Fake PTSD Service Dogs Harm Real Ones

If you are a veteran with a PTSD service dog, you need to read this article. It explains why you should not be offended to prove your real service dog is real. Too many jerks out there with fake ones causing trouble for your highly trained/expensive aid/buddy. It is illegal for them to do it but they feel they are protected under the law created to protect you.

If you are asked to prove your dog is a real service dog, you are not required to do it by law but to avoid other issues, it would be a good idea to set an example for the fraudulent-selfish owners. I can buy what I need to take my dog anywhere since it is all available online. What I can't do is get him to act like one. He's 80 lbs of walking muscle. Rhodesian Ridgeback, Rottweiler and Hound mutt.

Service dog or imposter: Exploiting ADA law
Misrepresentation of service dogs is a federal violation
Sierra Vista Herald
DANA COLE | HERALD/REVIEW
Sat, 07/18/2015

What businesses can do “Businesses need to understand what ADA allows as service dogs and what the businesses’ rights are if there are obvious violations,” said Boatman. “If you get caught misrepresenting a service dog, you can be prosecuted by the DOJ. And from what I understand, that comes with a pretty heavy fine.”

Boatman says misrepresenting a service dog is no different than hanging a handicapped parking card on a car mirror when there are no disabled individuals in the vehicle.

When asked about corporate policies and service animals, Angie Thompson, a spokeswoman for the Target corporate office, said that Target is happy to accommodate service animals in its stores. “However, we are also dedicated to providing a distraction-free shopping experience for our guests and therefore do not allow non-service animals in any of our stores.”

Walmart spokeswoman Betsy Harden had a similar response. “Walmart complies with ADA when it comes to service animals in its stores,” she said. “We welcome all service animals, but if we see that an animal is unruly or creates concerns for our customers, the Walmart management team can request the the animal be removed from the store.”

The Department of Justice does not have licensing, certification or identification requirements in place for service dogs, according to the agency’s website. Nor are the animals required to wear special collars, vests or harnesses to distinguish them as service animals.

“The law that is in place is intended to protect the individuals with disabilities, but it creates a lot of gray areas for businesses,” said Bryant. “The people who are abusing the law are using the ADA umbrella to get away with bringing their dogs with them in public places. By misrepresenting service animals, they are causing serious problems for those of us with legitimate service dogs. It’s feared there may come a time when they ruin it completely for people with disabilities. I hope that never happens.”
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