Is this really a service dog?

[correcaminos]

Unfortunately the ADA changes in 2011 still left a gray area as while it does state that service animals for comfort aren't included it still has a provision that animals that calm a person with PTSD are protected. Which means all the person has to do is say the dog is for PTSD and that ends that. Even more of a problem is that states often have laws that are more generous in what a service animal is which makes it even more problematic for a business.

In the end this is just a situation where the good intentions of a law like ADA gets turned on its head and becomes a problem because some people will use the law to abuse the system instead of using the law for what it was intended.

I cannot say I agree. There are not gray areas for this. A PTSD service animal is not the same as an ESA. PTSD work animals are trained to do more than just be a comfort. They can assist in many ways beyond that. I have no issues with either classification. I get that not all agree but I really don't mind the service dog classification.

That's why I don't want ESA's regulated or being told they are the same thing as a service animal. I would want the legit service animals to be 'certified' and that's it. The rest of the pooches can stay home.

But that's my point of view on it and completely respect yours.

 

[daisyduckie]

I was responding to your statement. I'm sick of people with these fake service dogs.

Idk, I'm sick of people assuming a dog acting what they don't think is normal for a service dog is automatically a fake service dog. You know what happens when you assume......

 

[21stamps]

Idk, I'm sick of people assuming a dog acting what they don't think is normal for a service dog is automatically a fake service dog. You know what happens when you assume......

Agree. Especially when it’s a dog playing with his owner.

 

[correcaminos]

Idk, I'm sick of people assuming a dog acting what they don't think is normal for a service dog is automatically a fake service dog. You know what happens when you assume......

Did you read the article about service dogs and how if they are in the vest they need to be working per chance?

 

[NormC]

There is no requirement for a service dog to wear a vest.

 

[Miceberg]

Though I have wondered what would happen on a plane if some passengers said they were deathly allergic to dog hair.

Wonder no more ...

http://www.thisisinsider.com/flying-with-pet-allergies-2017-9

 

[Maccabee18]

This is a recent video of a "service dog". Now it is my understanding that service dogs don't act like this. I have never seen a service dog play 'fetch' as the owner says 'go get it...go get it'. Or chasing some sand kicked by the owner...

Someone enlighten on this. Fake service dog? They're at the Beach Club resort on the beach as well which irritates me as well.

Unfortunately you can order a Service Dog jacket for practically any animal, trained or not. Since you practically can't ask for proof the animal is trained properly; its a system that is abused widely. I think it needs to be enforced, I saw a puppy at Costco and they gave the women a paper on the animal policy and she immediately said it was a service dog. I replied that she was a liar since I don't work for Costco and she then left.

 

[thomas998]

Wonder no more ...

http://www.thisisinsider.com/flying-with-pet-allergies-2017-9

Sounds like it varies from airline to airline... Though it does seem like none of them require any documentation for the service animal... So if you small kids which can fit under your seat maybe they should be checked as service animals for a free ride... Last time I had a biology class a human being was technically an animal... though I doubt some parents could prove that their little two legged animal was in any form or fashion trained.

 

[The Mom]

There is no requirement for a service dog to wear a vest.

But back in the day when people didn't think they had the "right" to take their pets everywhere it was a good indicator that it was really a service dog - not a pet that the owner wants to take everywhere. When we had a dog, we boarded him if we had to fly anywhere. We would only have considered taking him if we were going to be gone more than a week or two. We were quite capable of living without him for a week.

Do I love my pets? Of course. Do I miss them when I'm away? Of course. Do I want to inflict them on other people who may not be as comfortable with them - be it allergies, fears, or just don"t like animals? NO

 

[correcaminos]

There is no requirement for a service dog to wear a vest.

No but if your dog does you should treat it properly. My friends dogs do not wear a vest, but a harness. They treat it exactly the same as a vest. If you are playing with your dog while vested or harnessed, you'll get my stink eye simply for being a poor owner (not understanding the idea of a working animal) or for having a fake service dog.

 

[The Mom]

BTW, an acquaintance"s daughter died due to her peanut allergy - because of the old "it's all overblown and they can't possibly be THAT sensitive" attitude. Just as "My dog is hypoallergenic so it couldn't possibly cause a reaction." And then does - probably not enough to kill someone, but enough to cause discomfort - because YOU (dog owner) didn't want to leave Fido behind.

Most people with allergies just grin and bear it rather than make a scene.

 

[21stamps]

BTW, an acquaintance"s daughter died due to her peanut allergy - because of the old "it's all overblown and they can't possibly be THAT sensitive" attitude. Just as "My dog is hypoallergenic so it couldn't possibly cause a reaction." And then does - probably not enough to kill someone, but enough to cause discomfort - because YOU (dog owner) didn't want to leave Fido behind.

Most people with allergies just grin and bear it rather than make a scene.

In all seriousness, if people were dying because of a pet-inside of a carrier-in a plane, then there’s no way that airlines would have allowed dogs for this many years.
The chances of someone having a severe reaction to a dog in that scenario are probably less than 1% of all people, if not 0%

 

[The Mom]

In all seriousness, if people were dying because of a pet-inside of a carrier-in a plane, then there’s no way that airlines would have allowed dogs for this many years.
The chances of someone having a severe reaction to a dog in that scenario are probably less than 1% of all people, if not 0%

Fortunately, most people with animal allergies do not have fatal reactions - but they are still made extremely uncomfortable when in close proximity to animals. Do people have to actually die before airlines have a legitimate reason to ban pets (not service animals) in the main cabin?

 

[21stamps]

Fortunately, most people with animal allergies do not have fatal reactions - but they are still made extremely uncomfortable when in close proximity to animals. Do people have to actually die before airlines have a legitimate reason to ban pets (not service animals) in the main cabin?

Why would they ban them?
Is there a study on how many flight passengers have had a reaction to a dog on a plane?
I find it extremely hard to believe that a dog inside of a carrier has much effect on other passengers... how are the allergens even reaching those passengers? If someone was sitting next to me, in front of me, or behind me, and said they had an allergy, then I would expect the flight attendant to move either myself or the allergic person. I would be more than willing to move.. but, I’m still doubtful that even someone in my near vicinity would have a reaction. I’ve been on probably 30 or more flights with my dog.. not once have I heard one person complain. Most don’t even know he is there.

 

[21stamps]

If it makes some of you feel batter, when myself or other small dog owners bring our dogs on a flight, we lose our carryon AND pay an additional $250 RT... the dog goes Under the seat in front of us..in a carryon sized pet carrier.. the same place that your free carryon goes.
So don’t worry, pet owners have been getting ripped off for years.

 

[The Mom]

If it makes some of you feel batter, when myself or other small dog owners bring our dogs on a flight, we lose our carryon AND pay an additional $250 RT... the dog goes Under the seat in front of us..in a carryon sized pet carrier.. the same place that your free carryon goes.
So don’t worry, pet owners have been getting ripped off for years.

Really? And that compensates for the fact that someone else is uncomfortable because of your actions - even if he/she is too polite to say something to you, or bothering the flight attendant? The person with the allergy may not even know (as you state) that your dog is on the plane - they just know that something is triggering their allergies and making them feel like crap.

I'm sure the fact that you paid extra makes them feel 100% better.

Please don't bother responding, because I know you'll never give up until you feel that you've had the last word - and I have an early flight in the morning. I'll be sure to take my allergy meds in case there are any pets on board.

 

[21stamps]

Really? And that compensates for the fact that someone else is uncomfortable because of your actions - even if he/she is too polite to say something to you, or bothering the flight attendant? The person with the allergy may not even know (as you state) that your dog is on the plane - they just know that something is triggering their allergies and making them feel like crap.

I'm sure the fact that you paid extra makes them feel 100% better.

Please don't bother responding, because I know you'll never give up until you feel that you've had the last word - and I have an early flight in the morning. I'll be sure to take my allergy meds in case there are any pets on board.

I do hope you have a nice flight.
I’m not trying to get the last word, I just need to make clear that It is dangerous for many dogs to be in a cargo area.. this is proven. I think it’s imperative for people realize that when talking about where dogs should or shouldn’t be on a flight.

 

[LAKid53]

In all seriousness, if people were dying because of a pet-inside of a carrier-in a plane, then there’s no way that airlines would have allowed dogs for this many years.
The chances of someone having a severe reaction to a dog in that scenario are probably less than 1% of all people, if not 0%

Do you actually know anyone with an allergy to pet dander? Both my brothers do - one's is more severe than the other's. And in addition to that, he's allergic to mold, mildew, cigarette smoke, grass, bees, and another 20 or 30 allergens. Trust me, that dog in a carrier would make it difficult for him to breathe. And pet allergies are more common than you think.

The air in a pressurized cabin is recirculated and dehumidified, so those microscopic pieces of pet skin can travel throughout the cabin.

 

[21stamps]

Do you actually know anyone with an allergy to pet dander? Both my brothers do - one's is more severe than the other's. And in addition to that, he's allergic to mold, mildew, cigarette smoke, grass, bees, and another 20 or 30 allergens. Trust me, that dog in a carrier would make it difficult for him to breathe. And pet allergies are more common than you think.

The air in a pressurized cabin is recirculated and dehumidified, so those microscopic pieces of pet skin can travel throughout the cabin.

Here’s the question then, where is this all being reported? I guess it could be total luck that I’ve never encountered it.. Many dogs on planes are not dogs who shed.. they aren’t spreading dander in an amount that could cause a reaction in someone, they are in a carrier with one tiny mesh opening to breathe.
If this was a problem, wouldn’t we have been hearing about it for years now?
Suddenly we want to risk a dog’s life because maybe someone could have an allergic reaction to a dog inside of an enclosed carrier?

 

[LAKid53]

Here’s the question then, where is this all being reported? I guess it could be total luck that I’ve never encountered it.. Many dogs on planes are not dogs who shed.. they aren’t spreading dander in an amount that could cause a reaction in someone, they are in a carrier with one tiny mesh opening to breathe.
If this was a problem, wouldn’t we have been hearing about it for years now?
Suddenly we want to risk a dog’s life because maybe someone could have an allergic reaction to a dog inside of an enclosed carrier?

All living organisms with skin shed skin cells - basic biology. And add to that the protein from saliva, you've got the groundwork for allergens. And those microscopic pieces of skin can easily pass through that mesh screen in a carrier. Do you thoroughly wash your carrier after every usage? Btw, you're also flaking all over the place.