“More and more people in today’s society ignore or try to circumvent laws”. I see this with “service dogs” and handicap stickers and plates on cars and golf carts. It’s amazing what a few people will do. Really sad.

If you are so insecure that you need to fake that your dog is a service dog, there is something wrong with you. Just like the people that park in a handicapped spot that aren't handicapped. Owners of businesses are scared to death trying prosecute because of the ADA lobby or simply to not offend. This is a symptom of today's society. Just pick the law that you want to follow. JMHO

I don't think it's insecurity. I think is a sense of entitlement coupled with arrogance. People want to take their dogs with them everywhere, including on an airplane. They are the kind of people who what want they want, when they want it, and will step over other people to get it. They take pride in beating the system.

Nothing will change these types of people. The law needs to be strengthened.

You can buy fake service dog vests. I think many people do. I'm all for "real" service dogs, but IMO 90% are fakers who have to bring their puppy everywhere.

You can buy a service dog vest from several companies online. But, apparently, none of them are "fake" because there is no special qualification information required. You just add the vest to your online shopping cart and enter your credit card number and they send you the vest. So, where would you buy a vest that is a fake vest?

If a person is just buying the vest just because they want to bring their doggy just about everywhere and they use the vest to keep from being challenged the vest is fake.

I would think that is why everyone buys a vest for their dog, whether they need a service dog or not. They don't want to be challenged. My point is that there are no such things as "official" and "fake" vests. The ADA does not require a vest at all. So, it is the owner and the dog that are fake, not the vest.

You Win.

Tickets
 

During the Holidays in Illinois a “sting operation” was implemented at a large Regional Mall with huge results. During a three day period before the Holidays over a hundred tickets were issued for improper parking in handicap spaces, fake handicap placards, and the illegal use of handicap placards by unauthorized persons, etc. Of course, this didn’t fix the obvious abuse problem but for a little while it increased awareness that it was best to leave handicap spaces for the handicap. Perhaps, something similar could be duplicated here. For Service dogs, it may require legislation and a process of certification in order to stem the tide of pets being used for service dogs without being trained for the task.

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.