Do you believe emotional support animals should have official "proof" or documents?

This has come up lately and around my area some airlines have listed which animals are allowed and not allowed. But do you think that people with animals for support should have official paperwork or documentation of their purpose and who they are for? And do you think that they should only be allowed to wear an official "working dog vest or tag" and that all others should not be allowed to have their dogs wear anything that states they are a service animal implied or otherwise? It is such a subjective, grey area. How do you determine who gets to have one? What is the criteria? Should everyone just be allowed to bring their animals anywhere? What would you do if you knew someone wasn't legit? How would it be enforced and what type of consequences? What about allergy sufferers? Have you ever experienced dogs that had official looking stuff on but you know the person was just bringing their pet around with them? have you ever experience an animal wearing a vest (that you can order online personalized to say whatever you want) behaving so badly you knew they were not trained? I always hear stories about animal defecating in the aisle of an airplane because the poor animal isn't trained and is scared. I know I ask alot of questions and probably make no sense but I have wondered about it ever since I saw a dog in a dog handbag in the grocery store. But truthfully I do not know how I feel about this and am looking for opinions and input from others....

I work both for an airline and professionally in the pet industry. I have SO much to say on this but I am at work. Will post later.

I think they should have documentation and some sort of vest or designation for the public. And should be limited to certain species for places such as airplanes.

One of my sons has an emotional support dog and he has paperwork for it. He can't take it in public places like a service animal. I don't think he's allowed to take it on airplanes.

ESAs are not allowed in public. They require documentation already for housing or airlines, the only two places they are allowed.

As a person with a service dog, someone's mild allergies do not take precedence over my disability, which requires a service dog. Businesses are required to accommodate both people with disabilities who have a service dog and people with allergies. The thing is, all people who own animals have pet dander on them all the time. So if your allergies are that bad, then you will have an allergic reaction just standing next to me. People with peanut allergies tell the airlines that they have an allergy; it's no different. So if you have a dog allergy, tell the airline when you book your flight, just like I am required to tell them I have a service dog when I book. Funny thing is, Astro is quiet as a mouse and lays at my feet and no one sees him, and no one has allergies the whole flight UNTIL we stand up to get off the plane and they see him and say "I didn't know there was a dog there! I'm allergic!" Except they just spent 4 hours on the flight with him and had no symptoms. Hmmm...

Service dogs do not require certification nor are they required to be vested. There are many, many reasons for this. It's not just arbitrary. Remember the law is to give equal access to the DISABLED. We can't change the law, thereby punishing the DISABLED and affecting their civil rights because of some fakers. However, many states are enacting laws to prosecute fakers, and that is a good thing. A LOT A LOT A LOT of thought has gone into how the ADA works. It is a CIVIL RIGHTS law. To require me to carry documents of my disability is a violation of my civil rights. If a normal person doesn't have to carry said documentation then a disabled person, to have EQUAL access, does not either. It's not like a handicap placard, which is a privilege and does not guarantee you access. If all the handicap spots are taken then you're out of luck. But I can enter a business with my service dog regardless if another service dog is there.

To have an ESA, the law requires that you have a mental health disability. That is the requirement. It is far too abused by people who are merely lonely or want to usurp housing requirements. A service dog is also only for a person with a disability. This is the law.

You are asking all these questions but have you read the ADA, the ACAA, or the FHA? The laws are actually pretty clear. The problem is with the laws not being upheld.

I don't want to get into a public conversation about this because it really upsets me to have people basically trying to violate my civil rights and equal access, but I would be happy to PM with you to answer your questions and explain why many of these things are the way they are, and why the ADA is written the way it is.

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Originally Posted by seesaw ESAs are not allowed in public. They require documentation already for housing or airlines, the only two places they are allowed. As a person with a service dog, someone's mild allergies do not take precedence over my disability, which requires a service dog. Businesses are required to accommodate both people with disabilities who have a service dog and people with allergies. The thing is, all people who own animals have pet dander on them all the time. So if your allergies are that bad, then you will have an allergic reaction just standing next to me. People with peanut allergies tell the airlines that they have an allergy; it's no different. So if you have a dog allergy, tell the airline when you book your flight, just like I am required to tell them I have a service dog when I book. Funny thing is, Astro is quiet as a mouse and lays at my feet and no one sees him, and no one has allergies the whole flight UNTIL we stand up to get off the plane and they see him and say "I didn't know there was a dog there! I'm allergic!" Except they just spent 4 hours on the flight with him and had no symptoms. Hmmm... Service dogs do not require certification nor are they required to be vested. There are many, many reasons for this. It's not just arbitrary. Remember the law is to give equal access to the DISABLED. We can't change the law, thereby punishing the DISABLED and affecting their civil rights because of some fakers. However, many states are enacting laws to prosecute fakers, and that is a good thing. A LOT A LOT A LOT of thought has gone into how the ADA works. It is a CIVIL RIGHTS law. To require me to carry documents of my disability is a violation of my civil rights. If a normal person doesn't have to carry said documentation then a disabled person, to have EQUAL access, does not either. It's not like a handicap placard, which is a privilege and does not guarantee you access. If all the handicap spots are taken then you're out of luck. But I can enter a business with my service dog regardless if another service dog is there. To have an ESA, the law requires that you have a mental health disability. That is the requirement. It is far too abused by people who are merely lonely or want to usurp housing requirements. A service dog is also only for a person with a disability. This is the law. You are asking all these questions but have you read the ADA, the ACAA, or the FHA? The laws are actually pretty clear. The problem is with the laws not being upheld. I don't want to get into a public conversation about this because it really upsets me to have people basically trying to violate my civil rights and equal access, but I would be happy to PM with you to answer your questions and explain why many of these things are the way they are, and why the ADA is written the way it is.

OMG I am so sorry! I was not asking those questions because I felt that way and I was definitely trying to talk about emotional support animals- and telling the difference between those that have them ..(lawfully, legally- i dont know the right word) and those that like to bring their purse dogs everywhere a la paris hilton. In NO way do I think you should have to carry documents to prove anything. And I just assumed that the service dogs were the only ones Allowed to wear vests- not that they have to. I meant it like emotional support animals wearing vests that implie they are service dogs. I was not at all trying to violate anyone's rights to fair and equal access.

And Seesaw I tried to pm you but it says you are not accepting pms?

I'll add you as a contact. And I can answer questions. Its really frustrating for us too that have real.servcue dogs and seeing all these fakers or our dog gets attacked by one of those purse puppies!.I've had to do desensitization training with Astro before after one of those little dogs attacked him w while he was working.

I'm glad states are finally enacting faker laws because now people can actually get in trouble for it. I'm hoping that will curb some of the fakers out there.

Yes I do.

I also think they SHOULD have more public rights than they do. For example... my ESA helps me with intense anxiety at the dr. I have permission from my OBGYN dr to bring him but any other place I've gone wont allow him and I get into panic attacks there sometimes. It makes it so much harder for me to get health things done that are needed.

I also have some social issues and it's very difficult for me like when I worked as a cashier but having him there, would have made it easier on me to talk to people. However he isn't allowed.

Seesaw, how can someone report a person who is just hauling their pet around and calling it an ESA if there is no way to determine if the animal is or isn't? I'm not trying to be argumentative. How can states enforce laws against fakers if there is no way to determine if someone is faking?

I've seen people with what I'm pretty sure were pets passing as ESAs in stores. They were ill mannered and misbehaving. My understanding is that a business can not challenge a person and ask for proof that an animal is an ESA. How can businesses separate the real ones from fakes?

To answer the OP, I would like to see some kind of visible way of telling that an animal is an ESA for the reasons in my question above. I love my cats. I'd love to be able to take Miette to work with me. What's to stop me from claiming she is an ESA and taking her to work.

How do we draw a line for the rights of the person with the ESA and others in the area? There was mention of someone freaking out finding out they flew on a plane with a dog claiming they had an allergy. Obviously the allergy must not have been that bad, but what if they were so allergic it sent them into a major asthma attack?

I saw a story awhile back about a man in a restaurant with his ESA that was a snake. Other patrons were uncomfortable with the snake climbing around on the guy at the table. My mother had such a phobia of snakes that we could not even say the word "snake" around her because she would have screaming nightmares as a result. Can you imagine her reaction if someone at the next table had a snake crawling on him?

Back to the OP... service animal wear identification to show they are a service animal. Why not have the same requirement for ESAs? One last thought.... one reason service animals were some kind of identification is so that the public knows they are "on the job" and not to be distracted. Wouldn't ESAs benefit from the same?

there are already so many issues with folks buying fake vests for service dogs and bringing them into stores, restaurants etc & their dogs behaving badly that the idea of a possibly untrained dog now becoming a dog with a vest & allowed in more areas just doesn't sit well with me.

the vest doesn't make the dog. in the area of service dogs, training does. therapy dogs, the ssame. esa dogs are not meant to fill into one of those categories. people bring their dogs into stores etc because of what ever reason..and their dogs in many in stances behave poorly. and all of a sudden it's ok because it's a esa (or a service dog)..either way, it's not.

your dog as a esa with a vest is afforded no special protection under the law. period. vest or no vest.

there is no official registry of service dogs , nor is there an "official card" that owners carry..regardless of the one you can buy on line.

therapy dogs if they are affiliated with a licensed group with have a card with their #, name and expiration date . yearly they require recertification. they may, or may not wear a vest. also they do NOT have the same privileges as a service dog (entry into stores, etc).

so should esa's wear a vest? I see no purpose. my dog is a therapy dog and an esa. he needs no vest for the esa function. his role does not need input from society when we are out & about, and there is nothing that a vest would change. as for his therapy work..at times he does wear a vest, other times not..depends on where we are.

esa's are NOT service animals. the ada is clear on that role.

I'm confused. What is the difference between a service animal, a therapy animal and an ESA?

therapy dogs
Therapy dogs need to be well-behaved in public and responsive to their handlers. They are trained to provide comfort to many people. They do not provide comfort to only their handler and they are not trained for any specific tasks to help mitigate an individual's disability. Therapy dogs who have passed a therapy dog evaluation are only allowed in locations where therapy work is approved. Therapy dogs serve in many different areas, but some of the most common are hospitals, long term care facilities, or reading programs for children (at local libraries, for example). These dogs visit with their handler to bring comfort to patients and sometimes their families. Therapy dogs sometimes are also used in locations such as at court cases for victims who are having a difficult time testifying. Or they might help provide comfort after a traumatic event such as a mass shooting or a natural disaster. Therapy dogs are not permitted in facilities such as stores that do not allow pets unless they have been called to work there.

service dogs
Service dogs are trained to help mitigate the disability of a specific person and are protected under the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA). These dogs must be well-behaved and responsive in public as well as be trained to perform specific tasks for the individual. These dogs ARE allowed access to public locations where other dogs are not allowed, as long as they are not disruptive to the environment. People are probably most familiar with guide dogs for the blind, but service dogs can also provide many other tasks such as helping deaf individuals. Service dogs can also provide diabetic alert or seizure alert services. Psychiatric service dogs can help individuals with psychiatric issues that prevent them from functioning in public places. There are many areas in which service dogs are helping individuals to lead more independent lives. However, these dogs must be trained to perform specific tasks to help mitigate the individuals' disabilities. Providing comfort is not enough to qualify as a service dog.

emotional support dogs
Emotional support animals provide comfort to a specific individual. ESA's are allowed to fly on airplanes and to live in housing that might not otherwise allow animals, but are not otherwise allowed in public places where dogs are not allowed. ESA's are not trained to perform any specific tasks and are therefore not considered service dogs nor are they provided any of the rights or protections of service dogs.

There is NO national registry of service dogs. There is no required vest. Anything you buy online does not give you any extra credentials. Buying one does not a service dog make.

Therapy dogs under go training, usually starting with obedience and then canine good citizen and then pre-therapy dog class & therapy dog class. Certifying agencies require the dog to pass a skill test (about 10 steps I believe) . A written test is required as well for the handler. This must be repeated annually. Dogs must be certified healthy by a vet yearly as well.

It is frustrating because many people bring u trained dogs into establishments as "service dogs" or ESA's and then the dog can cause issues. This hurts those who use legitimate dogs. I have a dog who is certified as a therapy dog and also is an ESA. I know the limits and adhere to them. But having worked in establishments where there are folks who bring their pets inside all the time..because their dog "needs to," really? I doubt it.

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Originally Posted by resurgam therapy dogs if they are affiliated with a licensed group with have a card with their #, name and expiration date . yearly they require recertification. they may, or may not wear a vest. also they do NOT have the same privileges as a service dog (entry into stores, etc).

I think this varies by state. As far as I know here, therapy dogs do not need training to be called therapy dogs. I was telling someone about the salon I go to. The owner breeds dogs and always has two in the shop. When they have puppies she brings them in too which is kind of a way for her to sell them. Who can resist a puppy? She happens to be great with kids that have disabilities and the dogs help with that. She calls them therapy dogs and has little vests for them. She trains them using a shock collar which seems mean to me. But they still run around and jump on your lap whether you want them there or not. Yes they are good with special needs kids but they are not specially trained and she calls them therapy dogs.

the fact they jump on laps and such is the reason that most places require therapy dogs be certified thru agencies. certifying means the dog has been trained to be comfortable around hospital equipment, crowds, noises, wheelchairs, it can be left alone while the handler does something, it is used to "leaving" items on the floor ..such as food, pills etc, it won't snatch food from patients, or react when another dog or animal approaches, etc.

so I guess you could say they don't need to be registered but most facilities want a dog that has been registered by an agency and passed their tests (skills, medical, insurance coverage, and handler skills). it just is better for everyone.

example...I go to a sr home for people with psychiatric issues...one of the residents has decided that my dog is "hers" and she gets angry when he interacts withy other residents.....to the point where she follows us and screams, and gets physical. my dog is trained to react calmly to this. same when another dog is in the home (a pet of a residents family). that dog leaps, barks and jumps at him. my guy sits calmly and just looks at it.

yea I could just buy a vest & say he's a therapy dog but I know the training & certification have made us a better team & a better asset to the places we serve. & our certification is valid nationwide.

Resurgam, thank you for the detailed answer explaining what each term means.

Sarahsweets, just because your hairdresser calls her dogs "therapy dogs" doesn't mean they are. That's at the heart of the OP's question.

Is there an online agency where I can get a certificate for an ESA? I have found many, but I can't tell which ones are fake or not. Anyone have experience with a particular agency?

Thanks

no, there is not. you need certification documents from your doctor. ANYTHING YOU BUY ON LINE IS FAKE. you can go online and look up details as to what you need as far as documentation. usually there are notes from dr's etc that will state that the animal is needed for emotional support.

an emotional support animal doers not have the privileges as a service dog or even a therapy dog.

Okay cool, I can get that.