What do you thinks of dogs at resorts?

[chief215]

I have been involved with reading and writing about the "service dogs" that are increasingly being seen in the resorts. I have a sister who, since a child, has been very allergic to dog dander and when we were young, I won a beautiful dog in a contest and had to give it up after almost killing my sister with the dog's dander (almost 50 years ago). I would be VERY upset if she stayed in a room that was not spotless and clean. I wonder what your thoughts are on this? I have other opinions, but will reserve those until later.
Do you think dogs should be allowed even when it is clear that they are not "true" service dogs?

 

[vicki_c]

I have been involved with reading and writing about the "service dogs" that are increasingly being seen in the resorts. I have a sister who, since a child, has been very allergic to dog dander and when we were young, I won a beautiful dog in a contest and had to give it up after almost killing my sister with the dog's dander (almost 50 years ago). I would be VERY upset if she stayed in a room that was not spotless and clean. I wonder what your thoughts are on this? I have other opinions, but will reserve those until later.
Do you think dogs should be allowed even when it is clear that they are not "true" service dogs?

I think this post is controversial, whether you intended that or not. And it's not really your place to make your own determination on what is a "true" service dog vs. one who is not. Only the person who needs and owns the animal can make that determination. Request a VIP cleaning before your arrival due to the severe allergy issues and you shouldn't have to worry about anyone's dogs.

 

[Chuck S]

Unfortunately, any resort or hotels hands are tied if the owner mentions "service animal." It is no longer a choice of whether to allow it, it is mandatory.

I think it is another example of the ADA laws, written to protect truly disabled people, opening the door to abuse of the services by none disabled. The difficult question, is where can we draw the line. No one should have to carry around a doctors note or medical history, that is an invasion of privacy. For those not disabled and abusing the privileges, how can you stop them while protecting the privacy of the disabled?

The only way I can think of is requiring something like a state issued parking placard, but not all states issue placards, some issue license plates only. And those with placards, the placard needs to stay in the car if they use a handicap parking spot. And then, enforcing such a rule would also be problematic.

There is no certification system up by states for service animals. And as strapped for cash as states currently are, I don't think we'll see it anytime soon.

The best we can hope for is a hotel setting aside a small block of rooms that are not used by those with service animals.

 

[bookwormde]

Service dogs are being used for a much broader set of services than was typically their role, so I suspect that the abuse is really quite rare (my guess is less than 5%) even though for those who are not knowledgeable in the area it may appear otherwise. So the real issue is making sure that you room is properly cleaned, which the PP has given you the best advice on. Also most service dogs are "groomed" to a much higher level than typical pets, and most "partners" are thoughtful about where they do the grooming, so the issue is typically much less than your average pet.
bookwormde

 

[CarolMN]

This is not really a DVC topic so I am going to close it here.

chief215, the Community Board might be a better place to gather opinions on this topic.