Service Animals other than dogs

[kiltclan]

Hey everyone!

I'm planning a trip back to the world and had some questions to ask. I usually leave my service animal at home because we've encountered lots of discrimination in the past from people claiming shes not a "service animal".

She is a cat. But, she is trained to walk on a leash with a service animal vest, follow sign language commands (Both myself and the cat are Hard of Hearing) and alert me to/react to my attacks.

Because of a virus I contracted when I was younger, I suffer from conscious seizures. I'm fully aware of what is happening around me and to my body, but I cannot control it. Often this results in flailing arm motions and occasionally kicking out. Sometimes I'm able to continue to walk/talk during an attack, but not always. I used to get away with one of these a month at best. Lately though, these attacks have been coming more frequently and with more force and without much time for me to vocalize whats happening.

Do you think I would have a problem bringing her in? The attacks are terrifying and she's basically the only weapon I have against these and the anxiety afterwards. Also, how does one go about riding rides with said service animal? Is it similar to child-swap?
Any help y'all can give would be amazing

 

[aaarcher86]

Hey everyone! I'm planning a trip back to the world and had some questions to ask. I usually leave my service animal at home because we've encountered lots of discrimination in the past from people claiming shes not a "service animal". She is a cat. But, she is trained to walk on a leash with a service animal vest, follow sign language commands (Both myself and the cat are Hard of Hearing) and alert me to/react to my attacks. Because of a virus I contracted when I was younger, I suffer from conscious seizures. I'm fully aware of what is happening around me and to my body, but I cannot control it. Often this results in flailing arm motions and occasionally kicking out. Sometimes I'm able to continue to walk/talk during an attack, but not always. I used to get away with one of these a month at best. Lately though, these attacks have been coming more frequently and with more force and without much time for me to vocalize whats happening. Do you think I would have a problem bringing her in? The attacks are terrifying and she's basically the only weapon I have against these and the anxiety afterwards. Also, how does one go about riding rides with said service animal? Is it similar to child-swap? Any help y'all can give would be amazing

I don't believe cats are recognized by the ADA as service animals. Just dogs and mini horses, right? That's probably why you've gotten flack.

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

Since cats aren't legally a service animals I'd expect the animal to be denied. Not trying to be rude, but allowing unrecognized animals will set a precedent in the parks - service snakes, service monkeys, etc. It probably won't help in time for the trip, but maybe you can find a small dog to aid with your seizures. That way you have a legally protected animal and right to bring a recognized service animal wherever you go.

 

[kiltclan]

Since cats aren't legally a service animals I'd expect the animal to be denied. Not trying to be rude, but allowing unrecognized animals will set a precedent in the parks - service snakes, service monkeys, etc. It probably won't help in time for the trip, but maybe you can find a small dog to aid with your seizures. That way you have a legally protected animal and right to bring a recognized service animal wherever you go.

Not at all, that's part of the reason I wanted to make sure. I can understand their needs to stick with what the ADA sets out, but do you think it would make a difference if she's certified with a service animal registry with a 100% public access test and ID badges?

Like I said, normally I wouldn't push the issue but she's been coming with me for the last 2 months everywhere and alerted me to over 10 seizures (which is 8 more than I'm usually alerted to).

 

[SueM in MN]

Not at all, that's part of the reason I wanted to make sure. I can understand their needs to stick with what the ADA sets out, but do you think it would make a difference if she's certified with a service animal registry with a 100% public access test and ID badges?

No. It makes no difference.

Cats are not included as Service Animals in the ADA, so there is no requirement that any business or other public accommodation allow you to bring her in. I would count 100% on being told no if you try to bring a cat into the park or resort.

A service animal registry that has certified her and gave her the access test makes no difference.
Even for dogs and miniature horses, there is no registration required and no central agency for registration.
If the service animal registry charged you for registering her, the ID badges and doing the test, they charged you for something that is not required in any case, even for animals that meet the ADA definition of Service Animal.
If they promised you that their registry, ID and testing would provide access, they misled you at the least and at the most, they committed fraud.

 

[kiltclan]

Cats are not included as Service Animals in the ADA, so there is no requirement that any business or other public accommodation allow you to bring her in.

A service animal registry that has certified her and gave her the access test makes no difference.
Even for dogs and miniature horses, there is no registration required and no central agency for registration.
If the service animal registry charged you for registering her, the ID badges and doing the test, they charged you for something that is not required in any case. If they promised you that their registry, ID and testing would provide access, they misled you at the least and at the most, they committed fraud.

I figured that would be the case. That's why I wanted to make sure before we took her all the way up there and ended up with no way to enter.

We knew that the registration wasn't needed, but since I'm terrified of dogs and she started doing the alerting on her own, we decided to get her some kind of registration. I'm double glad now that we did our research and found a place that only charged us for the ID badges they printed. (she's also a therapy cat for kids in hospitals with DH, so she had already had the test).

Looks like the end result is a No, we wouldn't be allowed in. Thanks anyways though!

 

[TheRustyScupper]

In making a couple of calls . . .
1) You need to personally call WDW and inquire.
2) In many cases, a cat CAN be a Service Animal and allowed in WDW parks and resorts.
3) If your cat is an "Emotional Support Animal (ESA)", you might be OK.

 

[aaarcher86]

In making a couple of calls . . . 1) You need to personally call WDW and inquire. 2) In many cases, a cat CAN be a Service Animal and allowed in WDW parks and resorts. 3) If your cat is an "Emotional Support Animal (ESA)", you might be OK.

This is kind of misleading. A cat CANT be a legal service animal. That'd just be Disney being nice. And ESAs do not have the same rights as service animals - particularly being allowed into public places that don't allow for animals. So again, Disney just being nice. But to allow an ESA that's a cat? Incredibly doubtful.

OP could always email the Disability team and ask, but the reason she gets so much flack in her hometown is because the cat isn't legally a service animal, regardless if it helps or not.

 

[SueM in MN]

This is kind of misleading. A cat CANT be a legal service animal. That'd just be Disney being nice. And ESAs do not have the same rights as service animals - particularly being allowed into public places that don't allow for animals. So again, Disney just being nice. But to allow an ESA that's a cat? Incredibly doubtful.

OP could always email the Disability team and ask, but the reason she gets so much flack in her hometown is because the cat isn't legally a service animal, regardless if it helps or not.

To be very clear, animals don't have any access rights. The ADA treats Service Animals as assistive devices, like wheelchair (that sounds kind of strange, but makes sense when you think of the dog as an accommodation).
So, people with disabilities using Service Animsls are allowed to bring their dog (or in some cases, miniature horses) with them in most cases to meet their needs.
People using Emotional Support Animals are not covered by the ADA.

People using Emotional Support Animals only are allowed access for their animals in a few specific circumstances, which are not part of the ADA.
One is Housing - someone who has an Emotional Support Animal can't be denied access to Housing - like apartments. This is not ADA; housing is covered under other laws.

The other situation is Air Travel, which is covered under the Air Carrier Act, not the ADA. There are good reasons for this - at 30,000 feet, you want someone to have access to an Emotional Support Animal if it is going to keep a situation from getting out of control when there are no ways to de-escalate it.

Disney Parks, Downtown Disney and Disney Resorts are Public Accommodations, which are covered by the ADA. So, there is no requirement to allow a cat and, even if the guest calls ahead of time, there is little chance they will actually be allowed to have the cat treated as a service animal.

 

[kiltclan]

Let me just put this out there, this cat is NOT an emotional service animal. She is a medical Alert animal in response to seizures so that I can separate myself, sit down, take some meds and try to prevent said oncoming.

Not sure that that will make a difference. This is the point where I wish Disney would look at doctors notes. Notes from my doctor and her vet because we have recorded that she does consistently warn me.

 

[aaarcher86]

Let me just put this out there, this cat is NOT an emotional service animal. She is a medical Alert animal in response to seizures so that I can separate myself, sit down, take some meds and try to prevent said oncoming. Not sure that that will make a difference. This is the point where I wish Disney would look at doctors notes. Notes from my doctor and her vet because we have recorded that she does consistently warn me.

That's the point though. While YOU consider her a medically necessary service animal, the LAW does not.

Your doctors note wouldn't make a bit of difference, because cats are not service animals recognized and protected by the ADA. They allow your cat, then they need to allow my guinea pig, my neighbors parrot, etc.

 

[Gracie09]

Let me just put this out there, this cat is NOT an emotional service animal. She is a medical Alert animal in response to seizures so that I can separate myself, sit down, take some meds and try to prevent said oncoming.

Not sure that that will make a difference. This is the point where I wish Disney would look at doctors notes. Notes from my doctor and her vet because we have recorded that she does consistently warn me.

As noted above, it comes down to what the ADA defines as a service animal. The definition is a dog or miniature horse only. So, even if you provided a note that Disney would look at, they still are not obligated under federal law to allow your cat into the park.

 

[Bete]

Maybe, a compromise could be done.

If you stay off site there are pet friendly resorts. Some of them allow cats. I believe the LaQuinta chain allows cats.
Now, this won't help you at the park, but at least this might help you at all other times with your cat.

You may have to rent a car, if you are not driving there.

I don't know if you have some triggers that cause these seizures, but if you do then you will have to be more on guard if you are at the parks. Perhaps do shorter stays at the parks. Do a 4 hour park stay and go back to the resort. If your cat doesn't react to you then you can try another 4 hours later in the day. Choose another time frame; it doesn't have to be 4 hours.

Be prepared at the parks with your medicine and have your companion/friend/husband be prepared to help you, as well. There are first aid stations in each park. Be aware of where they are located.

Finally, check with your doctor if you should try this trip without your cat at your side. See if your doctor has any suggestions for your situation. For example, would it help if you were in a wheelchair. Then, if you have a seizure the wheelchair may help you control the situation better.

Personally, I wouldn't do the trip.

 

[Firepath]

I think even the most calm, easy-going cat would be incredibly stressed at any of the parks, with the crowds, noise, lights, etc. Even if they allowed her in, would she be able to block out all the frightening (to a cat) distractions enough to focus on your needs and alert you to a problem? I would also fear that if she somehow got loose or away from you, there are so many places she could hide that you would likely never find her.

 

[SueM in MN]

Bette had done good suggestions.

Let me just put this out there, this cat is NOT an emotional service animal. She is a medical Alert animal in response to seizures so that I can separate myself, sit down, take some meds and try to prevent said oncoming.

Not sure that that will make a difference. This is the point where I wish Disney would look at doctors notes. Notes from my doctor and her vet because we have recorded that she does consistently warn me.

I understand, but it won't make a difference because the definition of Service Animal does not include cats.
Service Animal is defined as dog or miniature horse - and there are some constraints on miniature horses (such as the size of the public accommodation and that the floor can support the weight).

Emotional Support Animals have just been mentioned to make the distinction that they are different than Service Animals and that an Emotional Support Animal could include cats. And, that there are different rules and laws concerning Emotional Support Animals; these do not include bring able to bring the animal into public places, other than public housing apartments and air travel.
Emotional Service Animal is not a category of animal.

I think even the most calm, easy-going cat would be incredibly stressed at any of the parks, with the crowds, noise, lights, etc. Even if they allowed her in, would she be able to block out all the frightening (to a cat) distractions enough to focus on your needs and alert you to a problem? I would also fear that if she somehow got loose or away from you, there are so many places she could hide that you would likely never find her.

Our cat that died about a year ago did not alert us before my daughter had a seizure, but after a seizure occurred, she would alert us by meowing and coming to get one of us, then leading us to our daughter. Once she had alerted us, she would stay with our daughter until she was recovered from the seizure.

Even though she performed some of the activities that a Service Animal might provide, she did not fit the definition of Service Animal because she was a cat.

Having lived with cats most of my life, I agree that a Theme Park experience would be stressful to a cat and cats' natural behavior when stressed is to hide.

As noted above, it comes down to what the ADA defines as a service animal. The definition is a dog or miniature horse only. So, even if you provided a note that Disney would look at, they still are not obligated under federal law to allow your cat into the park.

Yes

 

[kiltclan]

I figured it would come down to a similar outcome, it was just that since I saw so many people talking about ESA that I would make it clear that she is there for medical reasons.

So, in the end, we're still at a no, which is a shame. I suppose over the next few months I'll be attempting to get over my fear of small dogs so that I can apply for a dog so that we can make the next few trips possible.

I think even the most calm, easy-going cat would be incredibly stressed at any of the parks, with the crowds, noise, lights, etc. Even if they allowed her in, would she be able to block out all the frightening (to a cat) distractions enough to focus on your needs and alert you to a problem? I would also fear that if she somehow got loose or away from you, there are so many places she could hide that you would likely never find her.

Now, the surprising part here is that she wouldn't. We've been to a similar situation at an anime convention with our nephew and she did outstandingly.(which is part of why we were thinking it was a good time to try) Once the vest was on, she snapped to and took her place on my shoulder and just chilled there the entire time. Even when someone in a crazy colored, huge costume came running up to us screaming looking to pet her, she stayed put and calm with barely a twitch on an ear. Which I was super proud of my nephew as he stepped in front of said crazed adult and "You need to ask permission, she is a working service cat!"


Alot of the reason we get flak in our home state was originally because she is also a disabled cat. shes only got 1 eye and is deaf, so people assume there's no way she can be a service cat. But she's my baby rescue from when she was 3 days old. I figure she started to learn the signs right before seizure from as far back as me nursing her out of a bottle. She'll go crazy. Our normally quiet sweet girl will start meowing and clawing at my chest, purring loudly and licking my face. We figure shes trying to help ease the anxiety that sometimes triggers it.

I'm hopeful that someday soon the ADA will approve cats too. Though since both the doctor and vet were in shock about how she was warning me, I doubt I'll see it within my lifetime.

 

[davedmaine]

This is kind of misleading. A cat CANT be a legal service animal. That'd just be Disney being nice. And ESAs do not have the same rights as service animals - particularly being allowed into public places that don't allow for animals. So again, Disney just being nice. But to allow an ESA that's a cat? Incredibly doubtful. OP could always email the Disability team and ask, but the reason she gets so much flack in her hometown is because the cat isn't legally a service animal, regardless if it helps or not.

I doubt if most people know what a 'legal' service animal is and what is and isn't included.. She's getting flack because it's a cat and a service animal cat is very unusual.

 

[davedmaine]

I figured it would come down to a similar outcome, it was just that since I saw so many people talking about ESA that I would make it clear that she is there for medical reasons. So, in the end, we're still at a no, which is a shame. I suppose over the next few months I'll be attempting to get over my fear of small dogs so that I can apply for a dog so that we can make the next few trips possible. Now, the surprising part here is that she wouldn't. We've been to a similar situation at an anime convention with our nephew and she did outstandingly.(which is part of why we were thinking it was a good time to try) Once the vest was on, she snapped to and took her place on my shoulder and just chilled there the entire time. Even when someone in a crazy colored, huge costume came running up to us screaming looking to pet her, she stayed put and calm with barely a twitch on an ear. Which I was super proud of my nephew as he stepped in front of said crazed adult and "You need to ask permission, she is a working service cat!" Alot of the reason we get flak in our home state was originally because she is also a disabled cat. shes only got 1 eye and is deaf, so people assume there's no way she can be a service cat. But she's my baby rescue from when she was 3 days old. I figure she started to learn the signs right before seizure from as far back as me nursing her out of a bottle. She'll go crazy. Our normally quiet sweet girl will start meowing and clawing at my chest, purring loudly and licking my face. We figure shes trying to help ease the anxiety that sometimes triggers it. I'm hopeful that someday soon the ADA will approve cats too. Though since both the doctor and vet were in shock about how she was warning me, I doubt I'll see it within my lifetime.

Sounds like an amazing cat

 

[aaarcher86]

I doubt if most people know what a 'legal' service animal is and what is and isn't included.. She's getting flack because it's a cat and a service animal cat is very unusual.

A service animal cat doesn't exist. And a would certainly hope businesses would know the basic law.

It's not really in depth - if someone tells you their dog or horse is a service animal they can come in. Service anything else, can't. At the point someone is really pushing for their cat to come in I imagine a manager gets involved. It's not hard to google.

Hopefully the OP can find a dog that meets her needs and won't have this problem.

 

[SueM in MN]

I figured it would come down to a similar outcome, it was just that since I saw so many people talking about ESA that I would make it clear that she is there for medical reasons.

So, in the end, we're still at a no, which is a shame. I suppose over the next few months I'll be attempting to get over my fear of small dogs so that I can apply for a dog so that we can make the next few trips possible.



Now, the surprising part here is that she wouldn't. We've been to a similar situation at an anime convention with our nephew and she did outstandingly.(which is part of why we were thinking it was a good time to try) Once the vest was on, she snapped to and took her place on my shoulder and just chilled there the entire time. Even when someone in a crazy colored, huge costume came running up to us screaming looking to pet her, she stayed put and calm with barely a twitch on an ear. Which I was super proud of my nephew as he stepped in front of said crazed adult and "You need to ask permission, she is a working service cat!"


Alot of the reason we get flak in our home state was originally because she is also a disabled cat. shes only got 1 eye and is deaf, so people assume there's no way she can be a service cat. But she's my baby rescue from when she was 3 days old. I figure she started to learn the signs right before seizure from as far back as me nursing her out of a bottle. She'll go crazy. Our normally quiet sweet girl will start meowing and clawing at my chest, purring loudly and licking my face. We figure shes trying to help ease the anxiety that sometimes triggers it.

I'm hopeful that someday soon the ADA will approve cats too. Though since both the doctor and vet were in shock about how she was warning me, I doubt I'll see it within my lifetime.

Although, I am sure the cat does a very good job of alerting (ours did too), the cat doesn't meet the other part of the definition of a Service Animal - being individually trained to perform a service to meet a need related to a disability.
From what was written, the cat just picked up the skill to detect seizures. Even though you are benefitting from her skill, it's not anything you taught her to do And you did not teach her to do anyrhing specific to either alert you or do something specific to help you later. It just happened - like with our cat, so would not meet the definition even if it was a dog.

Also - important to be aware that not all dogs are perceptive or can be taught to alert to seizures. We have tried to teach our daughter's Service Dog and it was not a skill he could pick up. Our trainer said some can and some can't.
So, before getting a dog, you want to have some evidence that he might be able to detect seizures.

I'm going to close this because the question has been answered with clarifications of the law and further discussion will just come back around to the same points.