As you may already know, I have a service dog named Gunny. Gunny is a psychiatric service dog. But it seems like when ever you mention that word to people, they immediately think your a crackpot. I don’t consider myself a crackpot. I suffer from PTSD and it brings on panic attacks. Gunny handles this by begging for attention. This stops them by diverting my attention. To make it easy on everyone, when someone asks me what Gunny is for, I just tell them he is an Alert dog. This seems to satisfy people. As they automatically think he is a seizure dog. I don’t care if they think that. And technically he is an alert dog because he alerts me when I’m about to have an attack.
I began suffering from these 5 years ago. After seeing my best friend (who was more like a son to me) attacked and killed by a stranger. Despite my efforts to fend off the attacker, with the ending result that I shot and killed the attacker, my friend still died. I guess everyone’s mind has a limit on how much it can take. That was mine. It was after this that the panic attacks set in. I was diagnosed with PTSD. This is when I learned that you do not have to be a Veteran to have it.
Yesterday, while I was in Costco, I had someone come up to me and say with a sneer…”Is that really a service dog,or just a pet?” As much as I wanted to reply with a smart remark after his rude question, I simply replied “Well I would be in a awful lot of trouble if I was passing him off as one. Yes he is my Service Dog”
This led me to a question to post to the group. How do you handle rude questions? How do you handle it when someone asks you what your dog is for? Have you ever had someone so pushy that you ended up having to tell them that you would rather not talk about it, or to mind their own business?
Sussie and Gunny
{ 53 comments… read them below or add one }
Susie,
Thanks so much for sharing your story! It was a big help for me, as I too have often wondered how to handle these situations. My dog Lassa is also a psychiatric dog, and is invaluable to me. Often I find that questions follow about me and my illnesses, much of which is personal to me.
hello, i work at a private botanical garden which is open to the public. most folks with their Service Animals have identifying vests and tags and we love to have these dogs visit us. what we have had lately is people who know they don’t need to prove anything to our admissions staff. “you can’t keep me out of here…” type of comments. we definitely don’t discriminate against people, but we do discriminate against dogs vs. pets. we also know folks can get fake IDs and walk right in to our business. arizona law says it is illegal to lie about a pet being an Assist Dog, but if we can’t ask for proof, where is the teeth in this part of the laws interpretation? we give people our rules for coming in the garden with their dog, vest or no vest. a truly trained Service Dog never behaves inappropriately, so we can monitor the animals while they are inside and make sure they are on a short leash, not barking/jumping, chasing rabbits, etc. i would like to comment to people using Service Animals that it makes a big difference for the public and employees of a business to see the animal wearing the proper gear that sets them apart from ordinary pets. why would a disabled person bring an animal into a business without it? do they want to get hassled? I think not. i believe it is the fakers who argue about “proof” and bully their way in with their pet because they can’t leave it at home where it belongs. our organization has gone ’round and ’round reading laws and such so we don’t do anything wrong. how can the fakers get aways with it if we can’t make them show us proof of certifcation/vaccination, etc.? is there a lawyer in the house? Thanks. Ranger Andrea, Phoenix
Aloha, I tend to kill those who try and challenge me with my two girls who are service animals for me, with my wit and verbage. Sometimes I will ask, would you like me to rip off my leg to prove something to you? They reply no as a rule of course, then I say, good cause both my legs are good to go and laugh, then add but not all physical/mental problems are that easily seen. I also carry my attorneys card in my wallet and offer them to contact him for verification while advising them he does charge by the hour or in your case by the stupid question. Being a retired Marine I dont take much gruff from anyone so I presume that my over all demeanor might not open the door for dumb questions. Thanks.
Andrea, fake service dogs can wear vests, too. They are easily obtainable online on eBay or other Web sites. Mobility and guide harnesses are also available online, but they generally cost a couple to several hundred dollars, so most fakers would likely not go to that expense to sneak their pet in.
More importantly, real service dog handlers do indeed argue when a business illegally asks them for proof that their dog is a service dog. That is discrimination (you don’t ask other customers for ID just for them to access your business). Not all service dog teams carry proof of the dog’s/team’s training with them (I’d say most do not). Not all service dog teams have a piece of paper/certification that they are a service dog team/the dog has been trained to fit the law because some people owner-train their dogs, use trainers that don’t certify the dogs or don’t offer a piece of paper saying so, or use a program that doesn’t hand out certification (if any such organization exists). Certification is not required in the U.S. What is required is training – the dog must be trained to do something that mitigates the person’s disability and it must be directly related to the disability. The dog also must be trained to behave in public, be housebroken, and be on a leash (or, if such can’t be used due to the disability or tasks, verbal/hand command control).
You can legally ask two questions: Is the dog required because of your disability? What tasks/work has the dog been trained to do for you that directly relate to your disability? You cannot ask somebody what their disability is/what the nature of their disability is. You cannot ask for proof that the dog is a service dog. You cannot require a dog wear a vest, harness, or other identifying gear, although most real service dogs do wear a vest, harness, or pack.
If a service dog (real or fake) is misbehaving and the owner cannot regain control, such as a dog continually barking in a movie theatre, you may legally kick the service dog out at that time. You must allow the owner to come back into the business without the dog to finish their business there.
Remember, it is the PERSON who has the access rights, not the dog!
Animals for comfort, emotional support, their presence, etc. and animals for aggressive protection are not service dogs and should not be allowed into public places where pets are not allowed (or any public place for the aggressive protection dogs!).
Sussie, you don’t have to answer the public’s questions if you don’t want to. If you are too shy to tell them they are rude, just tell them you are busy in the middle of shopping/eating/etc. If you have trouble talking to people, you can hand out a card or pamphlet with general information about service dogs on it (or even information about your particular dog, if you wish).
You also should just stop caring what they think, as it doesn’t really matter.
In addition, don’t dress your dog in T-shirts like the “Coca-Cola” T-shirt it is wearing in the photo on this page. That is unprofessional and sends the big-red-flag message that you are a faker. An unobtrusive bandanna is fine.
You do have to tell a business that the dog is there because it is trained to help you due to your disability and also what tasks/work the dog is trained to do for you that directly relates to your disability.
Has a trainer confirmed that your dog is indeed alerting and not just freaking out because he senses your panic? (A lot of dogs will panic if their human panics and some people mistake that for an alert.) Remember that petting a dog/emotional support/the dog’s presence is not a trained task/work so does not qualify a dog as a service dog under U.S. law. The dog must be trained to do something for you and that something must directly relate to your disability. I have not read your Blog to see if your dog does tasks/other tasks for you other than the alert/possible panic. Just trying to help!
I had a Costco employee see me in an aisle, and saw as she began to walk toward me purposefully, and as she said “That’s a cute puppy, but…” I replied, “she is my service dog”.
That brought her up short, she quickly apologized, said “have a good day”, and walked away.
When people ask what she does for me, I explain that she is a medical alert dog. If they press, I explain that she alerts me to my condition before it happens, so that I can take my medication in time for it to be useful.
After that, they leave me alone.
Where can I get the proper training for my wifes ESA animal? My wife suffers severe depression and other issues do to the fact I travel a lot. I would like to seek the proper :service animal taining to be in compliance of public acceptance.
RJ
I also have a service dog, a pomeranian who has been trained in CGC and also as a therapy dog. She is also my service dog.I too have many medical problems that at times don’t wish to tell people about I do carry a letter from my Dr. I do get kicked out of stores before I even enter most of the time, or let me explain. But I do report them to there main store andd have seen action taken place. On one store now there is a sign stating all service dogs are welcome. My next question where do you get training in Rhode Island for your dog to become a service dog?
I own an apartment in a non-pet building in Connecticut. I recently acquired an emotional support animal and in spite of my psycholositsts letter, they are adamant with therir rules. My non-barking dog weighs 12 pounds and I always carry him to my car (never using the elevator) Any suggestions?
Sussie,
First, so sorry you (and all of us with service dogs) have to deal with rude people. Personally, I have begun trying to match their attacks or questions with an equivalent level of energy. If it is just someone who is genuinely curious I try to teach them about service dogs (especially if it is a child). I have had people say things like, “You don’t look handicapped.” To which I reply, “You don’t look stupid.” Sometimes you have to match energy for energy. Take care.
When people ask me I have to just say he is my service dog and he will alert me to take my medication if I’m about to have an attack because of PTSD. I carry a copy of my doctors letter with me as well as my dog has a vest & Photo ID card with his registration number on it. His ID has both his and my photograph on it.
I have not had a Problem since I have been able to keep Mario with me. He does keep me calm and I’m guessing that is why my doctor at the VA provided the documentation for me to get his credentials.
I have had to show the letter and ID card at a few different Motels/Hotels to get a room but I did not mind. We have never been turned away. My Mario is a Welsh Pembroke Corgi and does look more like he would be a pet then a service dog but when his vest goes on he is all business and knows he is “Working” .
I really don’t know how I ever got along without him.
If there is a problem with a dog for emotional support, this INCLUDES a senior citizen with a companion dog you can contact the ADA- Americans With Disabilities and get their rules and report the apartment house where you live for not taking your dog. Generally what is needed is a letter from your doctor saying why the animal is needed by you. I train and evaluate for canine good citizen (CGC) and this is really all the training needed for a psych dog unless there are other issues you have. I have three psych dogs and a diabetic warning dog in my home and one who is being trained as a psych dog. Not allowing you to have the dog is illegal and can be taken to court.
I have a 3 year old Queensland Heeler for a PSD and I often get rude questions in supermarkets and restaurants asking me what my dog does because I don’t “look” handicapped. I suffer from severe bipolar disorder and my dog alerts me to take medication, alerts me to alarms if I don’t hear them, protects me in a crowd (I get panicky if people crowd around me when I am having an attack) and will very politely stand between me and any stranger that she perceives as a threat to my well being. When people question her presence, I politely tell them she is a service dog that helps me, and if they ask what she does for me I tell them that I consider that a personal question. If a business owner or store employee asks, as they have a right to, I show them her photo ID and any other paperwork they want to see, and that usually takes care of it. I have only had one store owner be insistent about asking what she did, so I told him, and he got very embarrassed and left me alone! I have friends with Guide Dogs who get questioned all the time too, so even if you have an obvious disability you run into this kind of trouble.
I have PTSD and have great difficulty driving by myself, going into shopping malls or large stores, etc. Big dogs just didn’t work for me, so I got Gracie, a 4.5 chihuahua in 2008. She was certified by a service dog group in California and she is a natural, staying tucked under my arm or in a doggie sling, sitting quietly next to me in restaurants while I eat . . . no begging, no nothing . . . just sitting. I have seen people confront managers at restaurants or storm our, vowing to never return to an establishment that allows pets. I have been challenged many time by store managers. I respectfully pull out my ID card and a card I made re: psychiatric service dogs. The few times I have attempted to explain why Gracie is a service dog to regular people, I get rolled eyes. One time I was in WalMart and a young male employee told me dogs weren’t allowed in the store. I pulled out the tag, he looked at it, looked at me and said, “Yeah right.” and went back to work. I tried to walk away, but then I heard him making fun of us, so I went back and confronted him, asked that he go with me to the manager, and told the manager that he needs to educate his employees re: service dogs. Even Bill Maher showed a photo of a pomeranian in a sweater and made a comment about service dogs. I immediately fired off an email to him. All we can do is educate people. I wish there were vests made for small psychiatric service dogs. People have wanted to know what she does for me. As in fetching things, etc. I try to explain that she keeps me distracted so I don’t obsess on my surroundings and trigger a panic attack. But then there’s the explanation about what a panic attack is. Argh!! I’m sure if she were a well-trained large dog, I wouldn’t have these problems. As it is, I continue to take her with me, bite my tongue, and explain. Some managers have been rude . . . to the point that I thought of calling and filing a complaint. But so far, I haven’t had to. And I try to remain calm and respectful, but it’s really HARD sometime.
I would say 19 of 20 people ask what my condition is that I need a service dog including businesses. They assume that if the dog doesn’t have a harness like a seeing eye dog that they are not really service dogs. My medical alert dog allows me to drive. I have severe migraines at least 3x a week that made me stop in traffic which was a hazard. When the doctor told me I couldn’t drive anymore, I told him about my then 6 yr. old Bichon frise that has alerted to my migraines since she was 14 mo. old. He told me to do what I needed to do to get her certified as my medical alert dog. I visited with a woman in town was has had medical alert dogs her entire life and is now training them for autistic children and adults. She went through the paces with Belle and said that there was nothing more she could train her to do. She has been a certified therapy dog for over 5 years and understands different social settings. She is very well behaved but since she is a white fluffy dog, nearly everyone wants us to stop so they can pet her. I had a pharmacist at Walmart tell me I was passing her off as a service dog when she obviously couldn’t be one (wrong breed). I tell people I need her to ride with me when I drive or I am not allowed to drive and that she keeps all the other drivers out there safe. They usually don’t ask me any more. I need to take her everywhere I go so I know when not to get behind the wheel if a migraine is coming on. She alerts 10-15 minutes before the aura hits.
I figure it is my goal to educate people as to how to approach or not approach a service animal. I talk with many schools, libraries, nursing homes, civic groups, and churches about my therapy/service dog and they truly don’t know what the laws are. Especially businesses are uninformed. I did have a lady approach me as I was getting out of the car one time. I had my keys in my hand, leash in the other and my transition lens’ were dark because of the sun. She asked me how the dog helped me drive since I was obviously blind. I told her that my dog knew her left from her right and was very helpful. She seemed satisfied and walked away. You have to keep a sense of humor when dealing with a nation that hasn’t a clue was a service dog is or does.
I have a small dog – Butch – who is my buddy AND my SD. He alerts me when I am about to have ‘an attack’ by staring at me and growling from his carrier when I have him in a retail establishment. Yes, some people are very, very rude about asking ‘what kind of service does that little thing provide?’ To which I reply, ‘A huge one!’ If they push the subject of what his service is, I get rude myself and tell them, ‘That is no one’s business!’ Usually, after that, they leave us alone.
I have an 8lb ShihTzu that serves as a warning that my blood sugar has gotten too low. I am severly hypoglycemic. I have learned to just answer that the dog is my “Medical Alert Device”. When some ask what the condition is I just say that it is personal, if they persist I just quietly say “I bet your one of those people that want to rub a strange pregnant womans belly”. Don’t have a problem after that. Rather crude but it works.
I have a service dog named Alvin, a Beagle. I’d been looking for a suitable dog for a long time, ever since my medical condition started making me have blackouts and fainting spells. The medical condition got bad enough that I was classified as a disabled person. Cricket, the first dog, a poodle, alerts on me when I’m about to have an episode, but she couldn’t be trained out of her barking and other habits. None the less, she’s very valuable to me while I am at home and I love her to death. Alvin was obtained specifically so I could train him myself with the aid of a certified trainer. He’s not a dog obtained thru a classic service dog organization as the waiting list for someone like me was very long. My medical condition is low on the priority list versus someone who is blind, deaf, physically handicapped or has PSTD. When my doctor told me of the option to train one myself, I started looking into it. This option is not for everyone, as it takes a lot of hard work, consistency and above all, an excellent matching of dog to person because you are starting from scratch, not with a dog who’s been trained all its life to work with whomever it was assigned to. I wasn’t sure Alvin would work, but he was young enough to try.
The boy passed his intial training with flying colors, enough to get him his ID. He’s got a mellow personality that is also very friendly, interested and curious. His body language is open, calm and alert. His tail and ears are always up in alert, calm, interested pose and he’s very good with people and other animals. Bonus, he bonded with me so tightly, he’s completely *my* dog.
I’ve never had a problem with him until I went to a local laundromat that is run by a Hispanic Immigrant. She tried to kick me out because of their no dogs/pets rule. I had to educate her. I tried to be polite about it, showing her his id and the card I have explaining it. She couldn’t read english. I can’t speak spanish. I finally told her “Look, if you kick me out of here, it is illegal and I *will* file a civil lawsuit against this business. He is a *working* dog, not a pet. Would you like to call your boss and I will discuss it with him?” She backed off. I filed a complaint against the business. The only other place I’ve had issues is the local big cheap grocery store. A clerk gave me grief, I led him to a manager and explained, in the manager’s presence, that Alvin was indeed a service dog and his job was to let me know when I was in danger of losing consciousness, rather like alerting on a seizure. To deny me his presence meant I could have an episode in their store, wind up hitting my head on something, getting a severe injury and then the store would be liable. I asked the clerk if he thought it was worth his job or worth the owners of the store possibly closing down because he violated a FEDERAL law. He was very embarassed and apologized. Then I asked the manager *why* the store’s employees were not trained about persons with disabilities and service dogs even tho there was a sign that said service dogs were welcome? I haven’t had a problem since in that store.
Alvin is still in training. He’s passed enough to qualify for his ID and is my service dog, but he’s got to complete more advanced training yet. He still gives me a “Are you nuts?” look when we go someplace super busy and noisy, like a bar and grill, but sits right beside me and his body language is still calm, polite, open and friendly, though his expression often says “I’m only doing this because I love you, you know that, right? I still think you’re crazy.” He’s kept me from having an episode more than once and in places I frequent, as soon as he starts alerting, I have people who will immediately come to stand next to me, supporting me just in case. Once it’s passed, everyone praises Alvin and I even catch them trying to sneak him treats out of the kitchen where my husband works. (Which means they are cajoling my husband to make something to bring to me to give to Alvin as he’s been trained not to accept anything from anyone but me.)
I guess I haven’t had much of a problem *because* I frequent places that all have people who know about service animals or welcome thier presence. I am careful to keep Alvin next to me and his training is ongoing. He knows not to bark, beg or be a nuisance. The responsibility for his being accepted and welcomed wherever I go is on me. I have to make sure he’s a model dog. Unfortunately, the “fakers” out there have made our jobs more difficult. Ergo, we have to look at it as being the parent of a smaller child who must be taught grown up manners and at the same time, we have to look at it as being an employer training an employee to be the ultimate professional. We can’t just assume because we are disabled and have a service animal that we can go anywhere we want to and it will be like it was before. Nope, welcome to the job, yes, job of being a person with a disability or medical condition that warrants a service animal. It really is too bad we don’t get paid for it. We’d make bank.
ME
For those that are asking about where or how to train your service dog:
The Federal law says the dog can be trained in any fashion you choose. Many owners train their own dogs, or have a professional do the training.
Your doctor must write a letter to certify your disability and how your service dog helps you. Then get an identification tag from Spot!
It is more difficult to get emotional certifications, and those papers are subject to scrutiny whereas papers may not be required for any physical disability.
I wish I could find the perfect answer for other’s probing questions. It is not business owners that are asking…it is the general population.
I liked the response from the former Marine, but I couldn’t pull that off.
AB
From what I’m reading here, there are a lot of disabled individuals out there who seem to think that their service dogs must be “registered” or “certified” to be considered a service dog. That’s the furthest thing from the truth. Service animals do NOT have to be professionally trained, registered or certified, as per the ADA. You are not even legally required to use a vest/cape to identify your service dog as being such, however having your service dog wear one can help to reduce challenges to your “right” to have your service dog with you.
In fact, people who provide “service dog registration” are running a scam that nets them money and takes your money, and nothing more.
You do NOT have to show a doctor’s note or any type of “proof” that your dog is a service animal when you go into a store or stay in a hotel/motel. If someones demands to see something like that, they are violating the Americans with Disabilities Act and can face severe fines if they are reported and are found to be in violation.
That said, an Emotional Service Animal is NOT the same thing as a service dog, and are not covered under the same rules as service dogs under the ADA. You can’t take them with you everywhere you go, as you would a service dog. ESAs are protected under housing rules (you need FiFi to keep you emotionally stable where you live, even though your apartment building forbids the keeping of dogs/cats), but that’s essentially it.
I have a small SD & she has her ID tags. I always carry papers with me.
She was my therapy dog when I worked in a medical facility and after I retired a few years later I needed her for my Service Dog. Sometimes motels will ask for papers to make copies to be clipped to my reservation bill for their records. If there is any question I always offer for them to see the papers. Sam’s & Walmart’s have always been polite & courteous when spotting her tag.
When people ask why she is a service dog & what does she do, I just politely say,” She provides a service to me.” If they want to know what is wrong with me, I just tell them that they can not ask that question as my medical information is private. (She does alert three ways…by pawing my arm, a small whine(if she is in her cart) or stare & press…I do not always know when I’m going to have a “sugar drop”.)
Because she was a therapy dog in a senior medical setting, she is very social. We used her to redirect patients with Alzheimer’s disease, or provide comfort for a depressed person by sliding her head up under their hand as a gesture to be petted…this also lowered blood pressure for some patients who would be in temporary crisis due to seeing someone almost fall, or their own balance problem, or upset from an outburst from another patient. She also would sit quietly with them as long as they needed.
So when we are in the store and she is riding in the shopping cart, if an elderly impaired person speaks “baby talk” to her, she raises up so they can pet her. I mostly use a little dog cart with wheels, as I can no longer carry her in the shoulder bag. It also fits under the table in restaurants and in a shopping cart. I can zip it up for privacy for me and for her. She is very quiet & very well trained.
I too have the same issue. However I have learned not to allow “other peoples opinion bother me anymore.” Talk about problems with being discriminate against, how about “your whole blood family.” I have three sisters and numerous nieces, nephews and even great nieces and nephews. My three sisters have brainwashed their children to think I am a fake just trying to gain some attention. When truly that is the opposite. I don’t want to be in the center of attention. Because my PTSD has got so bad I now have agoraphobia. I stay inside and feel a prisoner of my own home. On top of my PTSD I have lost my right leg during Hurricane Katrina. My wife of 28 years commited suicide over Katrina and me loosing my right leg and now bound to a wheelchair. My suggestion would be to ignore the ignorant and be friends to those who are true friends. See if you can find a PTSD group to share your concerns with. I am a Vietnam vet, and the V. A. Hospital has M/H groups who meet once a week. Your problems will get better when you meet in group, as you will hear simular stories like yours and different ways those folks are handling their issues with PTSD.
My 9 y/o female GSD is my Service Dog for the same reasons. I have had my right arm blown off and reattached. It happened back in 1973 but I have never got over staring down that 12 ga barrel and seeing the orange flash as I was shot. I almost lost my life then. When I lost my righ leg it was when I was in a motor home trying to return to the Gulf Coast after Katrina. The trailer brakes failed on a Missouri Ozark mountain and it went over a 708 ft. mountain, crashed and burnt to the frame. Prior to all of that, I was already on SSDI since 2002 from working as a Supervisor in a Level I trauma center for 18 years. I was also in charge of the Co. Morgue taking in bodies in all forms of mutilation. Heads blown off (suicides) burnt, rotton decomposed etc. After 18 years I began to have several panic attacks. I did not know what it was. I thought it was my heart. But after many doctors examining me I was told I was no longer able to work in the work force and even without asking, I was labled a lost cause and the Govt. put me on SSDI. My female GSD was given to me by my wife several years before she shot herself in the heart and died in my arms. My dog alerts me the same as yours does. In fact she (as old as she is) will jump up and start to lick my face when she feels I am going into a panic attack. My Phyciatrist told me it was a good thing to keep her at my side at all times. He said he had no problem with me using her as my Service Dog. I did not have to train her much to get her to be my service dog as she was in the motor home and went through the windshild yet surviced. I was burnt and lost my right leg. I am right handed. So now with my right leg gone and my right arm barly useful anymore, I can’t go in public without her. If I am asked, I simply say she is my Service Dog. I have yet to have someone rude enough to accuse me of just using her as a pet. She is much more than that for me. However if someone did accuse me of faking it, I would simply say. “Sorry about your ignorance.” Too bad they don’t have Service Dogs who alert you before you meet a person as rude and ignorant as you are. Peace and have a good day. That would most likely do the trick. I would not worry about their opinion as I know there are many ignorant people out there.
You don’t have to tell them anything, other then this is my Service Dog. I have RSD/CRPS in my upper body, if you see my out in town I don’t look disabled. If someone asks me what is wrong with me I say “I don’t discuss my medical info with people I don’t know, and not everyone that is disabled is blind or in a wheelchair, thats a big misconception”. Then I just walk off or ignore them. I have made flyers and if I have them with me that day I give them one. It has info about SD’s and disabilities, how to act around a SD and the law regarding fake SDs.
I have learned to look these people in the eye and deal with them, it was hard at first, but you can do it. Have a good day
I am training a golden retriever to be my service dog. She and I are having a blast with the whole process. She is still young and wears a “service dog in training” bandanna. I don’t look disabled and used to get hassled all the time about my disabled parking permit. My favorite response was to ask for the person’s name and phone number telling them that I was sure my doctor would appreciate their insight into my condition. That usually shut people up. Because my dog is a breed associated with service dogs, no one questions me now when she is with me. A nice switch.
My service dog is not a typical breed, so we get lots of questions. He is a 115 pound malamute, but that weight is what I need to keep me from falling. I too do not look disabled, unless I have just landed on the floor (which is getting farther down and harder as I get older!).
I just try to say he is a balance dog. If that doesn’t do it then I say he helps keep me from falling.
I have had to show my handicapped permit a couple of times, but not not for a while.
Most times we just approach things in a confident manner and no one says much, and if they do I just say he is a service dog (it is also on his vest).
I do think I am going to make a service dog bandanna for him for the summer weather.
People with mental illness are covered under the ADA and thus are entitled to use Service Animals too. I would suggest that they not state that their animal is for “emotional support” if they truly have a diagnosed mental/behavioral health disability. It is my understanding that emotional support is for someone that has for example a fear of flying in which they acquire comfort with their animal that helps them better deal with flying. However, I certainly am not suggesting that people be dishonest. Physical and mental disabilities are equal in the eye of the law.
I use a service animal in my practice and have encountered numerous people in Alaska and Oregon whom use service animals for mental health related reasons.
I have experienced numerous inappropriate people make remarks to persons with service animals. In fact, I took my buddy with me to several behavioral health related training conferences to highlight the use of service animals. During one conference, on the first day of this particular conference, a rude woman walked by, did a double look, and circled back to me to express, “Oh, you are blind; I did not know you are blind, you do not look blind”. She continued barking outrageous statements until I looked at her and responded, “Are you always this inappropriate and rude?” The other people sitting on my table were similarly appalled and similarly made comment to her regarding her loudness and rudeness.
Unfortunately there will always be ignorant people whom find delight in humiliating and/or trying to humiliate people different and sadly people with perceived mental illness simply for having a service animal. This is their issue! We decide what to share and to whom to share regarding our privacy. You might want to express, “Excuse me, do I know you” with a smile. If this does not work, simply smile at them and turn your head as if they are no longer there.
Finally, just remember that people cannot be charged a fee when traveling on an airline, entering public accommodations, using a hotel/motel, a pet deposit, etc. for a service animal.
I just posted on 4-11 but had a new humorous experience, a 1st for me.
I have to share a funny story that happened this week end. I was in a Dept Store and a young manager came up to me to explain their no dog policy because people were bringing in their pets & they left “deposits” on the floor. My SD is in a rolling cart, I show him the tag & say, “She is a Service Dog.” He responded very seriously, “Secret Service?” OMG I wanted to laugh so hard…but instead did the education. Of course he asked what was wrong with me…more education. Sometimes you just can’t fix stupid but you have to laugh!!! Made my day:)
I have had mostly good experiences having my 8-pound service dog with me for nearly 4 years. As a hearing service dog, he is essential at home and is often with me in public; a few people have expressed surprise that a such small dog/breed could be a service dog, but he does wear a vest that shows him to be a hearing service animal, so that helps, and he is silent and calm when in public.
I have had some interesting responses when I have inquired of airlines about what arrangements would be needed for flying with my service dog, who would not need a seat nor a spot on the floor. One airline said I would need a letter from his vet certifying all his shots were current/30 days and a current letter from my doctor stating why I needed a service animal, and he must be zipped into a carry-on bag, or small animal carrier and stuffed under my seat. Then he could fly with me, otherwise, no animals were allowed in the cabin or in baggage by that airline any more. I had flown this airline with him while he was in training and was charged for him as if for an extra bag, although he was supposed to be shoved under a seat. (His bag was, but he was in my pocket, which the steward staff acknowledged.) My question to others of you is this…even if your service dog is huge, requires extra space, or a seat, for a domestic flight have you had to provide the doctor’s current letter and vet certificate? At any time a family emergency could require a quick flight for the two of us across country and the last thing I would be thinking of would be a doctor visit and a vet trip so that I could have 30 day current certification of handicap and animal health. Another airline policy requests a state certification or disability letter! All inquiries I have made to various departments of my state which might have information about that led me directly back to the ADA of course, which we all know does not direct the states, or any other agency, for that matter, to certify individuals for disability status requiring service animals. Discussion with customer service personnel for airlines leads to zero clarification about what they really require in lieu of the impossible. I am wondering, how do you all make arrangements to fly, or if anyone else just buys a ticket for the best price and then notifies the airline there is a service animal involved?
I suppose I have an assertion problem when it comes to Scarlet and myself. I bought Scarlet (my brindle great dane) at 12 wks intending to train her as a seizure response dog, as well as for my ptsd (I’m a combat Iraqi veteran). I was blessed when she came home with us, in that she is extremely smart and picked up the training immediatly alerting my husband when I was unconcious in the bathroom from a seizure and couldn’t get to me. She tried to get in, and when she couldn’t, went and got my husband. I had been feeling oddly all day, but assumed (we know what happens when you do that) that I was fighting off an anxiety attack, and she had been whimpering and pawing at me and trying to make me lie down. I say all day, though it truly had only been about an hour. I kept reassuring her that I was fine, but the next thing I knew I was laying on the bathroom with my husband and the EMT’s kneeling over me, and Scarlet looking at me with her “I told you so” face. I put it down as a blessing, but didn’t expect it to happen again, but thank God, it did. I walked down to the mailbox with her and had another seizure on the way, putting down her whining to not being used to being out of doors that much, but once again woke up with my husband standing over me, and again the chastising look from Scarlet. When I had passed out from the seizure, she had run back up the hill and pawed at the door and barked until she got my husbands attention and brought him to me. I had heard that seizure alert dogs were actually quite rare, so never expected it from my girl, but I’m thankful that I have that on top of a well trained best friend. My problem comes in here…I’ve trained her on what to do if I have a seizure (or perhaps she’s trained me at this point), as well as the necessary obedience training and more. She’s very bright, and requires constant learning or gets bored, but only at home. In public she acts like the child we wish all our children could be. But even though I know she helps me, and is a true gift, I’m so afraid of what people will say when I take her out in public…the confrontation part. This is where the PTSD kicks in, I’m afraid of the confrontation. Her training still isn’t complete, I don’t beleive, and mind you, she’s only 5 months old, but the size of a very large dog already. I say that her training isn’t complete, but perhaps it’s my training that isn’t, since she does all she’s supposed to do for me. How do you deal with the fear of possible confrontation? I’ve tried to find everything I can on assistance dogs online, but it’s so vast, I’m always afraid I’ve missed something! Any advice would be great!
Caroline (Carrie)
I have suffered from clinical depression and anxiety, majority of my life. I had some major traumatic events and pretty much had a breakdown in 2005. Things reached a pretty critical point. I finally got help and was put on medication, which was a life saver. Things were better for the next year, and I finally understood what ‘normal’ people felt like, mostly happy, and not having panic attacks constantly, and being able to function. Then I found out my ex husband had been cheating on me and I left him, but things were spiraling back down. I picked up the pieces, and started feeling better when I got a diagnosis of Stage 4 cancer. The depression and anxiety with a diagnosis like that can be just crushing. I also had to put my dog, of 15 years down. I had disfiguring surgery, and radiation treatments and I am left with serious side effects that are permanent. In the mean time, I did get another dog. If it wasn’t for my dog, I would have never made it through treatment. We are very bonded, and he is always with me. I was pretty much home bound for an entire year because of my cancer battle, and getting back out and about, was difficult. I started having panic attacks again. I was very self concious about my appearance, I was down to only 87 lbs, and if people weren’t staring at me because of that, they were staring at my scar, or couldn’t understand was I was saying, because my speech was so effected from the radiation to my head and neck and mouth. I have also developed a serious ear issue, probably related to the radiation to my head, and I am over 50% deaf.
I read about service animals and I took my dog out with me, and I was able to function again. I have not had any panic attacks when I have been with him. I am finally off depression and anxiety meds. He has a carrier that is like a reverse back pack, and he sits in it and never makes a bark. I am in control of him at all times. I did get a service animal tag for him and had him registered as a service animal, even though I know that people are not required to have proof, but I find that it makes things easier. On the front of the pouch I also have a patch that says “Do not Pet Working Service Animal”.
Sometimes, I am amazed at how rude people can be. Today, I was in a bookstore in the mall, I am assuming that this woman must have been talking to me or trying to get my attention, but I didn’t hear her. She tapped me on my shoulder and looked at me and asked, “what’s wrong with you? Why do you have that dog?” I just asked if she was an employee, she said no, so I just turned around and walked away. I also have had people take my picture like I’m some kind of oddity. Last year, when I was walking into the mall, I heard some woman exclaim, “that poor dog! What an idiot woman!” My dog, when I get that harness in my hand goes crazy. He cannot wait to get in it. He knows we are going out. I put on the harness and sit down, and he jumps in and sits down. I also get a lot of snickering and laughing and eye rolling. Usually there is one person that makes a nasty comment everytime I go out. Usually something like I should not be allowed to bring an animal in stores, because I’m not sight impaired.
I just wish sometimes that people would not make such rude comments to other people. It’s not ok to ask personal questions to people. Strangers have even asked me about my scar. Why would you do that?
It just really bothered me today, and I just wondered how other people dealt with peoples comments and invasive questions.
Wishing you all well.
I’ve read several times here that ESA (emotional service animals) are NOT considered “service” dogs simply because their presence gives you some form of peace of mind. From what I understand, there are many “service” dogs which help people with mental disabilities; PTSD, psychosis, depression, etc.
Are we still living in the stone age when we reduce the need for service dogs for the mentally disabled?!?! As if being blind, epileptic, or diabetic is perfectly acceptable, but a mental illness is not considered a disability?! And yet, there are tens of thousands of people who are legally disabled, many receiving state and federal benefits because of debilitating mental illnesses. Panic attacks, medication reminders (particularly in the case of schizophrenics), bi-polar outbursts, confusion, etc….can all benefit from the calming presence of a trained service dog. Clearly if meds are part of the job, the dog must be trained to remind, or actually retrieve medications when they are due or needed, or to act as a spacing tool between the disabled and others who might be in uncomfortably close proximity. It bothers me that a calm, well-trained, well-socialized dog cannot be considered as an emotional stabilizer without the need to “perform” some physical task. I think the parameters defining service dogs for the mentally ill need to be expanded and fully recognized.
Carrie, I would get some of the ID cards. Get her a vest or bandanna to wear.
Start local at places you have been going. Your normal store. Clue some of the people you have been around there to the fact she is a seizure alert dog (that is all that she needs to be to be a service dog. The PTSD may or may not qualify her with the law change and why fight that battle if you don’t need to), when they ask. You will probably find it is not an issue at all. Once you are comfortable there branch out to the next place or two. I find in our local town they are pretty used to my guy in just a few months and not much is said.
More was said when I went without him a few days when he hurt his foot and was not walking well. They wanted to know where he was and were concerned he was hurt.
Once you can do that you can try a place or two that is new to you and work up from there. Decide what you are going to do if confronted with more than needing to say “he/she is a service dog”.
You may feel best just leaving. For me I will debate it and let them know they are breaking the law. That is my personality and I am comfortable doing it. I will never get into a fight over it, but will discuss it. It it become heated at all, I will leave and file a complaint with the Department of Justice.
Hope this helps.
I live in California. While service dog trainers and owner-trainers have the same access rights with service dogs-in-training as service dog teams do, the dog must have a tag issued by County Animal Control. Although the only condition the law stipulates is that applicants must sign an affidavit saying that they understand that misrepresenting a dog as a service dog or service dog-in-training is a crime, San Diego County Department of Animal Services’ application requires applicants to state not only whether the dog is or is to be trained as a guide, signal (hearing) or service dog, but specify what tasks the dog has been or will be trained to perform. While the form asks applicants not to reveal medical information, I couldn’t for the life of me think of a way to describe what I intended to train my Psychiatric Service Dog-in-training to do that wouldn’t make the nature of my disability obvious. I also believe the application shouldn’t ask, as only gatekeepers, law enforcement, and judges have the right to know. So instead of filling out the form as directed, I wrote that doing so would violate my privacy and that it wasn’t legal. The employee to whom I returned it assured me that my filling it out that way wouldn’t affect the decision whether to issue the tag. She was wrong; my application was rejected and I was denied the tag. Now I must crawl back to Animal Services and reveal personal information I still believe they have no legal right to know to try to get the tag, because without it, I can’t take my dog anywhere but where pets are allowed. I just wonder if there’s any way I could describe what I’ll train him to do without the nature of my disability being obvious.
BEV, I too have the assistance of a 3 pound Chihuahuh. I felt a smaller breed is best for me and my needs. I have him due to Autism, PTSD and other medical issues. I OFTEN get rude comments and constant laughts. It’s frustrating! Especially since I have difficulty communicating due to my Autism and I don’t care to be rude to others even when they are aggressively attacking me and my dog(verbally). I once had an older couple follow my mother, Vincent(my service dog) and I through a grocery store continuously harassing us about it, laughing. People don’t realize how smart these little dogs can be. And that they ate still a dog, no matter the breed. Also that not all disabilities are visible to the eye. My service dog is SO well behaved. He never ever barks. He Is very well trained. He is as quiet as he can be even when alerting me. But, people still harass. I wish I could tell you how to handle it, but I can’t seem to handle it right myself. However, I thought I should let you know that there is a web site that makes service dog vest small enough. Well, I had to alter mine a bit in the waist, but it fits perfectly. Hoping you see this… The website is petjoyonline.com -Yaz
I have a dog that I’m training to become a therapy dog and she has a few classes to go I got her vest and id badge can she go into stores even now she is not all the way through the classes
I feel some of the responses concerning how questions concerning the
validity of a Service Animal must be handled are misleading! The
Service Animals’ owner DOES NOT have to give the nature of their
disability nor the specific task that may be performed to ANYONE
requesting specific information regarding either of the two!! No one,
including a Hotel Manager or a Business Operator, has the right to
demand such information!! I certainly suggest a courteous response
but it is llegal for such information to be demanded and anyone who
persists in demanding it should be so advised in no uncertain terms!!
To Myra Elwell:
About your comment:
“I’ve never had a problem with him until I went to a local laundromat that is run by a Hispanic Immigrant.”
WHY did you feel the need to point out that this woman was a hispanic immigrant?? what in the hell does that have to do with anything?!
Here you are trying to discuss people who are prejudice about their views on so-called service-dogs and you are doing the same. Your comment was ignorant and racist. Shame on you!
Joshua, the MARINE…. lol you’re an asshole with deep insecurities.
Just because you went to war doesn’t give you the right to be a prick. That’s what happens when you go to war. What did you think, enlisting in the war was like going to Disney land. Stfu and stop being a bully and trashy dude.
Although people with mental disabilities are covered by the Ada act., the federal laws regarding service animals only apply to those with physical disabilities. You should check your state/ local laws most recognize the importance if not necessity these animals aAre are to their owners, and inculde provisions for support dogs. Unfortunetly a dog who provides support to a PTSD sufferer is not covered by the federal law, furthermore claming the animal is an “alert dog” with the intention that he/she will assume the dog is a seizure alert dog, inorder to gain entrance to a facility where the dog would not otherwise be allowed, is illegal and could result in fines or other consequences.
Please disregard my last comment. The term service animal was updated as of March 15 2011 to include dogs who support persons with mental disabilities.
To Montana,
A therapy dog has no access rights under the ADA law so they cannot go into all places as a Service Dog can. Therapy dogs are limited to their work area ie… hospitals, schools, librarys. Per the ADA, a service dog is a dog that is trained to do tasks for a disabled person, therapy dogs don’t do that. That is the difference..I think therapy dogs are great but they have no access rights. hope this answers your questions
Wow, I go though this kind of abuse as well! I was at a flea market and was told I had to carry my dog!! I explained that my 89 pound Doberman was my SERVICE DOG. ( He was sporting his RED TAG….and he is CERTIFIED!!) But he didnt care, he stated he had to call his boss on this one. Kept asking me for my CARD proving Baron was a service Dog!! I said I didnt need to show him that . All he needed to see was the red tag and that he was welcome to call it in for prove. I suffer from PTSD as well as physical disabilities. (These disabilities are not all visible to everyone.) It all upset me so badly that I threaten them with a law suit!!! That is when they backed off and let me finish a pleasant day at the flea market!
Baron is legal!! A service dog was prescribed to me!! I was the trainer! I rescued Baron from the local pound 6 years ago and started training him for my disabilities. I fall and he is trained to brace himself so I can use him to get back up. In the mental department I have had some trauma and just his size and looks keep people at a distance.
I do understand how people could use this service dog tag think way out of line … but look at it this way….. they must LOVE their pets an awful lot to want them with them at all times!!! That is so awesome since we have so many unwanted animals!!!! Yes, I agree they should be trained in obedience and be well behaved. An untrained animal could and would be a problem at some point!! I hope most of these service animals HAVE earned their RED TAG as Baron and so many others out there have. It takes a lot of training for a service animal to assist a person in their every day living. And remember ….there is a difference between a service animal and a pet.
how cam i make my do a service dog
Thanks so much for all of the great information! I do not have a disability (my girlfriend might disagree)
but I take my pet dog with me EVERYWHERE!!! People are so intimidated by this great ADA Law that I seldom get questioned & if I do I just say that I have PTSD. But just in case PTSD isn’t covered (sounds like there’s some confusion/disagreement about that) I’ll start using “I’m an epileptic & my dog alerts me beforehand”. Thanks for all of the information & the great ADA laws we have! Only in America!!! It’s so easy because people are so afraid to mess with the ADA!!! Sincerely, Eric
Thanks so much for all of the great information! I do not have a disability (my girlfriend might disagree)
but I take my pet dog with me EVERYWHERE!!! People are so intimidated by this great ADA Law that I seldom get questioned & if I do I just say that I have PTSD. But just in case PTSD isn’t covered (sounds like there’s some confusion/disagreement about that) I’ll start using “I’m an epileptic & my dog alerts me beforehand”. Thanks for all of the information & the great ADA laws we have!
It it because of people like Eric Johnson that have NO disability that continually insist on bringing their dogs into grocery stores that make it bad for people that really need their dogs to get through life. What an ass get a life you are in violation of the law.
I have been taking insulin for Type 1 Diabetes now for 27 years. Too many times I have gone unconscious, once while driving. I am now doing research to find a diabetic alert dog in California AND a Bichon Frise. I saw one site that offered Bichon Alert Dogs…but in Indiana at $16,000 cost. Does anyone know of where to find one (ideally in California. My life involves a lot of travel and would like a dog that can join me in the cabin. Plus, I have already had a Bichon and just adore them! Thank you~
There is so much confusion about ESA and other Service Animals. PTS is a psychiatric condition, and an ESA is an appropriate – in fact the ONLY – solution for me. I don’t use drugs, I don’t need to. I can function if I have her with me, but not if I don’t. She is an ESA by definition at this time, but a Full Service Dog in what she does.
Since there is no law around training or certification, there is actually no difference. My doctors dx’d me with complex PTS in 1989 and it will never go away. I can drive safely with her, but as she is not a “trained” service animal (she couldn’t be anyway as there IS not formal training nor is any required) I still have her with me when I get to work. My employer and the families we serve (I am a psychotherapist) need to understand that she cannot be left in the car or anywhere else; she needs to be with me so I can a) work and b) drive home again afterwards!
This is a bizarre conundrum, but if I need her to be a contributing professional, she HAS to be allowed to remain with me during my employment hours so I can go to and from work. I don’t necessarily need to be on disability, as I can work if she is with me. It costs the country LESS to have me benefit from my Service Animal and go to work and pay taxes and provide a service to our communities than it would if I went on disability – which I could do if I wanted to with my history and diagnoses.
I consider myself fortunate to be able to work with this simple support of my Service Animal, a License Mental Health professional letter with my DSM – IV- TR diagnoses and the ADA and Fair Housing paperwork. Some people would love to be able to do what I can, but are unable.
Just my two cents
Good to meet you all. Thanks for being here.
COSTCO employees are just plain rude. My service animal (who was wearing her green vest) was in the childs seat in their cart, encased in a blanketso she made no physical contact with the cart. I was “ordered” to remove “that animal” from the cart immediately. I was told I was inviolation of a health code having to do with food. I had no food in the cart, but was waiting for a prescription. She said other people had to use the cart for food and to take the animal and put it on the floor. I explained she was a service animal, who had to be close to me to provide the medical service she is trained for, and she was not touching the cart. The manager insisted I remove her at once. Here is the problem:
Hershey is fully licensed as a service alert animal. She has tags that says she is a service animal.
Hershey has a license that I carry at all times stating she is a service animal.
Hershey needs to be near me, preferably above my waist, as she need to detect the misfiring of my brain synapses. She will they alert me to take my medication to prevent a seizure. She cannot perform this service if she is on the ground.
While she can walk on a lead, she is not apt to follow instructions such as sit and stay, and is only 7 lbs and can get stepped on very easily.
Hershey’s biggest problem is this: SHE IS A CAT
Most cats have strollers or carriers (yes, I have both), but one cannot push a stoller and a grocery cart at the same time, and try juggling a purse, carrier and grocery cart at the same time if you are not allowed to put the carrier in the cart.
COSTCO is the ONLY store that has ever “harassed” me. Hershey has ridden, on her blanket, in the childs seat in Vons, Ralphs, Safeway, Albertsons, Foodland, and every clothing store I can think of. She has been to the malls, beaches, and people parks and no one says anything.
Here in El Cajon, San Diego, the Police Department is in charge of animal control. They licensed her. They require a letter from a doctor stating the animal performs a necessary medical service for you. Mine actually stated what that service was (I had no objection to this). They give you special tags and a license that states she is a service animal to prevent your being hassled, especially if your service animal is NOT a canine. And yes, you can buy the service jacket on e-bay, but you can’t buy the license or tags on the internet, so proving she is genuine is not a problem. Of course, no one buy COSTCO is going to ask you to prove if the animal is really a service animal. And yes, that is illegal. COSTCO employees really need more training when it comes to Service Animals. And they could use some manner too!
I have Sam now registered with the City I live in California as a bonefied assistance dog. I took some convincing because my disabilities are not readily visible. However, I do wear one hearing aid in my right ear I wanted to add to PTSD to my disabled profile for the purpose the need for a service dog. I suffered a brain injury and have significant scaring on my head. I keep my head shaved to display the scares to keep the public from making doubting remarks regarding the need for a service dog.
All I have read is how others are rude to you when you have your service dog with you. Well people are taking their none service dogs with them everywhere. You can complain all you want but they are the ones making it hard on you. People who ask are just following the law when it comes to these other people with non-SDs. It is against the law in many states for dogs(animals) to be allowed because of health violations. Instead of making it tough on the people doing their job why don’t you go easy on them. If I see a dog in an area where there is food and possible contamination issue you bet like hell I’m going to say something. The people who claim they have the right to take their non service dog into these establishments are wrong! Plain and simple. And yes there are cities that are now requiring people to have their dog licensed. It’s happening because of the law breakers. And I for one will uphold it. It’s not descrimination, it’s not because I do not like dogs. I am a SD trainer. I train for the blind. And I actually like it when people ask me about my dogs. It’s part of the job. I hate it when I and my dogs work so hard 24×7 and others abuse the system and make it hard for me to do my job! SO if I see you in an establishment and you do not have a SD I will confront you! Alot of you make up crap that your dog can do. Everyone thinks they have a Super Dog. I love my dogs to but they are trained professionals. They are not PETS! People who say they have a SD when they do not are ruining it for the people who actually need them. Whether you like it or not but eventually you will have to register your SD everywhere. So you better get it right. The fines are big!
So is it Ok to ask someone with a service dog what service they provide? I mean in a nice respectful way? I did this today and got jumped on by a guy with a service dog….. I totally was anticipating that he was going to say it was a cop dog or something along those lines, and I was going to say that’s really neat… but instead this asshole told me I was “rude for asking what his disability was and that I should have never said anything”. Well how the hell was I suppose to know the guy had a disability? He looked like the hulk. I thought he could have handled it a little better then trying to make a scene. Now I’ll totally look at people with service animals has mean, don’t ask, and don’t help them kind of people. Who needs a scene.
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