A PETFUL SPECIAL REPORT

Fake Service Dogs, Real Problem

PART 1 PART 2 PART 3 PART 4 PART 5 PART 6 How everyday Confession: My A veterinarian’s My REAL service Seven questions Questions and pets are being “service dog” is a take on being dog, Lynal, is for a guide dog answers about illegally posed as total fraud. asked to aid in much more than trainer. service animals service dogs for Page 5 false certifica- a companion. Page 12 and the law. the “disabled.” tion. Page 10 Page 14 Page 2 Page 7

SEPTEMBER 2012 Fake Service Dogs, Real Problem How everyday pets are being illegally posed as service dogs for the “disabled.”

by C.D. Watson

magine your world is complete darkness or silence. Imagine you are the worried parent of an autistic child who knows that child may wanderI off in the blink of an eye. How would you navigate beyond your four walls without fear? Now think about a source of assistance and comfort, protection and affection. Four paws and a wagging tail. Enter a highly trained, PART skilled, disciplined service dog. ONE The relationship betwe en a service dog and his companion—his partner—is one of mutual respect, trust, honor, faith and complete love. Service dogs can become the eyes, ears, arms or legs to a person in need. They lead, guide and protect. They improve the quality of life for so many individuals with differ- ing physical and mental challenges. One partner Service dog? Or faux service dog? of a service dog says, “I entrust my life to my dog—he has never failed me!” Service dogs may carry medications or oxygen A service dog can be any size or breed. It does not tanks, or pull wheelchairs. In many countries, includ- ing the United States, service dogs are protected by law agency or even wear a vest. The rules are very clear for and must be provided access to public places. It is not need to carry special identification, register with any public businesses—and they leave the field wide open for dishonest, unethical criminals to take advantage of the law. malls, restaurants, theaters, hotels or amusement parks, orunusual on trains, to find buses a service or planes. dog withAnywhere her human people partner go, their in Specially Trained service dogs may follow. Dogs are used as service companions around the The 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) world. They are specially trained to assist humans in established the law that provides access to public places many capacities: for service dogs, areas that are typically prohibited to

n Sight pets. The Department of Justice allows businesses to ask n Hearing only two questions of individuals with service dogs: n Psychological disorders (depression, anxiety, phobias, 1. Is the dog needed because of a disability? PTSD) 2. What task is the dog trained to perform to miti- n Autism gate the disability? n Epilepsy n Diabetes Service Dog Cheats n Allergies Business owners are complaining of a recent n Narcolepsy increase in the number of people “faking” the status FAKE SERVICE DOGS, REAL PROBLEM PAGE 3

of their pets as service dogs to gain access to areas animals. Dogs whose sole function is to provide comfort otherwise off limits. Hotels, restaurants, trains and or emotional support (therapy dogs) do not qualify as airplanes are all targets. For example, it is a widely ac- - - tions of a service dog is a criminal offense. tion to competition in the passenger cabin of planes as serviceWhat animals is the underharm in the posing ADA. petsTo falsify as service the qualifica dogs? “servicecepted routine dogs.” for top show dogs to fly from competi The biggest backlash is creating public resentment of I listened to a woman bragging at a recent din- real service dogs. One act of disobedience, one minute ner party about how she takes her Jack Russell terrier of misbehavior, one unfortunate attack from a faker everywhere because she printed a “service animal” cer- can create a lifetime of public suspicion, mistrust and tension. Handicapped individuals who depend on their paying the pet fee. She boasted that she doesn’t worry service dogs, and the animals themselves, do not deserve abouttificate leaving from the the Internet. dog in a Sheparked can carstay because at hotels he without goes the added stigma. where she goes. “No one dares ask about him,” she said with a laugh. What Can Be Done? It is virtually impossible to spot a fake service dog by How can the abuse of the ADA regulations be en- appearance. One woman blogs that she sees her dog as forced and the fakers stopped? doing a community service by posing. He is an obedient, beautiful, well-groomed, intelligent border collie who it may be the only system that businesses at risk and goes everywhere with her. She contends that his appear- individualsWhile an deserving identification ADA protection protocol is can controversial, be mutually ance and nice behavior create a better public perception safe-guarded. The liability to a business challenging of service dogs. She is breaking the law. the identity of a dog is huge. Falsely accusing a valid Service dogs are not show pieces. They do not work service dog can result in lawsuits. On the other hand, to look good or entertain the public. They are not walk- allowing access to a dog that isn’t a trained service ing canine advertisements. Service dogs are working dog is a danger if that animal later causes damages to

Specially trained service dogs from Hawaii Fi-Do

PAGE 2: SHUTTERSTOCK; above: The U.S. Army/Flickr PAGE 4 FAKE SERVICE DOGS, REAL PROBLEM

property or to a person. Some service dog owners, handlers and trainers Nearly all dog lovers would appreciate taking their petextended everywhere community they service,go. But servicestiff fines dog and “fakers” jail sentences. fail to consider the circumstances of those who depend on view the option of legal identification as an essential the value of the animals for their well-being. As assistance.benefit. A certification Most service program dogs and ensures their the animal more abuse occurs, it will provoke further partnersand the handler pass a stringent are trained training and qualified proto- for restrictions on valid service animals. col. Application through an agency for In the United States, there is no law requiring registration of an animal used a part of that process. A government- for human service. There is a free, volun- issuedcertification badge, could vest orcertainly tag would become identify tary service provided by the United States the dog to anyone observing that the Service Dog Registry (no, it is not con- animal is indeed in service. nected to the government) that encourag- Not all service dogs are profession- es self-registration and offers information ally trained. Many agencies charge fees of for handlers. $20,000 or more for professionally trained dogs. However, in Part 2 of our “Fake Service Dogs, The waiting lists for grants, scholarships and even the Real Problem” special report (next page), you’ll see how that very same U.S. Service Dog Registry also offers very or years. For this reason, some disabled people are - forceddogs trained to look for to specificdogs trained disabilities through extend amateur for months ef- ing to fork over 50 bucks. n forts. The current law does not require a service dog be official-looking service dog documents to ANYONE will professionally trained. There is a concern that a legally About the Writer of such people. C.D. Watson is a freelance writer mandated certification process could impair the rights and corporate refugee. She lives on It’s Not Going Away Soon a farm in the beautiful Great Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee with her and the liability of questioning—makes the problem husband, three dogs, a variety of res- The difficulty in determining a fake service dog— hard to solve. Frauds are occasionally discovered, and cued cats, a pair of Gouldian finches some states prosecute the crime. In California, conviction and an assortment of resident critters. “Cat” is an active community volunteer who works with the library system, and six months’ jail time. the Humane Society and Pets Without Parents (a no-kill of faking a service animal is punishable by $1,000 fine Proponents of a tougher legal position advocate shelter), and she is a recording talent for Learning Ally. harder penalties, including sanctions against owning a dog,

About This Free Report This report, “Fake Service Dogs, Real Problem,” comprises a six-part series of articles that appeared on Petful.com during National Service Dog Month, in late September 2012.

Editor Contributors ©2012 Petful® Dave Baker Sarah Blakemore You may not sell or republish this Clarissa Fallis Managing Editor report in any form, but you can Kristine Lacoste Stacy Fromgolds email it to others or share it on your Dr. Debora Lichtenberg, VMD site, free of charge, exactly as it is. C.D. Watson Confession: My “Service Dog” Is a Total Fraud

ORiGinAl illUSTRATiOn by viCKy bOwES. All RiGHTS RESERvEd.

by Stacy Fromgolds I don’t stay for too long. Most of the time, I you’ve seen me walking the streets in Manhattan.ew Yorkers, Maybethere’s you’vea good seen chance me in the kept in my wallet and on his safety vest. Then N onget rare “carded,” occasions, so I flash they’ll his examine credentials, his tags—which are grocery store with my service dog, or running into the coffee shop to pick up a latte with him. which all note that he’s a registered service dog. PAGE 6 FAKE SERVICE DOGS, REAL PROBLEM

No questions asked. Why would there be? I have a ness or concern what you say about me behind my back. I’m admitting that I do this, so I can’t be all that bad. For a business it’s against the law, not to m ention I’m actually going about this the right way so I won’t bigjust dog, plain and rude, they to probably ask someone figure, why Why she would needs she lie? mess things up for others. I’m not running around brag- a service dog. PART ging about it and throwing it in people’s faces about how Here’s the thing. I am lying. My pet is not TWO easy it is to do. It is easy. Very easy. a real service dog. I don’t have any disabili- - ties that would cause me to need one (unless you count having some mental issues from time to time, but who I hadI boughthad a friend on the who internet. flew with If you her do dog this, on check an inter the doesn’t?). animalnational policies flight to of Turkey the country using you’rethe identical traveling documents to. Service dog miniature poodle Department of Trans- So Why Do I Do It? portation rules require U.S. airlines to accommodate passengers with service animals and allow human and “how.” I simply paid $50 on the United States Service - Dog BeforeRegistry we website get to the to get “why,” a kit let’s that first provided talk about me with the ever, don’t be an idiot about it. Even though any breed canineor type alike of dog to can sit inlegitimately the cabin together be a service on flights. dog, accord How - digital watermark, security foil hologram, color-shifting ing to certain regulations, few will believe that a teacup printing,incredibly the official-looking whole works.) credentials. (We’re talking poodle is a service dog. Even though the US Service Dog Registry looks and Note: Many airlines and establishments don’t take “therapy dogs” seriously or waive the fees for them.

sounds official, it states in fine print at the bottom of the that happen. site, “Not affiliated with any government agency.” And You’ve gotta have “service animal” credentials to make anyone can go on the site. You can register your dog for want. But why? People are selling drugs, evading taxes, dog—thatfree, and they’ll is, if they give reallyyou a wantedconfirmation to make number the time that and and YouI’m simplycan get trying mad about to take my my little dog white to get lie a cupall you of takeany official the hassle could to easilymake typesure intoyou’re the not site full to of“verify” crap. There your coffee. Is this something to get that worked up about? I are other websites like this too. don’t think so. Then again, some people have a little too much free me would go to the trouble of lying about something like time on their hands and love to complain about just havingI know, a service I know. dog. You want to know why someone like about anything. Not all fake service dogs are bad dogs; Frankly, I just really like having my dog with me. Is maybe you’ve met mine, and everyone usually loves him. that so bad? As for the owners, we’re just people trying to beat the system and be able to take our furry companions with us. there’s a screaming child running around disrupting For all you know, they may be the only ones we have. n yourThink meal. ofThen it this there’s way. aYou’re service at dog,a restaurant, calmly chilling and

would you rather sit next to the dog quietly chilling on Petful Responds on the floor. Would you rather sit by that noisy kid? Or Stacy Fromgolds is actually a pen name for a writer who Let’s assume that I can’t have children and that my lives in New York City. She asked us to keep her iden- the floor next to his owner? dog is all I have. Would you see my point in why I’d want tity anonymous—probably because she knows that her to bring him along almost everywhere? Who’s it really “little white lie” is, in fact, a crime. Despite her claims that bothering if I make sure he’s in line and I’m going about there’s nothing wrong with what she’s doing, we can’t help it the right way? Who really has to know? Whose busi- speculating that she really does know, deep down, that ness is it, really? pretending to be disabled (!) is just plain wrong. After all, some people depend on their (legitimate) service dogs to Go Ahead, Think I’m a Horrible Person literally get out the door every morning. Go ahead and despise me. It’s really none of my busi- This Veterinarian Says: Don’t Ask Me to Lie for You

by Dr. Debora Lichtenberg, VMD

lients ask veterinarians to do pretty out- landish things: They ask me to call their male cat female, Cbecause their little girl wanted a girl cat, but they came home with a male kitten by mistake. - scription under their human insurance. They ask me toif CVS lie about will fill a pet’stheir pre-existingdog’s pre condition so they can now go out and buy pet insurance (after the fact). PART And they ask me to give them THREE medicine for their aunt’s dog, whom I’ve never seen. Now some of these things are simply silly. Let them call the kitty “Minette” instead of “Mi- nouche,” but my medical records have to state the correct gender. As far as falsifying prescriptions, my prescription pad says I’m a veterinarian, not a physician, so good luck trying to scam the phar- illustration by Vicky Bowes macist. And even if I wish a client had pet health insur- ance to defray costs, I can’t lie on medical records. Asking service dog tags and vests online so they can bring their for medicine for a pet I’ve never seen? This is against the pet on airplanes, in stores, on dog-restricted beaches, etc. law. Some people try to get a letter from their mental health In all these circumstances, the client is asking their professional stating that they need their pet for anxiety veterinarian to lie. Why can’t I lie? Besides the fact that disorders. Others simply order service dog materials it’s wrong and unethical, medical records are legal docu- online, hoping that airlines and stores will not give them ments. I am the keeper of the medical records. Lying, any trouble. changing or falsifying medical records puts my veteri- If you live in America in the 21st century, it’s highly nary license in jeopardy. probably that you suffer from some kind of stress or So when a client asks me to lie, they’re actually say- anxiety. Wait. Let me amend that. If you’re a human be- ing, you suffer stress. But that doesn’t mean most of us your entire livelihood and professional ethics on the line can’t get on an airplane or walk into the grocery store foring, me. “Go And ahead. you’re Do mebreaking this little the favor.law. But You’re there’s just a putting good without a service dog, pony or turtle in tow.

every year to certify that a client’s turtle is a happy, Service-Pooch-Gatechance no one will find out. So go ahead. Make my day.” healthy,(Yes, therapy a colleague turtle.) of minePersonally, writes I’d a health rather certificate take the Thanks to the internet, we have a new way people red eye cross-country sitting next to a turtle than a yap- are trying to corrupt the system. People with no dis- yap-nut-pup. Nothing like snuggling up to a cold shell to abilities or serious psychiatric disorders are buying false

alleviate my fear of flying. PAGE 8 FAKE SERVICE DOGS, REAL PROBLEM

Screenshot of the $50 package from the US Service Dog Registry

So what is the role of a veterinarian in Service- Pooch-Gate? Unfortunately, we can do very little to stop me, with no reliable paperwork from a service dog this practice. If a person is going to try to fake a service organization,You get the owned idea. bySo aI havewoman a nasty who littleclaims dog the before biting dog, they can try it without a mental health professional chihuahua is trained to be a service dog. I can certify the or a veterinarian. It’s ultimately up to the airline or the dog’s health status, but not temperament. And I have store or restaurant to confront the owner (within the proof that she is not properly trained. boundaries of the law). By law, I am allowed to ask the owner only certain For legitimate service animals, they get excellent questions: veterinary care through their organizations. The real, 1. “Is this a service dog required because of a disability?” 2. “What is the dog trained to do to mitigate the dis- a physical examination form. The trained service dogs or ability?” dogsreputable in training groups come keep tometiculous me with THEIR records, paperwork, and I fill out not If I feel this dog is not properly trained, and could the other way around. act aggressively in public, what is my recourse? The only Service Dog Letter? thing I can do, if given paperwork that looks false, is What do I do if I have a sketchy critter in front of check out the organization and refuse to sign. I can issue me? This could be the pet, the owner or both. Say the But it is my place to convince Ms. Chihuahua-head a service animal, and I have before me a chihuahua. thata health it is certificateunethical toif thepass dog off is the in snarlinggood health. Juanita That’s as ait. owner wants a health certificate, telling me her pet is Although healthy, Juanita has just tried to make me a service dog, just so she can walk her on the beach or carry her on a plane. Juanita could put a disabled person “Does Juanita usually bite?” in jeopardy if the little dog snarls at a legitimate service nine-fingered veterinarian. “No.” dog that is working on that beach. “Has she been trained?” If Juanita bites the person in the adjoining airplane “Yes.” seat because Juanita has not been properly trained as “Where?” a service dog, she gives all service dogs a bad name. “She is trained.” Juanita is a weapon in a lap, not a service dog. “Who is her trainer?” “Me.” The Disreputable Web “Are you a service dog trainer?” As I was researching this article, Google pop-up “No… Yes.” ads were all over my computer from these disreputable FAKE SERVICE DOGS, REAL PROBLEM PAGE 9

companies, Free My Paws being the biggest offender. If you go on these websites, the compa- nies do a good job of convincing people they deserve to have a service dog, and that they are completely within the law to do so. It’s

my jobA veterinarian to discuss the recently ethical ramificationsreported a of clientthis selfish came behavior. to her with two 9-week-old puppies, asking her to be complicit in writ- ing on their records that they were service dogs. This is absolutely ridiculous, and shows how ignorant people are about real service dogs. No puppies are service dogs. They may be in the hands of a specialized trainer. They may be beginning the long, hard journey of training to be service dogs. But it will only be after 18 to 24 months of special handling to see if they have the right temperament and abilities to be placed with a person in need. Thousands of dollars will have gone into their care and training, and they will be worth thousands of dollars. They will be able to save lives, a service that has no price tag.

Caring for Service Dogs Is an Honor September is National Service Dog Month, but all year round I feel that provid- ing veterinary care for service dogs is an honor. I cherish the photographs I have of my service dog patients who achieve the This portrait of Venus hangs in Dr. Deb’s clinic. highest honor: being placed with a person in need and completing a team. Many years ago, one of my favorite guiding eyes dog, Venus, suffered a gastric torsion. Luckily, we saved her About the Writer life. She returned to do service for four more years, and Dr. Debora Lichtenberg is a Small then enjoyed retirement. Animal and Exotics Veterinarian who Her professional portrait, given to me by her owner, splits her time between her busy is on my clinic wall, along with the letter I received from veterinary practice in Pelham, Mass., the president of Guiding Eyes for the Blind, thanking me and her minuscule studio in the West for saving Venus. Village, NYC. She shares her busy If the fake service dog scam continues to escalate, life with her husband, Andy, who manages the Animal real service dogs, and the privileges and respect they are Hospital; two rescue cocker wannabes; and a constantly entitled to, will be in jeopardy. Please don’t participate in changing number of felines. Service-Pooch-Gate. Lives are at stake, literally. n My Real Service Dog, Lynal, Is Much More than a Companion

by Clarissa Fallis

hen I decided to adopt a While working with those dog, I originally I wanted dogs, I practiced some of the to train one for tracking assistance dog training tech- W niques on Lynal. He learned for search and rescue. these service tasks much faster and Underget certified the direction with a canine of my profespartner- and was much more interested sor, we began temperament testing a in the work than even those number of dogs that possessed quali- dogs bred at the college. ties of a working dog. What I didn’t Not only did he perform know was that I was testing for a dog the tasks faster and more ef- that would become my service animal. my panic attacks and calmed My Path to a Service Dog meficiently, during but them. he was alerting to Throughout my life I have battled depression, anxiety and panic attacks. Psychiatric Service Dogs— I was able to keep it under control Yes, They’re “Real” with typical medication and therapy It wasn’t long before I was until I was 18. My psychological state looking up how to certify a got harder to manage when a very close psychiatric service dog and found the Psychiatric Service PART friend tragically passed away. Dog Society. On this website I learned how to certify my FOUR Soon after, I left for college and starting dog and tasks that psychiatric service dogs perform for learning about canine training and manage- their handler. ment. The introduction of this topic in my life gave me I bought a vest and took the necessary steps to ensure he was a “real” service dog. He quickly learned that I adopt a dog and train him for search and rescue. that when the vest is on, he must be on his best behavior Ian adopted outlet to a year-and-a-half-oldfocus. An influential beagle professor mix suggested from Good while doing his job.

Lynal’s qualities were perfect for being a search and rescueShepherd dog K9 as Rescue well as ina serviceSchenectady, dog—plus N.Y., namedhe had beenLynal. a Lynal and I went back to New York at the end of my- rescue from a high-kill shelter in North Carolina. Imme- rocketedsecond semester. since he Todaystarted I attendworking a SUNYas my Cobleskill, service dog, and and diately, Lynal grew very in tune with my emotional state myLynal depression joins me inis atall an my all-time classes. low. My confidence has sky and started following me around the house. ”At this time, I started getting serious about my “Service Dog” Swindle potential as a canine trainer and behaviorist, so I moved Unfortunately, growing number of people are strap- to Northern California and attended Bergin University ping a service vest on their dog and calling it a service of Canine Studies. While attending the college, I learned dog when it’s not. In case I am ever approached by a about assistance animals and how they help so many people. I trained two dogs that will most likely be placed a photo service dog ID as well as a written letter from a police officer and to calm the locals, I make sure to have as psychiatric service dogs with veterans. medical professional explaining that Lynal is medically FAKE SERVICE DOGS, REAL PROBLEM PAGE 11

necessary. Most people don’t ask is that a service animal is an animal about him since he is well behaved that’s trained to provide services and has been properly trained. for a person. So something that is I know for a fact that some just a pet is not.” people think I am a faker because People who cunningly try to I can walk and am not blind. When pass their dogs off as service dogs I am out in public, especially in a because they don’t want to leave town where there are no service them at home, or because this dog organizations, I sometimes get makes them “feel better,” are break- ridiculous reactions from people ing the law, plain and simple. passing me. The vast majority of dogs make their owners feel Usually when those people see him, they act like loved and “better,” but we can’t allow everyone who loves they have never seen a dog before and Lynal is the most his or her dog into restaurants and grocery stores. The adorable, rarest animal they have ever laid their eyes on. truth is, most dogs cannot handle being in a restaurant. I try to ignore them and continue on my way. Every once Sitting quietly under a table or going on an escalator is a and a while, I will have someone try to distract him and tough thing for them to learn and tolerate. So this would call him by whistling or making a clicking sound with ruin the idea that service dogs are well behaved and their mouth. I don’t know who is less amused by this: trained—which would cause a backlash that could lead Lynal or me. to new laws that eradicate service animals. On rare occasion someone will come up to me and ask to pet him. I allow this if the setting is conducive for A Rewarding Experience a proper greeting. For example, if the lunch lady wants to Today, Lynal and I are working toward search and pet him or someone in a huge crowd needs his attention, I say, “He is working; sorry but you can’t.” Lynal is a spe- rescue certification, competitive obedience titles, and cial dog in that he really could care less about random canine good citizen certification. He not only helps me people’s attention. He tolerates this attention and doesn’t day with my disability. in public but gives me focus when I am having a difficult welcome it. The only people he really cares about are the If you have a disability, mental or otherwise, I highly people he knows and loves—and when he sees them, his suggest obtaining a service dog or training one yourself. whole body comes alive and he starts wiggling. I bet his Training a rescue dog that was once on death row to be a reaction toward strangers has something to do with his working animal is extremely rewarding. previous life in shelters. I would do anything for Lynal; some people joke that I love him too much. I think that most people who Psychicatric Dogs vs. Emotional Support Dogs have service animals are accused of this. Service dogs are The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) states, more than just companions; they are helpers and often “Dogs whose sole function is to provide comfort or emo- lifesavers. n tional support do not qualify as service animals under the ADA.” Those dogs are commonly known as emotional support dogs (ESAs), and as the federal legislation states, About the Writer emotional support dogs are not service dogs. Clarissa Fallis is a professional canine behaviorist and Psychiatric service dogs (PSAs), by comparison, trainer from Upstate New York. She has attended Bergin work for a handler who has a documented psychological University of Canine Studies, State University of New disability that is being treated by a medical professional. York at Cobleskill, and Animal Behavior College. She is competent in training all breeds and ages of dogs, though she prefers hounds because of the challenge they present. These dogs have been trained in very specific tasks to Here is a quote from John Wodatch of the Disability Clarissa is continuing her education in training psychiatric offer benefit to people with disabilities. - service dogs as well as search and rescue dogs. ment: “The way we look at it is what the regulation says Rights Section of the Office of Civil Rights, Justice Depart Interview: Seven Questions for a Guide Dog Trainer

by Sarah Blakemore

ogs were domesticated around 15,000 years ago. Humans have a long his- toryD of working closely with animals. These animals provide transportation, - tion. Without them we would not have beenstrength able for to difficultsurvive harshtasks andclimates, protec keep our families safe or get where we wanted to go. In modern times, as humans have moved away from an agrarian exis- tence, the role of animals PART has changed. They are FIVE most often kept for companionship, although some are used for sport, and the sheer joy that animals bring to our lives. dog training school was established in Photo by Niall Kennedy/Flickr Creative Commons Germany.After WorldThe trainers War I thethere first worked guide with canines to assist soldiers blinded in combat. This clarify some of the problems that arise when people use was a radical idea at the time, and people were slow to untrained service animals in order to get their pets into accept the idea of animals in public spaces. But as time restaurants or onto public transportation. People often went by, public sentiment turned in favor of these hard- go as far as to use fraudulent service documents, easily working animals. obtained now online for a fee. In the United States, special laws have been enacted to protect the rights of people with disabilities who wish Carrie, how long have you been a guide dog to use a service dog to go to restaurants, take public trainer? transportation and enter shops. These laws also protect ”I began my career at Guide Dogs for the Blind (GDB) the restaurant owners and other people who are bound in 1996 in the training department with basic dog train- by public health laws. ing skills. After a year of working in the kennels as an instructor assistant, I worked my way through a three- year apprenticeship where GDB taught me how to train Q&A With a Guide Dog Trainer guides, work with the visually impaired, basic O&M skills Carrie Treggett-Skym is a trainer for Guide Dogs and health-related issues surrounding our client base. At the end of my apprenticeship in 2000 I had to and has reached the Master Instructor level after many take the California State Board exam for dog guide in- yearsfor the of Blind. training She service is the Pacific dogs. INorthwest interviewed field her manager to help structors and received my license. I am required by the FAKE SERVICE DOGS, REAL PROBLEM PAGE 13

state to maintain the license and attend at least eight What is the biggest problem for people with hours of continuing education each year. service dogs? Lack of public education and being denied access Instructor and eventually made a lateral departmental After being licensed for five years I became a Master because of it. At Guide Dogs for the Blind we try to educate and assist our client so they can do the same in In this position my focus shifted from dog training to as- their community. sistingmove to our be clientsthe Pacific support. Northwest graduate field manager. Do you think there should be a centralized certi- Do you train guide dogs for people other than fication process for service dogs? those who are visually impaired? Dogs for the My personal stance is yes. GDB deaf, etc. is governed by the State of California as well as the Inter- No, GDB was originally founded national Guide Dog Federation, which to assist WWII veterans, and our ser- has strict standards for training of dogs, vices are offered free and we receive clients and facilities. no government funding. What do you think of people who What are your thoughts about fake service dog certification? How service animals that are not does this cause problems for you? dogs? I think people who fake service dog I think there is a place for non-dog service animals. The problem is that value, importance and necessity service dogscertification play in [disableddon’t truly people’s] understand lives. the animals are not well behaved, and People who are faking are usually just somethis field individuals is not regulated without and need many take trying to do it to take their dogs with advantage of the system. This in turn has a trickle-down them or avoid paying an additional charge. effect that impacts the clients I work with, who have to Being a responsible pet owner to me means having - integrity for service animals and not taking advantage lowed into places. educate and in some cases fight for their right to be al of loopholes in the system. for business owners to determine who has a legitimate This interview was originally published in fall 2011. Having non-dog service animals makes it difficult need since they should not ask what is the person’s Carrie Treggett-Skym has changed focus since then, and disability but they can ask what [the animal is] trained is now working with diabetes dogs. n to do. Do you see emotional support animals as be- ing legitimate service animals, e.g., emotional About the Writer support dogs/animals for war veterans returning Sarah Blakemore is a writer currently from Iraq with PTSD? dividing her time between New York I do approve of emotional support dogs, but feel they City and Cairo, Egypt. She has writ- - ten and directed two original works: lic education and a governing agency would be the best The Starry Night Variety Show, which wayshould to protectbe trained consumers for a specific and business task. In my owners. opinion, Cur pub- played in Brooklyn, New York, and rently a person can buy a vest for their dog online that VaVoom! The Story of a Showgirl, which played in London says they are a service animal, and the individual does and Brighton, U.K. Sarah is managing editor of the website not need to show proof. These businesses [that sell the Cairo Pets. She freelances, writes for theater and has therapy dog vests] are not breaking any laws, but they worked as an editor. She is the owner of one adorable dog, are hurting the individuals and integrity of legitimate Lulu, who loves her more than milkbones. organizations and persons with disabilities. Questions and Answers About Service Animals and the Law

by Kristine Lacoste

ervice dogs can be the differ- ence between life and death for someone with a disability. PretendingS your pet is a service dog to avoid fees or keep your pet with you has the potential to damage the public perception of service dogs if they cause problems. Service dogs are not pets. They are trained to be alert and on the job 24/7 unless told otherwise, PART and they take their jobs SIX seriously. One bite from your faux service dog can make people skeptical or, worse, fear- ful of service dogs in general. So where does the law come in? What are the boundaries or allow- ances when it comes to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)? We’ll cover these questions and more in our look at service animals and the law in the United States. According to the ADA, there are some (but few) regulations specifying public entities can ask about the dog andwhat the defines person. a service dog and what

ADA Regulations

What animals are eligible to be Photo by Portland Afoot/Flickr Creative Commons service animals? As of the last revision on March 15, 2011, the law horse provision does list requirements for the horses. Miniature horses used as service animals must: service animals under titles II and III. There is a provi- n Be housebroken sionspecifies listed that for onlyminiature dogs are horses currently that are recognized 24 to 34 inchesas n Be under the owner’s control in height and 70 to 100 pounds in weight. The miniature n Not compromise the facility’s operations FAKE SERVICE DOGS, REAL PROBLEM PAGE 15

n Be able to be accommodated by the facility based Can I have more than one service animal? on type, size and weight There are no apparent restrictions on the number Entities that serve the public are required to accom- of service animals a person can have under the ADA or modate miniature horses as service animals based on other resources. However, each service animal must be the above provisions. trained to perform work or a task directly related to the person’s disability. What makes a dog a service animal? A dog is considered a service animal when it has Do I have to have “papers” for my service animal been trained to perform work or a task that is directly or myself? related to a person’s disability. Dogs that provide comfort Documentation certifying your service animal or or emotional support do not quality as service animals your disability is not required to be carried or presented, under the ADA. Service dogs are not pets, and this is reit- and you cannot be asked for either as proof under the erated many times throughout the ADA’s directives. current law.

My dog is trained to kiss me on command. Isn’t Can my service animal be placed in a bag or carrier? that enough to be a service animal, if she helps The only law specifying the transportation of a ser- lift my mood when I’m feeling down? vice animal lists leashes, harnesses or a tether to control the animal. Airlines typically expect the animal to lie on

protectedProbably under not. the What federal you law.are describingTo have a service fits the animal same space may be allowed. In public places this may be underdefinition federal of an law, emotional a person support must be dog, impaired and those by a are dis -not anthe issue; floor duringif your doga flight, is supposed but a carrier to guide or bag you filling or retrieve the ability. Service animals are trained to do something very items for you, she won’t be able to do that when inside of a carrier. This may lead to the animal being denied entry since it clearly cannot perform work or tasks for you. Myspecific dog that and mitigates I volunteer that disability. at the local nursing home. That makes her a service dog, right? Do I have to reveal my disability if asked? No. She is a therapy dog, not a service dog. So your No, and the law prohibits anyone from asking you pet is not entitled to any of the protections under the this question. ADA law. Can I train my own service dog? Where can service animals go, according to U.S. law? a very challenging and long process to ensure the dog is Service animals must be allowed any place or area trainedYes, correctly, you can train and youyour may own have service to go dog. through This can certi be- that the public is allowed. Areas that must remain sterile, such as operating rooms or restaurant kitchens, can the work or tasks to assist you. exclude service animals since they are areas the public is fication processes to confirm the dog is able to perform not normally allowed to enter. This applies to state and - Public Entity Responsibilities tions that serve the public. Entities that serve the public have requirements local governments, businesses and nonprofit organiza and restrictions when it comes to service animals and Does the service animal have to wear a vest or tag? disabled persons. Some questions are acceptable, while The animal is not required to have a vest or tag, but others may land you in legal trouble. it must be leashed, harnessed or tethered unless such an item would interfere with the dog’s ability to perform My business serves the public. When the job of the task or work to assist the disabled person. Even with- the service animal is not obvious, what can I ask? out these items, the dog must remain in the control of its owner by voice, signal or other effective commands. n Is the dog a service animal required because of a You can ask only two questions according to the law: PAGE 16 FAKE SERVICE DOGS, REAL PROBLEM

disability? If you normally charge customers for damages by n What has the dog been trained to do? their pets, you can charge a customer for the damages - incurred by his or her service animal. - Do I have to allow service animals in my trans- son. YouIn fact, can’t there ask forare proofmany ofquestions the service you animal’s can’t ask: cer tification or ask for medical documentation from the per portation service? n What is your disability? n Do you have medical documentation for your dis- a service animal or charge higher fees because of the ability? animal.Yes. You cannot deny transportation to anyone with n n Do I have to provide food, water or restroom Can I see the dog’s identification card? n Can you have the dog demonstrate his work or facilities for the service animal? Dotask? you have proof the dog was trained or certified? animal. This is the responsibility of the owner/handler. If Someone in my business is allergic or scared of he orNo. she You does are ask not for required assistance to provide you should anything do what for theyou dogs. Can I remove the person and his animal, or can to help. move them to an area without customers? If the animal needs to relieve itself and the only area Isolating the person with a service animal is against available is not accessible by the owner because of a dis- the law. He or she cannot be asked to leave because of ability, you may be asked to provide assistance to the dog. another patron’s allergy or fear. If there are multiple public areas for use by customers, it might be feasible to What can I do if the dog exhibits aggressive or disruptive behavior? are not allowed to treat the service animal’s owner any Service dogs must work without threatening lessmove favorably the patrons or charge to different higher areas fees fromthan thoseeach other. charged You violence. Any service animal that poses a threat to the to other customers. health and safety of others may be removed upon exhib- iting such behavior. However, excluding breeds on the I have always had a “no pets” policy. Do I have to belief or previous experience that they are aggressive is allow service animals? not allowed. If your entity serves the public, you are required to If you do ask to have a service animal removed for this reason, you must also offer the owner/handler the a person with a service animal. Refusing entry or isolat- option of remaining in the facility without the dog. ingallow a person service with animals a service by law. dog You can cannot not only refuse result entry in to legal issues, but also may result in you being arrested. What can I do about a disruptive dog that isn’t aggressive? My local government lists only guide dogs as ser- Disturbing a normal business function can be vice animals that can be permitted in my business. grounds for removing a service animal, such as a dog Can I refuse entry to those who are not blind? continuously barking during a movie. The same applies No, you cannot refuse entry to any person with a for service animals that are not housebroken and relieve service animal regardless of what the state or local gov- themselves in the premises. ernment lists. The ADA overrides state and local statutes. How do I know if the dog is truly a service animal? I charge pet deposits or fees for anyone with an Since you can’t ask for documentation as proof, you animal. Can I charge for a service animal? can observe the animal’s behavior. If the animal appears Absolutely not. Service animals are exempt from to be wandering around, playing, jumping, barking or customary fees that apply to other animals. relieving itself, it’s possible this is not a service dog. Keep in mind that you can’t request removal of the animal un- Can I charge for repairs if the service animal cre- less it is disruptive to your business operations or poses ates damages on my property? a threat to the health and safety of others. FAKE SERVICE DOGS, REAL PROBLEM PAGE 17

Be observant and understanding. The method of (FAA), airlines in the United States cannot refuse entry to verifying the legitimacy of a service dog is severely lack- someone with a service animal: ing, but you also wouldn’t want to face legal issues in the The Department of Transportation (DOT) has event that you denied access to a trained service animal. rules (14 CFR part 382) (PDF) that require airlines to Unfortunately, service animals are easy to fake, handlers the cabin on all U.S. airlines. Service animals are not pets.allow They passengers are working to fly withanimals their that service assist animals persons in with guidelinescan’t be asked or requirements for proof, and are many added certifications to the ADA are that disabilities. There is no limit to the number of service purchased off the internet with no verification. Until new- dating is the best approach. provide a way to confirm certifications, being accommo animals that can be on any flight. Service animals do not need any health certificates to travel and they do not Interacting With a Person and orneed written to be documentsconfined in thata container certify the or cage.service animal, His or Her Service Dog but theyAirlines may recommend also allow access providing based identification on observations. cards It’s never a good idea to approach someone’s dog As long as the dog doesn’t cause a disruption or pose a without their consent, and service animals are no excep- threat to others, it is unlikely to be rejected for boarding. Vests or tags on the animal are helpful but not required.

theytion. areYou working shouldn’t dogs approach that are or on touch the jobthe 24/7.animal Distrac without- tionsasking or the offerings owner offirst. food Service or treats animals may notare benot welcomed. guard dogs; the cargoIf the holdanimal (weather is too large permitting). to fit under Some your airlines feet or will Talk with the person, but don’t ask about his or her in a carrier, the airline may require the animal to fly in disability. While some people may freely discuss their disability, others may see it as an invasion of privacy (or ifallow it applies emotional to your support animal. animals to fly in the cabin, and just plain rude). you should review the airline’s policy before flying to see Another important point to remember: Just because additional restrictions required by foreign governments someone looks okay on the outside doesn’t mean he or and Ifairports. you’re flyingCheck to with another the airline country, and there the destination’s may be she has no disability. Many people with medical condi- government to know exactly what you need to prepare tions and psychological disorders can appear just like so your service dog is not rejected upon boarding. you and me. We don’t notice them normally because we Hotels can’t turn you away for having a service can’t see anything wrong with them. Having a service animal puts a spotlight on people however, be responsible for any damage caused by your with disabilities; they are now publicly visible as being serviceanimal; animal.nor can If they you charge require you a low pet or deposits. bottom-level You will, “disabled” in some way. While their dog may be a cher- room, notify the hotel in advance. The law applies not ished form of support, they may be scared, insecure or just to hotels and airlines, but any establishment that is shy about being in public or interacting with you. Treat open to the public. n them as you would anyone else, and feel free to strike up a conversation.

About the Writer Traveling With a Service Dog Kristine Lacoste, managing editor U.S. airlines can’t prevent your service animal from of Petful, is an author, poet and pet lover from Louisiana. When she is not traveling or writing, she showers accompanying you on a flight. They may not be able to her attention and affection on Sissy, a accommodate multiple service animals on one flight due brown Labrador. Kristine’s love of ani- reviewto capacity their and policies may move on service you to animals. another flight, and it’s mals started at a young age with cats, dogs and many frogs. alwaysAccording a good ideato the to Federal contact Aviationthem before Administration your flight to References

Here are the sources we used for this series of articles.

Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, as amended. “What is the difference between a psychiatric service dog and an Department of Justice. http://www.ada.gov/pubs/adastatute08. emotional support animal?” Service Dog Central. htm http://www.servicedogcentral.org/content/node/76

“Minimum Standards for Training Service Dogs.” Assistance “Service Dog Tasks for Psychiatric Disabilities.” Joan Froling, Dogs International Inc. http://www.assistancedogsinternational. trainer consultant, International Association of Assistance Dog org/Standards/ServiceDogStandards.php Partners (IAADP). http://www.iaadp.org/psd_tasks.html

“Fakers—Pets in Public.” Service Dogs of Florida Inc. “More Than Man’s Best Friend.” Jarrett A. Lobell and Eric Powell. http://2012.servicedogsfl.org/?p=28 Archaeology Magazine. October 2010. http://www.archaeology. org/1009/dogs/ “Service Dog Certification: Spotting Fake Certification/ Registration/ID.” Service Dog Central. http://servicedogcentral. “Assistance Dogs: Learning New Tricks for Centuries.” Jennie org/content/fake-service-dog-credentials Cohen. History.com. http://www.history.com/news/assistance- dogs-learning-new-tricks-for-centuries “Abuse of the Service Dog Title.” Russell Hartstein, CPDT. http:// www.funpawcare.com/2012/06/23/abuse-of-the-service-dog-title/ “Guide Dogs for the Blind’s History.” Guide Dogs for the Blind. http://www.guidedogs.com/site/PageServer?pagename=about_ Food and Agricultural Code of California. Division 14, Chap- overview_history ter 3.5, Section 30850. http://animallaw.info/statutes/stusca_ civil_54_55_2.htm#s542 International Guide Dog Federation. http://www.igdf.org.uk/

The United States Service Dog Registry. “Understand new ADA service animal regulations.” Michael R. http://www.usservicedogregistry.org/shop.php# Masinter. Disability Compliance for Higher Education. October 2010. http://www.disabilitycomplianceforhighereducation.com/ “Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability in Air Travel.” sample-articles/service-animal-regulations.aspx 14 CFR Part 382. U.S. Department of Transportation. http://airconsumer.ost.dot.gov/rules/382short.pdf “Service animals: Frequently asked questions.” Northwest ADA Center. October 2010. http://www.dbtacnorthwest.org/_public/ “Revised ADA Requirements: Service Animals.” U.S. Depart- site/files/Service%20Animal%20Fact%20Sheet%2010-12-2010. ment of Justice, Civil Rights Division, Disability Rights Section. pdf http://www.ada.gov/service_animals_2010.htm “Special assistance.” JetBlue. http://www.jetblue.com/travel/ “Disability Self-Assessment Test.” Free My Paws. http://www. special-needs/ freemypaws.com/ “Pets in the passenger cabin.” Federal Aviation Administra- Guiding Eyes for the Blind. http://www.guidingeyes.org/ tion. October 2009. http://www.faa.gov/passengers/fly_pets/ Psychiatric Service Dog Society (PSDS). http://www.psychdog cabin_pets/ .org/faq.html Readers Respond

Selected comments from readers about our six-part special series.

am a mom to two kids with special needs. Their when they follow a fake service dog it takes even more convincing that they will not be a problem. Just as big an across the country to acquire a service dog from a issue are poorly run and frudulant service dog agencies. Ileadingneeds service are so dog severe agency. that Our we raiseddog spent funds months and flew in Because of one of these in Alaska, our dogs in training are not welcome in the mall. They banned ALL service spent months raising funds, compiling references, video- dogs in training after a very bad service dog organization tapingtraining our and children was trained and their specifically behaviors, for ourand children. two weeks We there took what they called service dogs in training into of service dog boot camp. The dog is needed every day the mall and one lunged, growling at people. —Karen Shirck, executive director of 4 Paws For Ability task-trained to deal with their disabilities. When people eing a puppy raiser for a service dog organization, taketo ensure their ourpets children who are are not safe. task-trained She has been(very specifically obviously) I have fostered different breeds of dogs, including and try to pass them off as service animals, it jeopardizes a couple of toy breeds. So the only thing I didn’t - Blike about this series was the picture of the chihuahua ness may later cause the service dog program to be dis- being fake or not and the typical-looking service dogs be- continuedthe future ofor serviceworse yet, dogs. convince In other someone words, your to disobey selfish the ing legit. This gives people a perception of what a service law and not allow a service dog in their establishment. dog should look like—but they can come in all shapes How would you feel if that someone happened to be a and sizes. —Elly child who then died from a seizure or an autistic person who bolted into a busy street and was hit by a car. am one of the very fortunate recipients of a guide —Name withheld dog. Dubai has been my guide since July 2010. I lost most of my vision to wet macular degeneration Isuddenly six years ago. Along with my vision, I lost my service dog. However, having traveled with my dog 22-year career in the computer industry, my ability to It is definitely wrong to pretend that your dog is a travel, and even my sense of self. Guide dogs restore in- (who had to fly cargo because she was 2 pounds over- mention provide unconditional love. They also save lives. the cabin weight restriction) and seen firsthand just how Sixdependence months ago and Dubai self-confidence saved mine. in We their were handlers, on our notway to dogbadly was customs left on officials a loading and dock airline for 36 staff hours—never mismanage anieven to college, where I’m studying psychology with the intent takenmal care, to the I understand bathroom. whyThe peopleairlines do want this me for to flights. not lie? My to help others who have suffered a disability return to a Fine. Treat my animal properly. I get that it is not okay to meaningful productive life, when I heard squealing tires. lie, and I don’t. My dog travels in cargo as required be- I stopped to determine where the sound was coming cause I recognize that her discomfort does not outweigh from, a reaction that nearly ended my life had it not been the problem caused by fake service dogs. But really, I for Dubai. She pulled me to safety without a moment’s honestly understand why someone might lie to the air- hesitation. For her, it was all in day’s work. For my family, lines. Maybe we would have fewer cheats if animals were my husband of 22 years, and my 17- and 19-year-old allowed in a few more public places. —Sarah children, she is a hero. Service animals are essential for people who have suffered a disability to return to a his is both sad and TRUE. Even this weekend, as meaningful and productive life. They make world a safer, our staff traveled to California, there were two warmer place. —Tammy T fake service dogs in the airport. As service dog teams have enough problems getting into public, but trainers ourselves, we find them very easy to spot. Our