The only thing any one store owner or flight crew can ask you is what services your dog do. I'm pretty sure if you are training your dog to be a service animal you have train them basic obedience and that they are not aggressive. Just because someone can not afford the actual train and does it on their own does not make there dog a fake service dog. A fake service dog would be a dog that is not trained to do any services but the owner says they are. Right now there is not a legal certification so a store owner or flight crew can not say let me see your certification one because it's not required and two because there is no one service registry and that is why so many people can get away with faking it.

Yes emotional support dogs are a whole deferent bees wax. I thought they had there own laws and rules but not sure.

Again while I am knowledgable enough to train on my own, if my lass ever gets up to speed I will take the exam and either pass or fail, but if we pass she will be certified. And I think all should be able to pay a modest amount to take the test. Cd titles and above are about 30 an entry.

Basic obedience if you are thinking of a cgc is not nearly enough. You have to be able to stop your dog on voice or hand signals. Heel right left and back heel. Drop on command, turn right or left, voic usually commands.

My point is there should be a national certification process, even if that means the current service dog organizations have to apply to the national organization to qualify as a training and certifying body.

Different service dogs need to master different tasks, but all should be under handler control, those skills are best judged by the current legit organizations that train n certify.


According to the act, store owners for eg can't even ask what is your dog trained for, if it is obvious eg seeing eye dog, dog pulling you in a wheelchair. If not obvious they can ask what tasks does your dog do for you.

And I never said a fake service dog was one that was trained by owner. Fake dogs are not trained and show that in so many ways. But put your training to the test and get certified is my opinion

The issue is at this time their is no legal set certification and that is probably one of the biggest issues because people go oh well I want little fluffy with me all the time so I will buy a vest that says service dog and I'm good to go. I'm sure eventually they will have no choice but to have a set certification. Right now you can google it and get a million hits where you just pay your money and get a certificate no showing any skills nothing and people think its legit. I think they are going to have to come up with stronger rules but they don't want to cross and lines and stuff. The trainer I am using for Joey is not a service dog trainer but I have no doubt she could train one not necessarily for hearing or seeing but like helping those wheel chair bound and stuff so I do think it is possible to train your own dog to do the tasks you need of course you can't just do it with every dog there are some just not cut out for that.

Those are the reasons I won't fly. If my destination isn't driving distance I don't go. No way am I sticking my baby under a seat & most the time they want you to drug them to be quiet. Yeah right, with kids & babies we have to hear screaming. I know my little boy & he would be traumatized stuck under a seat when he would be perfect in my lap.

Yeah there is no such thing legally as a service dog registry of any sort. I still find it odd. But it's a hot topic within the service dog world. I believe they are allowed to ask you two questions - (1) is the dog a service animal required because of a disability, and (2) what work or task has the dog been trained to perform?

Brit thanks so much for the links will read them now

Interesting read. Air carrier access act covers as it name implies laws about air line travel

What I found noteworthy is an airline can't limit number of handicapped people on the flight, but the size of airplane is taken into account. Secondly a service animal must have accompanying documentation. But they are pretty broad in what that is. Harnesses marked, letters or certificates from service organizations etc.

I am considering rental of a small RV for our next trip back to see my Dad. We have looked into flying as well and there is no way that our girls would be good being in their carrier for hours at a time. And I wouldn't want to know what it is like under those seats and I don't want my girls to know either.

The reason I researched flying w/Piper was to visit my very amazing, 93 yr old mom (who resides in Wisconsin) during her visit to San Diego. It would have been so convenient to fly non-stop Reno/San Diego, about an hour flight. Piper and I could easily manage such travel...on/off up/down voila! However it's a little more difficult to justify and/or manage $95--each way--only for Piper to be packed-up and stuffed under a seat...! No wonder I'm such a homebody!!! How are your gorgeous girls, Russ?

Buddybear hates riding in the car, I can't even imagine trying to have him in an airplane and airport with so many different people, smells, etc.

I'm a homebody:p:p:p, so is he.

They are doing great. Sleeping in my lap at the moment.

lol! I've thought that about the seats and always wonder how nutty people must think I am as I inspect the ground & seat in front of me before putting the girls underneath! The biggest issue I've had under the seat is that the girls get too hot from each others body heat. It seems like there's airflow down there but they end up panting... So, I sneak them out one at a time to let one cool off in the bag while one gets some snuggles and a quick nap on my lap. Of course if they weren't quiet or more curious this wouldn't be an option. A road trip sounds like a much better option! Haha!