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Are “fake” service dogs ruining everything?

You’ve probably heard the term “fake” service dog, and it’s a topic that sparks a lot of debate. Many people, including businesses and individuals, have expressed frustration over these so-called “fake” dogs, particularly when they cause disruptions in stores and other public spaces. In fact, there’s a growing concern that these impostors are making it harder for legitimate service dogs to perform their roles effectively. I’ve previously written about what defines a true service dog and why only these specially trained dogs are granted public access. But what exactly constitutes a “fake” service dog, and is it something we should truly be concerned about? Let’s explore what makes a dog a “fake” service dog and whether the rise in this issue is something that requires attention.

A “fake” service dog is generally used to describe a dog that does not meet the official definition of a service dog. This could be because the handler does not have an obvious disability, the dog has not been properly trained, or the dog may exhibit behavior issues that would not be acceptable for a service animal. In some cases, people refer to “fake” service dogs based on their breed or size, or because the dog is not seen performing a necessary task that supports its handler’s well-being. Often, when people use the term, they are referring to a pet dog that is ill-behaved and not fulfilling any legitimate role for the handler’s disability or health needs.

However, it’s important to note that the term “fake” service dog is misleading and not entirely accurate. There are no legal restrictions on the breed or size of a dog that can serve as a service animal. The only real limitations are that a service dog must be trained to perform tasks that assist its handler with their disability, and it must be well-behaved in public. For example, service dogs must be able to remain calm and under control in various environments, like public places, and should not create a hazard or cause disruption. While there are some practical considerations, such as a service dog needing to fit comfortably within a space (e.g., not being restricted in a shopping cart for safety and health reasons), no dog, regardless of size or breed, is inherently disqualified from being a legitimate service animal as long as it is properly trained to perform specific tasks.

The confusion often arises when people confuse emotional support animals or untrained pets with true service animals, which are legally protected and trained to perform specific duties for people with disabilities. Therefore, the concept of a “fake” service dog doesn’t account for the broader and more nuanced definition of what constitutes a real service animal.

Our service dogs are not robots, and even the best-trained and most well-behaved dogs can have off days or react to certain triggers. While we strive for our service dogs to remain calm, it’s understandable that if multiple store employees are continuously provoking your dog (a real experience), the dog may respond with a few barks. Although it might seem like the dog is “acting out” in those moments, that doesn’t make their service dog status any less legitimate.

The main issue we face is the lack of awareness among the public and businesses. When businesses are unaware of their rights, they can either become overly cautious and deny access to legitimate service dogs or, on the other hand, they may be too afraid to deny entry and allow dogs that are not properly trained, such as those that are lunging or growling.

When the public lacks understanding about service dogs, it leads to misconceptions, such as believing the misleading “You can take your dog anywhere” ads that are all over the internet. People may even pay for fake registration or IDs. Those who actually work with service dogs know that legal registration is not required, and the experience of having a service dog is not always as easy as it might seem. If you were to ask a service dog handler if they enjoy taking their dog everywhere (which, by the way, you shouldn’t), they would almost always prefer to go places without their dog instead.

Unfortunately, no matter how much we try to educate or enforce the rules, there will always be individuals who choose to break the law, whether it’s the legal system or the basic principles of common decency. While this can be disheartening, it doesn’t mean we should stop striving for change. The more we can educate the public, the more likely it is that we’ll see improvements in the safety and accessibility of public spaces. When people understand the importance of allowing service dogs, they will also learn that, at the same time, they have the right to deny access to dogs that aren’t performing their tasks or that are misbehaving and causing disruptions. It’s crucial to foster an environment where everyone is informed about the responsibilities that come with service dogs, both for the safety of those who rely on them and for the well-being of others in public places. Instead of engaging in gatekeeping or shaming behaviors by labeling dogs as “fake” service dogs, our focus should be on education. By empowering people with the knowledge to distinguish between a legitimate service dog and one that’s not properly trained or behaving appropriately, we can encourage a culture of respect and adherence to the rules. This will lead to a more understanding and safer society for everyone involved.

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