Emotional support dogs?

[HookdonWDW]

last trip home from FL we were treated to the conversation of a "dog lover" in front of us detailing how easy it was for him to order a 'service animal vest' for his Yorkie.... how he only had to send a payment in to some company,and was rewarded with a little orange vest that allowed him to carry his dog with him everywhere,and 'no one could say anything about it,it's awesome'.... The problem is once folks discover how 'easy' it is to just make this title for their own pets...instant abuse of the system.

This is my problem with the whole thing. If someone legitimately needs a service animal, than by all means, go for it. I don't mind having to triple my meds and break out inhalers for someone else who has a true medical condition. But, as someone with severe allergies, it chaps my britches that I sometimes end up in medical discomfort because someone else can't leave Fido at home. I'm just glad cats haven't been approved as service animals, because then I would be in real trouble...

 

[Dudetrue]

I'm noticing a lot more service animals around too. I saw a basset hound at Disney a few years ago and it doesn't bother me unless they 1.try to take them on rides which is dangerous to the animal or the riders or 2. leave them tied up in the heat outside a ride (even worse).
I understand how some animals alert their owners to pending conditions and that's great. But last time I flew there was a woman on the plane with a cat in a carrier. She said the TSA made her take the cat out to search it (??) and the cat got loose and was all over the place going bonkers until they could catch it. I was a little freaked out that somehow the cat could get loose while we were in flight and what would occur if this happened.
Not that that would happen in Disney. Cat's aren't service animals. But true service animals are "on the job" and as far as I have been told they do not pay attention to anyone else when they are working.
It angers me if people keep their little pets with them and just get a service animal vest on ebay. Leave them in a nice, air conditioned, monitored pet hotel. Disney's is great. I'm pretty sure the noise and crowds at Disney can't be good for pets anyway.

 

[aaarcher86]

last trip home from FL we were treated to the conversation of a "dog lover" in front of us detailing how easy it was for him to order a 'service animal vest' for his Yorkie.... how he only had to send a payment in to some company,and was rewarded with a little orange vest that allowed him to carry his dog with him everywhere,and 'no one could say anything about it,it's awesome'.... The problem is once folks discover how 'easy' it is to just make this title for their own pets...instant abuse of the system.

This is my problem with the whole thing. If someone legitimately needs a service animal, than by all means, go for it. I don't mind having to triple my meds and break out inhalers for someone else who has a true medical condition. But, as someone with severe allergies, it chaps my britches that I sometimes end up in medical discomfort because someone else can't leave Fido at home. I'm just glad cats haven't been approved as service animals, because then I would be in real trouble...

Completely agree with this.

OP - unless your friend has a legitimate 'emotional support' dog and the doctor has prescribed it for a health issue... leave it at home. Seriously. Everyone's dog gives them some form of emotional benefit. Please ask your friend not to contribute to the downfall of ease that people with actual disabilities have bringing their dogs places. If people like your undiagnosed friend continues to bring their dogs everywhere the laws WILL get tighter on restricting them for people that truly need it.

 

[Boski]

If people like your undiagnosed friend continues to bring their dogs everywhere the laws WILL get tighter on restricting them for people that truly need it.

I failed to see where the OP said their friend was "un-diagnosed".

 

[tsme]

Someone I know is training her pet yorkie to be her emotional support dog. I don't know all the details. She said it's something like an online thing, where she does the work & then she gets a vest & certificate for her dog to go everywhere with her. Don't flame me, I didn't say it was right or legal, I'm just repeating what I was told. Personally, I'd love to take my crestie with me everywhere (I have extreme anxiety), she calms me, but she's a spoiled little thing & I don't thing crowds would help her anxiety!

 

[Squirlz]

We just got back from PetSmart and there were several dogs in there. Barking at each other, lunging at customers, frightened and confused. I told my Wife these people are only thinking of themselves. They don't care how their pet feels or how other shoppers are affected. Just selfish.

 

[jenineh]

This is my problem with the whole thing. If someone legitimately needs a service animal, than by all means, go for it. I don't mind having to triple my meds and break out inhalers for someone else who has a true medical condition. But, as someone with severe allergies, it chaps my britches that I sometimes end up in medical discomfort because someone else can't leave Fido at home. I'm just glad cats haven't been approved as service animals, because then I would be in real trouble...

I'm with you on this one.

 

[aaarcher86]

I failed to see where the OP said their friend was "un-diagnosed".

Someone who has a prescribed ESD typically is aware of where they're legally allowed to go with them and what they qualify for.

 

[aaarcher86]

Someone I know is training her pet yorkie to be her emotional support dog. I don't know all the details. She said it's something like an online thing, where she does the work & then she gets a vest & certificate for her dog to go everywhere with her. Don't flame me, I didn't say it was right or legal, I'm just repeating what I was told. Personally, I'd love to take my crestie with me everywhere (I have extreme anxiety), she calms me, but she's a spoiled little thing & I don't thing crowds would help her anxiety!

Your friend might want to look into it a bit more. No public places are required to allow emotional support dogs.

http://www.nsarco.com/knowyourrights.html

 

[ppony]

Your friend might want to look into it a bit more. No public places are required to allow emotional support dogs.

http://www.nsarco.com/knowyourrights.html

Yeah, I second that. That's what I was going to say. Somehow, I suspect these "courses" are being sold to people by making it sound like they'll be able to do all the things service dogs can, but they can't. Clearly, that friend of hers was misinformed and will be pretty upset when she finds out.

It also chaps me when people bring their dogs or cats onboard the cabin part of the plane and then take them out of their carriers to pet (and dredge up dander and hair) and thusly causing everyone else to deal w/ it. Many people have serious reactions to pet dander and fur. I'd never do that to someone else. If I had to bring a pup or cat onboard, it would remain under the seat in front of me in it's carrier. That will at least minimize the amount of stuff that gets into the closed air bubble we fly in. If I had to calm down on a plane, which I do get incredible anxiety from, I'd get a script for a drug for the flight.

 

[StirlingSilver83]

We just got back from PetSmart and there were several dogs in there. Barking at each other, lunging at customers, frightened and confused. I told my Wife these people are only thinking of themselves. They don't care how their pet feels or how other shoppers are affected. Just selfish.

Petsmart is awful! I have been there and the dogs just look so stressed out! If you know your dog is stressed by crowds don't take them to petsmart! I was there for Black Friday last year and it was completely nuts! I almost got run over by 3 people! And what got to me more were people actually brought their dogs to that madness! I was really surprised...I think people just bring their dogs bc they are selfish and don't think about the dogs health. On a side note I remember a commercial on tv advertising for getting your dog registered as an emotional support dog by sending in a payment and they would send u a vest. That was a few months ago. I think they prolly took it off the air bc the company couldn't have been legit. Anyways enough of my 2 cents lol

 

[Micca]

I have no knowledge or strong opinions on this, but I do have a story

A few years ago I was on a plane with a woman with a "service marmoset." (Google it--it's a tiny monkey). She had it with her at the gate where we were waiting to board and it was attracting quite a bit of attention.

She explained that it was for an emotional disorder and that she kept the marmoset with her at all times. She said the animal slept in the waistband of her PJs, and when she turned over during the night that little guy would move around so as not to be crushed.

Not for me to judge, but I think you'll agree that it's an interesting story.

 

[CinderElsa]

I have no knowledge or strong opinions on this, but I do have a story

A few years ago I was on a plane with a woman with a "service marmoset." (Google it--it's a tiny monkey). She had it with her at the gate where we were waiting to board and it was attracting quite a bit of attention.

She explained that it was for an emotional disorder and that she kept the marmoset with her at all times. She said the animal slept in the waistband of her PJs, and when she turned over during the night that little guy would move around so as not to be crushed.

Not for me to judge, but I think you'll agree that it's an interesting story.

I think animals that sleep in one's pants qualify as a different type of "service" animal.

 

[Babsy]

I wonder if I could bring my 2 Newfoundland dogs as emotional support to WDW. they are very calming…..why would anyone object? just kidding! LOL!

Seriously, OP, if your friend has a legitimate problem (and I don't mean to suggest that she does or doesn't - I don't know) then she should contact WDW and get the particulars about how they may be able to help her in her particular situation. I am sure that Disney will help all that they can when there is a need.

 

[hannaconda]

If one claims to be a service animal, can't a business ask the owner to show their papers on the animal even if the animal is wearing a service animal vest?

 

[Ravenne]

Pardon my ignorance, but what in the world is an "emotional support" animal?

Edit: before the sarcastic comments: I realize they provide emotional support. I guess I just don't understand why it would be needed to bring a dog with you EVERYWHERE.

Not being sarcastic at all. Some people, especially those who suffer from PTSD really do benefit from emotional support animals. Of course, there are also various levels of PTSD with variable needs.
http://www.ptsd.va.gov/PTSD/public/treatment/cope/dogs_and_ptsd.asp

A crackpot excuse to bring your dog everywhere with you and try to force others to put up with it.

For the likes of Paris Hilton, yes, but for a military veteran suffering from PTSD? Not so much.

If one claims to be a service animal, can't a business ask the owner to show their papers on the animal even if the animal is wearing a service animal vest?

If you are not certain that an animal is a service animal, you may ask the person who has the animal if it is a service animal required because of a disability. However, an individual who is going to a restaurant or theater is not likely to be carrying documentation of his or her medical condition or disability. Therefore, such documentation generally may not be required as a condition for providing service to an individual accompanied by a service animal. Although a number of states have programs to certify service animals, you may not insist on proof of state certification before permitting the service animal to accompany the person with a disability.

http://www.ada.gov/qasrvc.htm
With that said, iirc, emotional support animals are not covered under ADA regulations.



As with many things with good intentions, and valid, legitimate uses, it's subject to abuse. Kind of like the Guest Assistance Cards.

 

[livndisney]

If one claims to be a service animal, can't a business ask the owner to show their papers on the animal even if the animal is wearing a service animal vest?

No, a vest can be purchased online by anyone and there are no "official" papers. (Anyway could be easily faked). Lawmakers are starting to pass laws making it a crime to claim a service animal when animal is not.

http://khon2.com/2014/03/20/lawmakers-consider-fine-for-fake-service-dogs/

http://animallaw.info/articles/State Tables/tbusassistanceanimals.htm

 

[StirlingSilver83]

i think animals that sleep in one's pants qualify as a different type of "service" animal.

lmfao!!!

 

[JillyBean1899]

Petsmart is awful! I have been there and the dogs just look so stressed out! If you know your dog is stressed by crowds don't take them to petsmart! I was there for Black Friday last year and it was completely nuts! I almost got run over by 3 people! And what got to me more were people actually brought their dogs to that madness! I was really surprised...I think people just bring their dogs bc they are selfish and don't think about the dogs health.

No, not all of us bring our dogs to PetSmart because we are "selfish and don't think about the dogs health". A number of us bring our dogs to PetSmart because it helps with socialization and reinforcement of training with distractions around. My dog loves to see children and get "lovins". Plus she gets treats from the cashiers when she shows her "manners". And if she shows any sign of not wanting to be there, we leave immediately.

 

[jenineh]

No, not all of us bring our dogs to PetSmart because we are "selfish and don't think about the dogs health". A number of us bring our dogs to PetSmart because it helps with socialization and reinforcement of training with distractions around. My dog loves to see children and get "lovins". Plus she gets treats from the cashiers when she shows her "manners". And if she shows any sign of not wanting to be there, we leave immediately.

Although I can understand that. It's hard for some people who have allergies to go there. I own a mini schnauzer and he is the only type of dog I can tolerate with my allergies. The minute I go into Petsmart to pick up anything, I instantly have a reaction when walk through their door. I have to get in and out of there right away as I can not breathe. Not to mention the times I have stepped in dog crap there.