Fake Service Dogs
#211
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Seattle, WA
Posts: 8
Service dogs
Emotional support dogs are not service dogs per the ADA and ought not be afforded any privileges on planes. Service dogs must be trained to perform a function. Being a comfort is not a trained activity, but is inherent in dogs.
Given the abuse of service dogs, and the fear of inquiring (one can legally ask what a dog is trained to do), we have a major gap in the law that would balance the rights of the public to not be subject to fraud by a growing group of abusers.
What will likely happen in the near future is someone saying no to a suspect dog and owner, being sued and a court weighing in and providing guidelines.
Certification can be bought online for a dog and there is no central authority for proving validity of such a claim. That is the problem. And the general public likely can't be sued for calling someone out on their fraud, only a business who says no. Most of us have no problem at all with a well trained seeing eye dog for example. But the lies and deception that likely are behind a majority of so called service dogs calls out for a legislative or litigated solution. And to be clear, emotional support while compelling, is not a service dog. I have an emotional support wife. By that criteria, she should be able to fly free to accommodate my fragile self.
Given the abuse of service dogs, and the fear of inquiring (one can legally ask what a dog is trained to do), we have a major gap in the law that would balance the rights of the public to not be subject to fraud by a growing group of abusers.
What will likely happen in the near future is someone saying no to a suspect dog and owner, being sued and a court weighing in and providing guidelines.
Certification can be bought online for a dog and there is no central authority for proving validity of such a claim. That is the problem. And the general public likely can't be sued for calling someone out on their fraud, only a business who says no. Most of us have no problem at all with a well trained seeing eye dog for example. But the lies and deception that likely are behind a majority of so called service dogs calls out for a legislative or litigated solution. And to be clear, emotional support while compelling, is not a service dog. I have an emotional support wife. By that criteria, she should be able to fly free to accommodate my fragile self.
#213
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Phoenix
Programs: DL Diamond,1.8 MM; AA Gold
Posts: 189
The people who whine about these things will whine about people who have a legitimate need for a support animal. Unlike someone who is blind or physically handicapped, serious mental issues aren't visible on the outside.
Unless people are sneaking in dogs who don't apply, the airlines have some very strict guidelines around these sorts of things.
On a side note, again, I'm at 40k miles thus far this year and am yet to see one. Mostly people are here just whining for nothing other than the desire to see themselves type.
Unless people are sneaking in dogs who don't apply, the airlines have some very strict guidelines around these sorts of things.
On a side note, again, I'm at 40k miles thus far this year and am yet to see one. Mostly people are here just whining for nothing other than the desire to see themselves type.
#215
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: ORD
Programs: United 1K (Star Alliance Gold) IHG Platinum
Posts: 226
I haven't read through the whole thread, but just wanted to comment that I have been seated next to someone with an "emotional support" animal. The passenger said that flying made her nervous so her doc gave her the precription.
I'm not one to push drugs, but isn't that what valium/xanax/klonipin is for? I had to sacrifice my leg room for a 50+ pound bulldog. Granted, he was cute, but major airlines really need to stop this practice. If there is a medication you can take for the condition, then why the dog? I would happily give up space for a dog that's really needed, but OMG get some damn klonipin.
.. but I suppose that the medication answer would require people to be *gasp* responsible pet owners and either find a friend or a place to board their dog while on vacation.
I'm not one to push drugs, but isn't that what valium/xanax/klonipin is for? I had to sacrifice my leg room for a 50+ pound bulldog. Granted, he was cute, but major airlines really need to stop this practice. If there is a medication you can take for the condition, then why the dog? I would happily give up space for a dog that's really needed, but OMG get some damn klonipin.
.. but I suppose that the medication answer would require people to be *gasp* responsible pet owners and either find a friend or a place to board their dog while on vacation.
#216
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: SEA (the REAL Washington); occasionally in the other Washington (DCA area)
Programs: DL PM 1.57MM; AS MVPG 100K
Posts: 21,308
veering toward OMNI-land ...
#218
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: East Anglia UK
Programs: BA-S UA LH-Sen KLM/AF-Plat.
Posts: 1,624
And the automatic response that you should feel sympathy for, and give into the wishes of, anyone with the slightest quirk whether it's justified or not.
#219
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: ORD
Programs: United 1K (Star Alliance Gold) IHG Platinum
Posts: 226
Valium and xanax are also dirt cheap.
It's hard to get them prescribed for a lengthy time, but almost anyone can go to a doctor and say that they have to fly, get just enough medication for each way and be done with it. Of course someone with a legitimate problem would probably do just that.. it's the other people that are the issue.
#221
formerly gohima
Join Date: Jun 2011
Posts: 519
I'm at 92,000 this year and I have seen them at least 10 times this year and it's only April. Maybe it's just Delta's hubs that have a higher percentage of those taking advantage of the law. It's gotten out of control with fake ESDs that are clearly not trained. Trained ESDs do not look longingly at, and sniff other passengers burger king bags. The trained animal is easily spotted....
#224
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: LAX,SNA,SAN
Programs: UA GS, Marriott LP, Hertz Gold
Posts: 861
Can't wait to bring my comforting pet snake and feed him mice when I get older in 12B LAX-JFK red eye.
Last edited by ZZYZXROAD; Apr 19, 2015 at 8:33 am
#225
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: OH
Programs: AA Lifetime Plat, Marriot Lifetime Gold
Posts: 9,523