Service Dog Registration

[Kay of Houston]

I've been traveling and plan on traveling more but I always have to find someone to watch my poodle. I would like to get her registered as a service dog so she can fly with me but I'm not sure how to make that happen.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Kay

[mr666]

I think you have to have a disability to do that.

[Fancyinheels]

I've looked into this a wee bit regarding a couple of my mellower chihuahuas and the placement of wee woofs I've rescued. The problem is that there is a distinct difference between levels of assistance. Unless you have a documented disability (mobility issues, hearing or sight impairment, seizure disorders, etc.) and require the aid of a dog (or whatever) directly related to bodily health (which will require the endorsement of a licensed physician), you will likely still find access frequently blocked when traveling with your pet, despite what many websites will lead you to believe. So far, the only exclusion to this that I know of has been for military personal with diagnosed PTSD, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

From the ADA, Americans with Disabilities Act, guidelines: "Service animals are working animals, not pets. The work or task a dog has been trained to provide must be directly related to the person’s disability. Dogs whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals under the ADA." http://www.ada.gov/service_animals_2010.htm

There are many online companies who will happily register anything from an iguana to a gorilla for a fee and give you some type of official-looking harness, patch, or vest, but these are targeting "therapy" animals, pets people travel with for mental well-being. Those critters are not fully covered, yet, under the ADA, which protects mainstream service animals and allows them access to transport, hotels, restaurants, stores, and such. If challenged, you must be prepared to prove that your service animal complies with ADA guidelines.

You and doggy, to gain all-access protection under the ADA, will have to undergo many hours of behavior training. This site has info: http://www.anythingpawsable.com/what.../#.ViEnuivfvgo

There has been a great deal of debate over the issue, but alas, also a great deal of abuse, people getting their dogs "certified" through one of the dubious Internet companies with no requirement other than a credit card so they can take them anywhere.

I understand, as I am a much better person with my dogs, believe me, and to my frustration there are limited places where they can accompany me, whole states who won't even let a paw set down on a beach or park. (Another reason why I live in Texas.) My Irish Chihuahuas are cleaner, more controlled, and better-mannered than many people I've observed, and definitely more respectful when it comes to littering. (I pick up after them, but at least what they put out is biodegradable!) I believe as the role of pets in stabilizing emotional health is recognized, other types of service animals will become widely accepted, and are in many places already. Really have to do your research ahead of time, however, when traveling.

In the meantime, check this site for more info. Registration, in conformance with the ADA, is FREE.
https://www.usservicedogregistry.org/

[Fishpie]

There's no such thing as proper certification for the ADA. People/businesses just have to take your word for it or take it up in court with you. It is illegal to fake your dog as a service dog though.

http://www.anythingpawsable.com/serv.../#.ViIevpc42zU

[Fancyinheels]

Originally Posted by Fishpie

There's no such thing as proper certification for the ADA. People/businesses just have to take your word for it or take it up in court with you. It is illegal to fake your dog as a service dog though.

http://www.anythingpawsable.com/serv.../#.ViIevpc42zU

True. Sorry I didn't make that explicit enough above. Any site that "certifies" a pet for a fee is basically cashing in on a clever ruse and the vagueness of the law on challenging service animals. Having a pet "registered' with an agency that adheres to the ADA guidelines can be helpful, however, when making travel plans.

With the distinctions unclear to the general public and the issue attracting more controversy, non-certification is a flaw in the system. Not that anybody wants more government red tape, but there ought to be some agency, either federal or state, regulating service animals, perhaps issuing a license tag such as the one given for a rabies shot.

If PTSD is covered under the ADA, then emotional support animals for the treatment of conditions like bi-polar disorder, schizophrenia, and severe anxiety disorders ought to be recognized, too, as long as a mental health professional signs off. This will probably happen eventually, but likely will require a court case to change the law.

Traveling with beloved pets and/or necessitated service-therapy animals is one thing, but there are people who think of cute critters as "accessories." Anybody who sees me out "wearing" a bit of breathing, barking fur fluff as a "fashion statement" is welcome to whack me upside the head. I obviously need some sense knocked into me.

[Chlorine]

Kay...I have found a way to get around all the BS and make it work. I travel with my pooch all the time with zero issues. Both flying with me in the cabin and at hotels
PM me