Have
you ever seen someone with a dog that you had serious doubts was actually a trained and certified service
dog? We recently observed a small mixed breed in Walmart that was wearing a
service vest but was eating off the floor and pulling the leash. Call it a gut
instinct but I don’t think it was any type of service dog whatsoever. It made
me angry to think of all the highly trained service dogs that earn their vest
and actually perform a valuable service to their humans. While it is true that
some dogs are certified as “emotional support” companions, too many people buy
fake certificates and vests only to be able to take their pets with them
wherever they go. I understand their thinking but understanding something doesn’t
make it right. So, how do you know if a dog is an actual service dog or not? This
infographic from Orvis is a great help.
Is That a Real Service Dog? Developed by Orvis.
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Yes it gets me cross to when I see dogs that are quite obviously not trained Service animals wearing these vests too just so that they can accompany the owner,xx Rachel and Speedy
ReplyDeletethanks for sharing this facts... it is sad that non-service dogs are not allowed everywhere, but responsible dog owners accept that and try not to cheat at this front.
ReplyDeleteIt's a bummer people have to lie and cheat to try to get what they want. I think most people have no idea what a service dog is.
ReplyDeleteWe so many fake service dogs here especially in stores. It is aggravating to say the least!
ReplyDeleteReilly is a service dog with his GCC - we used it when we use to visit the Veterans home and the deaf school but I have never used it to take him with me just because I could or wanted too
ReplyDeleteIt is a diservice to the highly trained service dogs that people fake it just so they can take their dog in stores and such.
ReplyDeletehugs
Mr Bailey, Hazel & Mabel
Hi Y'all!
ReplyDeleteGreat info graphic.
When my Human was young she took her retriever everywhere with her except restaurants. Unfortunately over the years most stores and other places have banned animals. My Human thinks that people who do not spend the time to train their animals are responsible for me being unable to go shopping with her in today's world.
Y'all come on by,
Hawk aka BrownDog
This summer, I had very a very disturbing experience in seeing the damage that this rise in fake service dogs has done. I was at a no-pets-allowed fair with my friend and her highly trained service dog (the dog is a hearing and balance assist dog as well as trained to provide mobility assistance like picking up dropped objects.) I was absolutely appalled by the number of people who asked if they could pet the dog or just walked by and stroked the dogs fur without asking. When my friend, her husband, or I would inform people that the dog could not be petted, it was working very hard, they were quite rude to us. What has happened to society? When the world is full of fake service dogs that people have been allowed to pet, they don't understand how bad distracting a real working dog can be. Oh, and then there were the dozen fake service dogs at the fair that lunged, barked and tried to bite my friends working dog. My friend said she will never go to the fair again. Thanks a lot fakers!
ReplyDeleteHaving a therapy dog, I see that all the time. It's making life in the disabled community much tougher especially for veterans who are being denied access with their PTSD dogs at various venues after valiantly servicing their country. Would I love to take Sam with me everywhere I go? Of course I would, but it's not fair to go on the net and buy a vest just to do so. That's selfish and makes life harder for those who really need a working dog. Thank you for shedding a light on this topic. Hopefully awareness will make a difference. At least it's a start.
ReplyDeleteI am a plain old therapy dog, and Mom always makes it clear when people ask - that I have NO SKILLS. I just love people.
ReplyDeleteLove and licks,
Cupcake
We can't believe people would try to pass their dogs off as service dogs. Sheesh....
ReplyDeleteThat is all great to know, and something business owners really need to know. The store I work at lets anyone bring their dogs in anyway - if more places did that, maybe it wouldn't be such a confusing issue.
ReplyDeleteNo matter what, people that don't follow laws and try to cheat the system are a pet peeve of mine.
Jan, Wag 'n Woof Pets
What a great infographic, I try not to judge...but sometimes it's hard, when a pup that is not legitimate, might ruin it for legitimate service dogs...
ReplyDeleteThanks for a great post! Too many people do not understand the differences!
ReplyDeleteYour Pals,
Murphy & Stanley
This is such an important topic, thank you SO MUCH!
ReplyDeleteI love that infographic, and I've been on my own soapbox on this subject lately myself.
ReplyDeleteVery interesting facts ! It's sad that some people cheat about it, it's really not fair for true well-trained service dogs. Purrs
ReplyDeleteGreat infographic I like it!
ReplyDeleteService and therapy dogs are so amazing and make such a difference - I wish dogs were allowed more places (on leash and well-behaved), then fewer would cheat. I do know that some disabilities are hidden so important not to judge as well.
ReplyDeleteFANTASTIC Info Graphic, thanks so much for sharing! It makes my blood boil when people use these laws or accommodations just so they can take their dog everywhere, especially on an airplane - like flying isn't difficult enough. It's disgraceful, and demeaning to actual service dogs and the owners that really depend on them! We never, ever take our Therapy Dog Icy anywhere that isn't dog friendly or somewhere we haven't been expressly invited to go for Therapy Dog programs such as a library, school or nursing home. Much needed education in this post, kudos for writing this!
ReplyDeleteLove & Biscuits,
Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them