I would think anyone that has gone to the trouble and expense to acquire and train a real service animal would not object to registering the animal and carrying a card which confirms that. I also expect they would not object to being asked to show the card, if for no other reason to stop the sidelong looks they get when taking their service animals into public places.

Personally, I can’t imagine how or why the ADA was passed with a provision making it illegal to ask for proof that an animal was actually trained. What lobby was responsible for that?

Also to those who object to placards...people who have them are required to carry documentation in their wallet PLUS their glove-box. MANY people have invisible (to the eye) issues that require their having these. Me included!!! Walk in their shoes then say we're "entitled". I wish I was MORE able and could walk long distances!!!! I sometimes need the rollator and sometimes the cane but sometimes don't depending on the day. Oh---I'm sure there are those who abuse this (more than we'd like) but to lump ALL the people in one catagory is unbelievably callous.

Ok, so how do genuinely handicapped people feel about the fraudulent individuals that are stealing your privileges that were unfortunately actually earned? And what do you recommend to do about it?

Yes its out of hand. In Super Market Trolleys, in shops, even restaurants. If your dog cannot be left for an hour, DO NOT have one. Owners even let " dogs" poo in the tennis/pickleball courts" and leave it there. Yet we have dog parks.

The rule in TV WAS 1 dog under a certain weight per household.... now there are 2-3 ankle biters yapping at everyone. I am a dog lover, BUT TV is NOT a place for dogs......Trained Registered service dogs are of course allowed and welcomed.

Hmmm Super Market "Trolleys", you might be British.

I think in the lower 48 we are allowed to have two pets, even more if we come with more but as they cross the rainbow bridge, we need to just own two.

No service dog is trained to sit in a shopping trolley, or sit at the table in a restaurant.

I think there should also be a No Thanks button.

The 16K question doesn't have an answer "unless" we pay to have police standing next to all these spots to inquire documentation. How do I feel? I don't judge anymore as to "look" at me---I "might" look normal. BUT my disability is invisible--so may be many more people. As I said before---walk in the shoes then ask the question. I would ask "how do you know they're fraudulent?"

As for service dog issues...one can already know due to their extensive training. They remain "heeled" at their master/mistress. IF in a restaurant or other building, they sit quietly under the chair. You never/ever pet them as they're working. They won't pee/poop without their person allowing them to. They won't bark at other animals or people. You may ask a person who has one exactly all they're trained to do. As another poster stated on here--a service dog will never ride in a shopping cart---ever!! NOR will they pull on their leash.

...

They know they are fraudulent. By misrepresenting their pet as official service animals and seeking undeserved privilege. Where is the ‘entitled’ thread? Oh, and their neighbors know, and their friends know ....

I find it disrespectful to other dog owners too. It brings shame on all of us.

My golden retriever always shed, no matter how many baths or blow outs or brushings I gave him. I got used to his fur in my coffee every day, but I didn’t expect other people to put up with it.

Probably the lawyers. There are actually lawyers who make a living deliberately seeking out businesses who may have vulnerable ADA issues with handicap access. The lawyers will hire wheelchair bound people to enter these businesses and complain. Then the lawyer will file a lawsuit against the business. This is all allowed by the Federal ADA law passed by Congress.

You just pegged my "BS" meter.:popcorn:

All you need to do is google "ADA lawsuit abuse" and you will find lots of stories about lawyers filing numerous lawsuits claiming ADA violations. There is one Miami lawyer who file 653 lawsuits against businesses, claiming they violated the ADA law.

Also a service dog's leash will NOT be retractable. If it's a leash that can be reeled in or let loose or dependent on the dog for tension, then it is not a service dog, and the owner is not the owner of a service dog.

It might help a little if business owners would step up and ask the two allowed ADA questions. If the dog owner can’t answer the questions, the dog is not allowed. They don’t have to be asked in a confrontational manner nor are the questions accusatory. As Joe Friday would say, “Just the facts, ma’am.” It would stop some of the abuse but as long as business owners are afraid to ask, people will continue to abuse the system.

And hooray for Massachusetts!

Correct....Because a true "service" dog is a very, VERY well-trained animal.

What is the percentage of abusers vs the number of people being helped by ADA?

What are the actual damages done by abusers and who is harmed?

I am sure there are problems. No system I perfect. But, is this another case of "rules are rules"?

[QUOTE=Jazuela;1682692]"Comfort animals" are not service dogs. If they say that they are comfort animals, then you're within your rights to make them leave any place that doesn't allow pets because that designation is not protected under any law at all.

That's interesting... because I see a lot of people in businesses (just say one in Publix) that have a dog with a vest that says "comfort animal."
My dog is definitely a comfort to me. But I would never feel I am so entitled that I can bring him into a business like a restaurant or grocery store.

When I took my two well trained mostly well behaved dogs anywhere, I always thought that what is a comfort animal to one can be a great uncomfort animal to others.

Thought politics weren't allowed :1rotfl::1rotfl:

No, it’s undocumented

There are "therapy" animals, "comfort" animals, and "service" animals.

Only the right to bring service animals into buildings is protected by the ADA.

Therapy animals are usually animals trained, or naturally inclined, to help OTHER people. Do a Google search for Norbert for the most famous example of a therapy dog. Horses are typically employed as therapy animals for certain physical and mental disabilities.

Comfort animals are just pets, that people have decided to call comfort animals. They have no legal "designation" or function other than to comfort their owner - which any well-cared-for pet should do.