yorkies can make great servie dogs too, if they have the right temperment. Our Yorkie does have a few quirks, making it more a challenge , however my soon to be 19 year old son has actually been able to train her to lsten to his commands, a very smart little yorkie, it worked out beautifully. Suzi is just more dominate and hyperactive, so she needs more exercise, and is extremely protective , always has been, she is a little jittery, too, but does very well with people , loves children, and perfect for my adult autistic son . It is absolutely amazing . I've placed Suzi into the arms of other severely disabled kids and she just melts into their arms. It is like she senses something, and reacts in a very calm manner and allows the kids to hold her, pet her, and behaves herself perfectly.

[Msgatorslayer]

Originally Posted by ladyjane

Does this mean that any person can go into a store with any dog and claim it is a service dog?
Is there any protection for the public?
I am just curious because I was recently in my local market and a lady was in there in a wheelchair with a totally untrained dog that was pulling away from her and barking at people. It was pretty obvious to me it was probably not a service dog, but I looked online and saw pretty much what is posted here and it blew my mind. I really thought the dogs had to have certificates??

Yes! That's why you see so many people bringing dogs into stores.

I was once in Walmart and all of the sudden heard a lot of dog barking going on. I followed the barks down a couple of aisles and seen a woman with a cart full of food and a little dog poking out. The woman was trying to shove it back down and hide it, lol.

It clearly wasn't a trained dog let alone a service dog. I know people with the later and they don't act like that. IMO, the woman knew it too other wise she wouldn't try to hide it.

[ladyjane]

Originally Posted by Msgatorslayer

Yes! That's why you see so many people bringing dogs into stores.

I was once in Walmart and all of the sudden heard a lot of dog barking going on. I followed the barks down a couple of aisles and seen a woman with a cart full of food and a little dog poking out. The woman was trying to shove it back down and hide it, lol.

It clearly wasn't a trained dog let alone a service dog. I know people with the later and they don't act like that. IMO, the woman knew it too other wise she wouldn't try to hide it.

Well, I am not one to deny anyone's rights but it is offensive to me to see people abusing the system. I have been asked to leave stores with my pups...and I would never dream of claiming them as service dogs.

The real shame of that is that it makes people think that nothing is legit....there truly are reasons for service animals. They are so necessary for many people.

[Msgatorslayer]

Originally Posted by ladyjane

Well, I am not one to deny anyone's rights but it is offensive to me to see people abusing the system. I have been asked to leave stores with my pups...and I would never dream of claiming them as service dogs.

The real shame of that is that it makes people think that nothing is legit....there truly are reasons for service animals. They are so necessary for many people.

ITA it's offensive and makes people skeptical about any dog they see in the store.

Like I posted up-thread, it's a loophole in the system, that is being abused.

The intention of the 'don't ask' laws surrounding service dogs was to protect people who are disabled from being peppered with questions about them, and their dog. Good intentions, as always, bad people to exploit them. JMO

[Stormyw2000]

Originally Posted by Stormyw2000

I was told by a Target employee that I had to PROVE my dog is a service dog or leave the store. (interesting that they didnt have an issue until after i paid for $60 worth of pet supplies and not while I was shopping!) How do I prove it? What do I have to do? I haven't had him long & I don't know his history but he's amazing. I have lupus and several related diseases. He senses when I'm in pain and wakes me up to take my meds, he alerts me to the alarm clock and smoke alarm when I'm sleeping to deeply to hear them. Even when we're out, he refused to move unless I sat down & rested.

I told one of my drs how Benji warns me of impending dizzy/weak spells since the day I fell from one. She said it makes him a "medical alert" dog. His vet said the same thing and said the only additional training he would need is just the basics of good behavior. He's pretty much got that down pat and I've always trained my dogs to at least the "canine good citizen" level.
My dr suspects my spells are related to my lupus - I'm working with my medical team to be sure, but it makes the most sense. I can't believe how lucky I am to have this wonderful little dog in my life. He truly was heaven sent.

[ancora_imparo]

There are many good suggestions here-one of the bajillion companies that sells service dog stuff has a laminated card with the ADA law on one side and a picture of the dog with its owners name on it on the other-some say that helps cut down on the crap they get from stores.

Jaeger isn't a trainer service/alert/psychiatric dog, but he's showing signs of picking some of it up on his own-he will alert to aggressive driving, seek out distressed/anxious etc people and plant his body on their chest and snuggle and lick their face until they calm down.

He alerts to destructive behaviour-skin picking, nail biting, anything stress related.

He will come get us and take us to the front door if we're stressed/anxious and need exercise.

A few times i've been physically ill-I have a fainting disorder, and he's licked me to wake me up and then ran and got my Sir, then stayed with me, licking my hand and my face until I felt better.

I once had menstrual cramps so bad I literally couldn't walk...He planted his little body right on the achey spot and didn't move for hours.

Im not sure we'll ever take him into stores, but Im thinking of getting him therapy tested when he is older.

[KimberlySRN]

I'm confused by this. If renting and you have an animal...the deposit is for possible damage. I understand a service animal is not considered a pet... Would this mean because of the wording they could call it a "animal deposit"?

Originally Posted by mscat

No, A service dog legally does not have to be certified or specially trained , the owner can legally train their own dog as a sevice dog, and willies mom is correct, you can find service dog vests and patches, plus service dog business cards that states the ADA laws. When I researched having my 2 smal dgs trained by a professional the costs are into the thousands of dollars. My son and I are both severely disabled, and I have a psycharist with several other professional diplomas. We moved a few months ago and were actually charged a "pet deposit" although their are no pets here, I had to mail and fax specific information regarding ADA laws, and then I proved to the leasing department what specific tasks the dogs are trained to do, I wrote two different letters, one for my son and the other for, it took a few months after the move that they paid me back the deposit. But they did and it is illegal for them to charge a pet deposit on a service dog, it would fall under the catorgory as discrimination against the disabled, I do understand that certain people who are not disabled may try to say their dog is a service animal, which is illegal.
Having a servce dog vest and tags, with the buisness cards explaining the ADA law, helps when you take your service dog into estabilshments. It just helps with anyone wanting to question the validity of you service dog. I think the general public has the idea in their heads that a service dog is used mainly for specific breeds, such as the golden retrievers and labs, or german shepards, that is the belief, however, their is no specific breed type, however certain dogs are better equipped as a service animal, do to their temperment, and training.
My Shih Tzu is calm, laid back, hardly barks and is unphased by people, noises and children, making her a perfect example of a dog that is suitable for training. I know yorkies can make great servie dogs too, if they have the right temperment. Our Yorkie does have a few quirks, making it more a challenge , however my soon to be 19 year old son has actually been able to train her to lsten to his commands, a very smart little yorkie, it worked out beautifully. Suzi is just more dominate and hyperactive, so she needs more exercise, and is extremely protective , always has been, she is a little jittery, too, but does very well with people , loves children, and perfect for my adult autistic son . It is absolutely amazing . I've placed Suzi into the arms of other severely disabled kids and she just melts into their arms. It is like she senses something, and reacts in a very calm manner and allows the kids to hold her, pet her, and behaves herself perfectly.

[Kaos]

Originally Posted by ladyjane

Does this mean that any person can go into a store with any dog and claim it is a service dog?
Is there any protection for the public?
I am just curious because I was recently in my local market and a lady was in there in a wheelchair with a totally untrained dog that was pulling away from her and barking at people. It was pretty obvious to me it was probably not a service dog, but I looked online and saw pretty much what is posted here and it blew my mind. I really thought the dogs had to have certificates??

If the dog is causing a disruption it can be asked to leave the store. NYC requires a letter from the trainer (can be handler, but they prefer training experience) and the doctor and then the dept of health has to approve the request. My yorkie is number 3084 and that is in the entire NYC they don't just give it out here.