service dog issue

[MikeScott8]

This is not really Disney related but I had to get opinions on it.

On a side note, Marriott's Grande Ocean is just instituting a new service animal policy. It basically saying that anyone bringing a service animal had to apply in advance with special forms, prove the animal was needed with a Dr.s note, pay a $150 deposit and indemnify the resort against damage and cleaning (fleas, etc). They also are requiring a $1 million personal liability and $100,000 property liability insurance from the guest.

This was mentioned in the DVC forum, and I am just wondering what people here think of it. I personally think the insurance requirement is HIGH and outrageous, but then I don't know enough about service dogs. Is this insurance normal?

Sorry for my ignorance, but am just trying to educate myself on this topic and get rid of the ignorance.

Mike

 

[LindaDVC]

It is illegal to require deposits for a service dog!

Linda

 

[SueM in MN]

All of it is illegal. According to the ADA, they can't ask for proof of medical need or for proof of training or certification of the animal (or the deposit or proof of insurance).

 

[alabamaalan]

Completely ridiculous!!

On the other hand, with the proliferation of "service animals" that are indeed questionable, sometimes you wonder if proof is a good idea...

Before you flame me, I do appreciate the work of assistance dogs, (users of wheelchairs, epileptics, Parkinson's, and so many others) and even other animals, though I would not be comfortable with the Shetland pony guide concept.

But the occassional person who brings a large hog (not a normal sized pot bellied pig) on an airplance insisting it is a necessary service animal can cause problems for everyone.

We just returned from an all too brief trip to WDW and I noticed two service animals. One was a guide dog for a blind individual and the other was an assistant for a young man in a wheelchair. (I believe the dog was from Canine Companions [CCI])

Personally, we are glad we made the decision to leave my wife's guide dog with a close friend for our trip, but we really missed him! That decision was right for us at the time, but certainly doesn't apply to eveyone and probably will not apply to us on all furture visits!

 

[Talking Hands]

Absolutely illegal! I hope some users sues them.

 

[LindaDVC]

We have had no problems bringing our service dog to DVC and disney facilities. However we were recently denied access to a hotel with a no pet policy even though we had told them about the service dog when we booked the reservation. We had paperwork with us showing that he could not be denied access nor charged the deposit they were demanding.

Since this was part of a time share presentation we said no way would we "buy-in" after the treatment that we had! Very stressful! On top of that the room was not accessible and the expected ocean front referred to the property rather than the room. Had to pay extra to "see" the ocean !!!

My husband's dog is certified and had extensive training. He goes to American Express with Dan daily and even got employee of the week recently! However some "dogs" have minimal training and I have reservations re: their appropriateness.

We had a child where I work that was getting a dog and the family wanted to bring him to school daily. The child has low cognition, blind, non-verbal, and walks with a walker and some physical assistance. He was not able to give the dog commands, know when the dog needed water, breaks, etc nor supervise the dog from interacting inappropriately with other kids or staff. Researching the laws we did find out as others have mentioned we could not legally ask for certification , etc
As it turned out they opted not to bring him to school-- and he is a companion dog at home which is very appropriate. (imho)

Linda