New WDW Service Dog webpage/Kennels at some attractions

[gilesmt]

Sue will provide the laws I'm sure, but no there is not registration, no certification and vest or harness, nothing is required by law to have a service dog. An owner of the business can ask, is that a service animal, and what service does he do, if a person does not know, you can say anything and that is all they can ask.the problem is, the owner asks, but are afraid to say no, what if it is a service animal and a law suit accors,but then again I would say we already live in a country that 2/3 of service dogs are not true service dogs not by definition. I went to a school in ny, 28 days to get my guide dog, paid nothing, others have to train dog the self, I don't want to take that away from them, since mine is free and mine is well trained by experts but it does leave a huge mess for those who do not really have service dogs. What made it worse was when a federal agency HUD declared that federally a companion dog is to be treated the same in a rental, meaning no security deposits and only a doctors note was needed to prove that an elderly or disabled needed a companion. If you ask these elderly or disabled they will tell you there dog is a service animal, but by law they are not.

Honestly it is a mess. Blind since the age of four, had a dog now almost 9 years, the first time I was asked what service my dog does, I went dumb, could not answer. I spit out he is my eyes, no that is not a service, I really had to think, he now she gets me form point a to point b safely, she leads me around tree branches, she stops me before I fall off curbs or walks into traffic, but in reality, I lead her, she won't move unless commanded to, she won't step in the street even if clear until I tell her to. But she is disobedient in a situation when I give her a command and she sees danger. The new hybrid cars have no sound, if I tell her to walk and she sees a car in the road she will disobey me even if I get demanding and correct her.

Disney has lots and lots of people claiming service dogs that are unservicea dogs. So doesn't home deposit and Walmart and the public bus system.

Disabled have not fought it because we do not want to take away the service of free dogs to those disabilities that need them. My school now does autism dogs, but you have to live within 2 hours because the training is so different, but at least it is free. My school also has buddy dogs, dogs for children who are blind and not old enough for a dog but know they want one as an adult. They learn what it is like to have a two year old tied to your ankle your whole life, I love my dog but really that is what he is a two year old except when working and boy to keep him happy I have to walk, 3.7 miles every other day, and still she can not do Disney.

Your turn sue, I don't have the whole law.

 

[SueM in MN]

LOL
Here is a link to the Revised ADA information page about Service Animals.

http://www.ada.gov/service_animals_2010.htm

 

[scojos]

i dont know your laws (im from the UK) but just wanted to add we brought a bassett hound for my autistic son and he was used as a PAT dog and had an amazing effect on my sons behaviour (he has hfasd).
8 years later when we go to the mall here alot of dogs are "paraded" using high viz jackets or puppy in training leads. The majority (i would guess from their behaviour) are just pets that do not want to be left home alone. the problem of "fake" dogs is everywhere.
A canadian friend has trained her husky to aid her with her fibromyalgia (i have this illness too) and she does take him everywhere with her.. but she will call and check if its ok in restaurants etc or send someone into a shop to check if they object to him... he is not a registered service dog, and some people do say no (one small boutique as her daughter was allergic to dogs... but said she could ask someone to hold the dog while she looked?? sounded reasonable to me, and thats what we did. but our uk laws are different (obviously )
i do agree however a certificate should be required to label a dog a "service dog" whatever service is provided and like a driving license should be delivered when asked for examination
xx

 

[kaytieeldr]

Any idea why the trainer, or person ( I assume trainer) is holding what looks like a GAC card and what words are on it?

Also, this is new, but it says nothing about the kennels that we heard talked about recently, any thoughts?

Not addressed, but seems unlikely based on "Cast Members are not allowed to care for or take control of service animals at any time", and "a member of the party must remain with the service animal at all times".

 

[SueM in MN]

Not addressed, but seems unlikely based on "Cast Members are not allowed to care for or take control of service animals at any time", and "a member of the party must remain with the service animal at all times".

Yes.
And, the website does state that very clearly.

The person in the pictures on the website is the same person in each picture. It appears she is supposed to be the guest who is using the Service Dog.

 

[jmartinez1895]

After zooming in on the GAC in the photo ( curiosity got the best of me) I could not read the wording, but it does not appear to have the place for stamps instead it is preprinted. It could be that they have made a GAC with service dog info, such as the rules that are posted on the site. The GAC was used as prop in the photo and i have never seen Disney "advertise" the card like that before so this particular card may be service dog specific, but I guess we will only know for sure when someone post first hand knowledge.

 

[Traveliz]

It's my understanding it's a special card that you would get if you have a service animal that might need to use a kennel. When shown to a CM they will then call a coordinator to handle the kennel use. The front line CMs do not do it themselves.

Liz

 

[gilesmt]

Thanks I am curious about the card. I may have the answers next month if no one else does, but then again I am still trying to figure out if my dog comes or stays or spends lots of time in the main kennels and little time with us.

Funny that the new web site says nothing about the kennels or the GAC card the person is holding. The update the web right after a policy change and do not include the new policies?

 

[disney david]

Thanks I am curious about the card. I may have the answers next month if no one else does, but then again I am still trying to figure out if my dog comes or stays or spends lots of time in the main kennels and little time with us.

Funny that the new web site says nothing about the kennels or the GAC card the person is holding. The update the web right after a policy change and do not include the new policies?

I don't think you need a gac it just might be they used the same person for the photo shoot and when they put the dog in they didn't have he Put the card down. Or as a pp said it could just be a tip sheet or since your need a gac to sit closer to the show or other things they felt to use it in the photo. So have fun and let us know how it went.

 

[Traveliz]

Thanks I am curious about the card. I may have the answers next month if no one else does, but then again I am still trying to figure out if my dog comes or stays or spends lots of time in the main kennels and little time with us.

Funny that the new web site says nothing about the kennels or the GAC card the person is holding. The update the web right after a policy change and do not include the new policies?

I get my information from my daughter who works and trains in attractions that have the kennels and that don't. She trained someone on this as recently as a couple of weeks ago. The Disney web pages are often not up to date.

Liz

 

[SueM in MN]

I have it on good authority that the pictures showing what looks like a Guest Assistance Card were an error and will be changed.

Guests with Service Dogs don't need a GAC unless they have other needs that are not met by having their dog with them in line.

It is a new webpage and it's possible they will not add the kennel information until all of them are in place.

 

[dgauthier]

I have a legal service animal trained by a certified trainer for low blood sugar. I worry about my highs naturally but what I really worry about is my severe lows which I get on a regular basis and could be life threatening. Sasha gives me valuable time to colorectal the issue. She does wear her vest with her picture I'd from NASAR on it, the barcode on the I'd links to her training certificates, my doctors request for the service animal, vet records. Her authenticity as a service animal can be traced, if someone just asks me and does not assume since my disability is not staring them in the face and she is just a pet along for a good time

 

[gilesmt]

I have a legal service animal trained by a certified trainer for low blood sugar. I worry about my highs naturally but what I really worry about is my severe lows which I get on a regular basis and could be life threatening. Sasha gives me valuable time to colorectal the issue. She does wear her vest with her picture I'd from NASAR on it, the barcode on the I'd links to her training certificates, my doctors request for the service animal, vet records. Her authenticity as a service animal can be traced, if someone just asks me and does not assume since my disability is not staring them in the face and she is just a pet along for a good time

The problem is showing the card. I have a card and picture also from the school I got her from. But anyone can buy a card on line there are many web sites that give you a card, a vest and even a harness for the blind, if you look hard enough. Maybe I am in the wrong frame of mind but my thinking is, I refuse to show the card because I want to protect the right of all service animals. By law a card can not be asked for, I think there may be an exception, I think airlines can and do ask for cards, I have had to show it to have my dog in cabin. But if I start showing it to others at will they will expect it and by law there are "legal" service dogs that are not trained in schools or by trainers, I do not what the right of a person with a disability not like mine to not have that right to train there own dog, so I refuse since by law they can not ask and by law they do not have to have a card, or be registered, or be certified or even trained by a professional.

 

[dgauthier]

The problem is showing the card. I have a card and picture also from the school I got her from. But anyone can buy a card on line there are many web sites that give you a card, a vest and even a harness for the blind, if you look hard enough. Maybe I am in the wrong frame of mind but my thinking is, I refuse to show the card because I want to protect the right of all service animals. By law a card can not be asked for, I think there may be an exception, I think airlines can and do ask for cards, I have had to show it to have my dog in cabin. But if I start showing it to others at will they will expect it and by law there are "legal" service dogs that are not trained in schools or by trainers, I do not what the right of a person with a disability not like mine to not have that right to train there own dog, so I refuse since by law they can not ask and by law they do not have to have a card, or be registered, or be certified or even trained by a professional.

I understand what you are saying now I misunderstood, I agree I have no problem with showing the card to who truely needs to know. I do get tired of the rude comments like why does he have a dog he can see. So I fine myself doing alot of educational talks so folks know that service dogs are being trained for many other functions now. Like others after spending the thousands of dollars out of my pocket to get my service animal since insurance would not pay, I use her. She flies on all my trips, and she resides in her own part of our office we share (LOL) I do have to agree with you about folks just getting a dog slapping a vest (if they even bother wit doing that) and calling it a service animal. It does make it harder for those of us with a true service animal to get in to places at times.

 

[SueM in MN]

This is from the ADA pge I linked to previously:

Service Animals Must Be Under Control

Under the ADA, service animals must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered, unless these devices interfere with the service animal’s work or the individual’s disability prevents using these devices. In that case, the individual must maintain control of the animal through voice, signal, or other effective controls.

Inquiries, Exclusions, Charges, and Other Specific Rules Related to Service Animals

When it is not obvious what service an animal provides, only limited inquiries are allowed. Staff may ask 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. Staff cannot ask about the person’s disability, require medical documentation, require a special identification card or training documentation for the dog, or ask that the dog demonstrate its ability to perform the work or task.

 

[buffettgirl]

I understand what you are saying now I misunderstood, I agree I have no problem with showing the card to who truely needs to know. I do get tired of the rude comments like why does he have a dog he can see. So I fine myself doing alot of educational talks so folks know that service dogs are being trained for many other functions now. Like others after spending the thousands of dollars out of my pocket to get my service animal since insurance would not pay, I use her. She flies on all my trips, and she resides in her own part of our office we share (LOL) I do have to agree with you about folks just getting a dog slapping a vest (if they even bother wit doing that) and calling it a service animal. It does make it harder for those of us with a true service animal to get in to places at times.

The problem is that there is no regulation on the companies that train these dogs. The service dog industry for other needs other than vision is unregulated and often scammy. You may believe that you have a "true service animal" (and I am not disputing that fact) but paying a trainer thousands of a dollars doesn't make it any more or less legitimate than any other person saying that their household pet alerts for lows. Heck, our cat alerts for highs. I could bring him along and say he's a service animal. So simply having paperwork from a trainer is really no better than printing a piece of paper off the internet saying "service animal" or slapping a vest on the animal.

I would greatly like to see some regulation for all these places that are training animals - and more importantly, for the ones who are taking people's money and giving them untrained pets.

 

[dgauthier]

The problem is that there is no regulation on the companies that train these dogs. The service dog industry for other needs other than vision is unregulated and often scammy. You may believe that you have a "true service animal" (and I am not disputing that fact) but paying a trainer thousands of a dollars doesn't make it any more or less legitimate than any other person saying that their household pet alerts for lows. Heck, our cat alerts for highs. I could bring him along and say he's a service animal. So simply having paperwork from a trainer is really no better than printing a piece of paper off the internet saying "service animal" or slapping a vest on the animal.

I would greatly like to see some regulation for all these places that are training animals - and more importantly, for the ones who are taking people's money and giving them untrained pets.

Like you stated you had to go to school with your service animal I spent three week at this facility working with my service animal before this non-profit foundation would even consider the animal leaving with me, an I know you are not disputing what she does for me but even a service animal for the blind can buy an ID online. I think you are right about better regulations but on all service animals even the ones for the blind. But it is statements like "paying a trainer thousands of a dollars doesn't make it any more or less legitimate than any other person saying that their household pet alerts for lows. Heck, our cat alerts for highs. I could bring him along and say he's a service animal"[/B][/B], is really an insult to my honesty and all the hard work put into trying to get service animals for folks with my disability and and it only re-enforces the ugly comments I already get when I have my service animal with me working. So is the problem that you do not believe a servce animal can do anything other than lead a blind person, or is it as you said now everyone will have a service animal in the parks.

 

[SueM in MN]

This is a good article about choosing a service dog provider, costs, etc.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/22/health/22patient.html?_r=0

 

[buffettgirl]

Like you stated you had to go to school with your service animal I spent three week at this facility working with my service animal before this non-profit foundation would even consider the animal leaving with me, an I know you are not disputing what she does for me but even a service animal for the blind can buy an ID online. I think you are right about better regulations but on all service animals even the ones for the blind. But it is statements like "paying a trainer thousands of a dollars doesn't make it any more or less legitimate than any other person saying that their household pet alerts for lows. Heck, our cat alerts for highs. I could bring him along and say he's a service animal"[/B][/B], is really an insult to my honesty and all the hard work put into trying to get service animals for folks with my disability and and it only re-enforces the ugly comments I already get when I have my service animal with me working. So is the problem that you do not believe a servce animal can do anything other than lead a blind person, or is it as you said now everyone will have a service animal in the parks.

I'm sorry, you've totally misunderstood what I was saying.

I do not have a service dog , however, I closely follow the diabetes service dog industry and I have seen more than one instance where companies have taken thousands of dollars from people and then have returned them untrained dogs. And when the customers go to get their money back, the company is gone. It's happened more than once and the lawsuits are all out there to be seen.

I'm not implying that dogs cannot alert for low and high blood sugar - there is nothing that would indicate that they can't do it. Dogs have keen capabilities that even a non-dog person like myself can understand. And I am serious when I say that our cat will leave my son's bedroom at night when he's high. Every time. he's sensing something that we can't. But I have seen first hand far too many people be taken in by claims made my less than reputable fly by night companies promising the world.

But, my basic point is that the service dog industry is not regulated in any way. There are reputable places, you seem to have found one. But the papers the provide saying your dog is trained are no better than a paper printed off the internet. Since these companies can make whatever claims they want to make there is absolutely no way for a consumer or a company like Disney to know the difference.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

I have a legal service animal trained by a certified trainer for low blood sugar. I worry about my highs naturally but what I really worry about is my severe lows which I get on a regular basis and could be life threatening. Sasha gives me valuable time to colorectal the issue....

Auto-correct strikes again!