Looks can be deceiving—do you know how to spot a fake service dog? In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the number of “Assistance Animals” turning up in public places, helping their handlers who suffer from a wide variety of disabilities and afflictions. At the same time, unfortunately, there has also been an increase in confusion about these animals, which has sparked some controversy. This can be distressing to those who legitimately depend on a service dog to help cope with everyday life.
What is a Service Dog?
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) defines a service dog as “…any dog individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability.” A service dog is distinct from an emotional support dog (ESD), who is prescribed by a doctor or a licensed therapist to provide a therapeutic benefit through dedicated companionship for a person who suffers from an emotional or mental disability.
Separate from each of these is the therapy dog: animal-assisted therapy involves an animal, in this case a dog, as a form of treatment. You might have seen therapy dogs at work in hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, schools, libraries, and in other dog-friendly venues and situations. While a therapy dog can improve the lives of people in various settings, he is not trained to perform specific tasks for a disabled person as a service dog does—an important distinction. The same holds true for the ESD, who can help ease anxiety, depression, and other conditions in affected individuals, but is not a service dog and as such does not enjoy the same rights as a service dog. Only a service dog can go anywhere his handler goes.
The Hallmarks of a True Service Dog (Or, How to Spot a Fake)
How can you tell if a service dog is legitimate? Plenty of dog owners try to pass off their pets as service dogs to bring them into venues where dogs aren’t typically allowed. But a true service dog…
- Is a working dog, trained to perform specific tasks, and thus must always be prepared to work. A dog being pushed around in a cart or sitting at a restaurant table is not a working dog.
- Is almost always leashed for his own protection. The exception is a service dog trained to monitor a human’s bodily functions and is thus held close to the body.
- Is rigorously trained and has impeccable leash manners: a dog who tugs at the leash is not a true service dog.
- Never barks or whines except to alert the owner of an impending stroke or panic attack, for example. Barking out of impatience betrays a ‘service’ dog as an impostor.
- Is trained to avoid distractions, including interesting smells. Even in a store, a service dog resists sniffing at items placed on lower shelves.
- Never eliminates indoors.
- Never steals food, and will even resist snapping up food dropped on the floor or ground.
- Is fully socialized and thus self-assured and calm in a crowded venue.
- Does not seek attention from anybody except the person holding his leash, because he recognizes he has important work to do.
- Never shows signs of unprovoked aggression towards people or other animals, even if he is trained specifically to protect his handler.
- Some service dogs wear a vest or jacket, but not all, and some non-service dogs may wear jackets to make them look official, so this isn’t always the best identifier.
Can I Ask Whether a Service Dog Is Legit?
A business owner can legally ask only two questions of a person with a service dog:
- Is your dog a service animal?
- What tasks is your dog trained to perform?
Here’s the rub, and part of a growing problem: when a person presents some kind of documentation to the business owner as an answer to these questions, the business owner may assume documentation is official, available, and should always be presented for any service dog—an incorrect assumption. This, unfortunately, puts owners of legitimate service dogs at risk of being refused access, when there is actually no legal requirement for them to present documentation for their dog to begin with.
In some circumstances, a disabled person may be asked for proof of disability or to verify the authenticity of a service dog. For example, if a disabled person files a discrimination complaint, that person must prove their disability and also produce proof of training for the service dog. Likewise, if a person with a service dog is arrested for trespass after bringing the dog into a place where dogs are not permitted, the burden to prove to the court the dog is an authentic service dog lies with the disabled handler, who may be asked to supply a litany of supporting documentation.
Can a Restaurant Deny a Service Dog?
A service dog can accompany his disabled handler anywhere the handler can go, including a restaurant. But the service dog can’t go with the handler where the handler can’t go—the kitchen in the restaurant, for example. There are some other exceptions, including operating rooms or burn units in a hospital, where the dog’s presence could compromise the sterile environment. And some zoos may legally restrict service dogs from interactive exhibits—an aviary is an example. Without his handler, a service dog may not go anywhere dogs are not allowed. In other words, if someone besides the disabled person is handling the dog, that someone may not take the dog into places considered off-limits for dogs. Alternately, a service dog may be asked to leave when its presence at a business or venue fundamentally interferes with the goods or services offered there—for example, when a service dog howls during a concert. Notably, churches are exempt from the ADA and thus are not required to permit service animals.
An emotional support dog may not be allowed in some places where a service dog is allowed, because the ESD lacks the training a service dog possesses to assist a person with a disability or impairment. The upshot is, you might not be able to take your ESD into restaurants, stores, or hotels. Your best bet is to ask first: some establishments will say yes.
But an emotional support dog is allowed access to almost all types of housing, even where no pets are allowed; an ESD enjoys protection under the Fair Housing Act—a letter from a doctor or therapist is all that is required. An ESD can also fly with his handler in the cabin of any plane per the terms of the Air Carrier Access Act—and the dog’s handler can’t be charged additional fees for housing or airlines access.
A therapy dog has no special rights, and like a companion animal, is allowed access only to the places they’ve been invited.
What Is the Penalty for Passing off a Fake Service Dog as the Real Thing?
Currently, 23 states have fake service dog/animal laws in the books, with some offenses punishable by fines and imprisonment. In some states—California and Florida, for example—claiming your companion dog is a service dog is a criminal offense that falls under the aegis of Fraudulent Representation legislation. In each of these states your impostor could earn you stiff fines and jail time, and in Florida the penalty further includes 30 hours of community service to an organization serving disabled people. More states are considering penalties as the problem of passing off fakes as the genuine article gains momentum.
If you see a dog you suspect is ‘posing’ as a service dog, speak to the management of the establishment rather than confronting the dog’s owner. You can also advise the management of their right to ask the owner whether the dog is trained as a service dog, and if so, what tasks the dog is trained to perform. If the dog is not a true service dog, the manager can ask the handler and dog to leave. The exception is an emotional support dog in a housing situation, on an airplane, and in educational institutions.
Can I Make My Dog a Service Dog?
Service dogs require specialized training. But while anybody can legally train a service dog, most dogs lack the chops. Service dog training is a tall order, and goes well beyond sensitizing the dog to his handler’s specific disability—tough enough in its own right—to include impeccable manners and the ability to remain calm in all situations. Preparing a service dog for the rigors of his work requires daily training for a solid year, or even two, and then continued ‘maintenance’ training for the balance of his life. So even if you love your dog and think he might make a good candidate as a service dog, chances are excellent he will fail: it takes an exceptional dog to meet those lofty standards. The best strategy is using a professional dog trainer—whether you attempt to train your own dog, or choose another dog. And a good trainer will be frank and honest about your dog’s service-worthiness.
An emotional support dog requires no specialized training, but must be well behaved, kept under control, and can’t cause harm or a disturbance at home or on an airplane. And while therapy dogs don’t require the same specialized training as service dogs, the best candidates for therapy work are calm, friendly, and affectionate, even around strangers. Therapy dogs should be healthy, clean, well groomed, and possess basic obedience skills. Therapy dog classes are recommended for handlers who wish to allow their dogs to help in situations where people might benefit from a dog’s presence.
Can I Pet Your Service Dog?
A service dog is not a pet. Not only shouldn’t you pet a service dog, but you shouldn’t talk to him, say his name, make eye contact with him, or otherwise attempt to get his attention. And why not? Because he’s busy at work keeping his handler safe. When you distract a service dog—by any means—you’re diverting his attention from the crucial job he was meant to perform. And if he misses a cue because you distracted him, and his person gets sick or injured, it’s your fault. Service dogs perform important work, including leading the blind, assisting compromised people with mobility and balance, picking up and placing items for wheelchair-bound people and even pulling their wheelchairs, alerting chronically ill people to impending seizures, a loss of consciousness, or a dip in blood sugar, and providing support for psychiatric conditions, including Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). So even when a service dog appears to be doing nothing, rest assured he’s hard at work and is best left alone to do his job.
What Happens if the Dog Misbehaves?
A disabled person might be asked to leave a business or establishment if their service dog behaves aggressively. However impeccably mannered, a service dog is still a dog, and any dog has the capacity to behave aggressively. When a handler experiences this with a dog, swift and immediate training is in order to correct the behavior. A dog removed from service could be catastrophic for his disabled handler; given that the dog already will have undergone rigorous training, hiring a professional trainer is the best strategy in this scenario. But no service dog can be removed from a business or venue, unless the dog is out of control or has not been housebroken.
Fake Service Dogs and Questionable People: The Problem With Posers
People with ill intent, and who know what they are doing, can satisfactorily answer the two ‘litmus’ questions outlined above and thus succeed at scamming the system: they don’t need to produce a shred of documentation for their ‘service’ dog, and can’t be denied access. It’s an irksome problem that hurts disabled people with real service dogs who legitimately rely on their working dogs to help them. But if you’re disabled and you’ve been denied access to an establishment with your service dog in tow, resources exist to help you fight discrimination
The bottom line: fake IDs and certificates can be bought, impeccable behavior can’t. With just a little bit of scrutiny, we’ll all know a real service dog when we see him.
I have noticed this a lot. It makes it so unfair to people who really need a service dog. They are not pets, they are working dogs. The training is very intense and it should not be taken lightly. I have a comfort dog. She is great but I don’t take her everywhere.
So the standards you’re saying that most dogs can’t cut are really just a hope, or moral standard. Unless I’m missing something there is absolutely no licensing or regulation that would cause an actual standard? If the person is disabled but doesn’t have a professionally trained service dog could even be possible to prove it’s “fake”? If you can only ask what it’s trying to do they say “no comment” that satisfies all legal requirements to their end correct? I want to agree with your conclusions but it is really weak tea here to say that people need to adhere to a higher standard when there is actually no standard! I find that incredible I never would have guessed it either. Someone’s actions theoretically causing harm to other random people isn’t a deterrent to absolutely anything. Why should a dog going into our grocery store with someone that supposedly can cause the business to break the law! to an actual disabled person be our top priority for moral purity? I’d be quite impressed here if you have an answer to this question that’s anything more substantive than “it might cause other people to break the law potentially” this is actually a much better article for the people with the “fake” service dog’s that were worried they could possibly get in trouble in any way lol. I actually would like a fake service dog now for a day just so I could go around places telling them that if they ask anything other than two questions they are committing a federal hate crime! How can the therapy dog need the license but the dog crossing the street for the blind guy doesn’t that’s actually just incredible! Like I said this was about as poor of a defense as one could make for your side of the issue but thanks for the entertainment.
I have a service dog and fakes really do pose a problem when some little yap dog is pulling toward my dog and I have to correct him “on me.” He gets in trouble because they are there distracting him where they shouldn’t be. (By the way I think you have a typo because I’ve never heard of a dog being able to alert a stroke, maybe you meant seizure?)
Paige Peters do some research Medical Alert Dogs can actually detect an impending Stroke, among many other things that are surprising.
Dogs can actually alert to any medical condition, especially a stroke. Medical Alert Service Dogs tend to alert to many conditions including psychiatric distress as well.
100% other pets are a huge problem for me when I have my service dog out in public. People think it’s so cute to have their chihuahua barking at the end of his leash while my 110 lb dog must resist the distraction.
Where does one find a trainer to help make a dog a service dog for a person with seizures? I don’t even know where to begin!
100% other pets are a huge problem for me when I have my service dog out in public. People think it’s so cute to have their chihuahua barking at the end of his leash while my 110 lb dog must resist the distraction.
Are Service, Emotional, Therapy and Companion dogs allowed to trespass on private property without an invite.
There are quite a few changes that have been made, since this article was written, and there are things in the article that are just plain wrong.
First, the Carrie thing questions are ,
“Is this a Service Dog, required because of a disability?”
“What work or tasks has it been trained to perform?”
The verbiage is important.
And the comment that a Service Dog can be denied if the person doesn’t have a disability is incorrect.
Service Dogs are frequently transported to their handlers, by a non disabled person.
A Service Dog may be brought into any other place of business, by a non disabled person, because it was being exercised and is being returned to its disabled handler.
You state that ESA may be allowed in restaurants by permission.
No, they can’t. No one is allowed to give you permission to break the law.
Business owners can have their business shut down by the health department for things like letting dogs into their restaurants.
ESA are no longer allowed on airplanes, except as any other pet would be, as cargo or in a crate under a seat.
Service Dogs MAY pull on a leash. There are mobility tasks, such as PTSD response, or pulling of a wheelchair, guiding a person through a crowd, that require the dog to be decidedly in the lead.
I concur with this statement
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Yeet
These articles are unfair. I spent DECADES in the dog world. I was injured. Both hands…. at the same time. PTSD from being helpless and mobility. I have to work to survive and I’m broke. I need a trainer and $$ to pay them. There isn’t money for that and I need there to be. Trainer’s don’t even call me back. I could easily trained her before I was injured.. but it’s a catch 22. I know there are people trying to beat the system.. but do you realize how hard you’re making it for people like me? When I take her out for training.. and I’m refused access.. questioned and harrassed? I’m an Alpha female but they have had me a sobbing fool.. telling them more than they are entitled to know ..because I need my dog. I need help.. I need her for so many things before I get to the point of helplessness again. I work.. I need her to balance home with work so I can continue. I have other health issues as well.. but why can’t people that are not on government assistance and healthcare get help for Service Dog training? I need a training grant.. why is that so wrong? I don’t want a fake service dog.. I need help. These articles don’t help me with that. They just Encourage people to turn me away.
I am not sure specifically your need is, however, I work with a 5013c non-profit that provides Service Dogs to people. They include are the only program that I have specific knowledge of that provides for NO COST to the recipient. Just today, we had a graduation for 7 new dogs and their owners. Services are out there that do try to enrich the lives of others. That is why my husband and I both work with them . Changing many lives.
how can i find you ‘ i am a ptsd sufferer and need a service dog couid you help me please
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I train service dogs and use one myself.My dog is trained to assist me with a brain injury. We’ve been together for eight years and he is nearing retirement. It’s hard to imagine him not being there. The few times we’ve had to be separated (due to illness or injury) it’s felt very wrong and I keep glancing around for him until I remember he isn’t there.My next dog is in training, but she’ll never be the same. She might be as good, but in a different way, but….I don’t want him to retire.I know that a complete retirement will kill him. He’s worked all of his adult life. He loves to work. So I’ll continue to work him very lightly doing easy outings a couple of times a week so he can still keep a paw in. I’ll help him do this until he can’t even do the easy ones any more. My younger dog can do the harder stuff. She’s very much like him in a lot of ways. Same breed, same build and markings. Same athleticism and joy in life. She tries a little harder to please, but lacks some of his common sense. It’s just very sad seeing his body age and knowing the end is near. Dogs just don’t live long enough. I wish they could live forever. I have a small blog on them here https://www.weelinks.info/u/dog-training/ hope it helps someone! – Carly
Hello. I don’t know if you are able to help me. I have a dog that I am wanting trained to be my assistance dog. I would very much appreciate any help or advice. I have severe mobility issues. Maggie 07516973471
This article is a HUGE reason why there’s so much IGNORANCE to service animals. Why US with Disabilities are harassed by IGNORANT people who read un true bullsh!t like this.
Is a working dog, trained to perform specific tasks, and thus must always be prepared to work. (FALSE. THEY AREN’T WORKING 24/7 365)
A dog being pushed around in a cart or sitting at a restaurant table is not a working dog. (FALSE. SMALL SERVICE ANIMALS ARE HELD OR CARRIED IN BAGS OR BEING PUSHED DUE TO THEIR SIZE AND FREQUENCY OF WALKING. EDUCATE YOURSELF ON DIFFERENT TYPES OR SERVICE ANIMALS AND THEIR FUNCTIONS)
Is almost always leashed for his own protection.(FALSE…ITS LEASHED TO STAY CLOSE TO SERVICED PERSON)
The exception is a service dog trained to monitor a human’s bodily functions and is thus held close to the body. (FALSE ALSO ,PTSD SA ARE ALSO HELD)
Is rigorously trained and has impeccable leash manners: a dog who tugs at the leash is not a true service dog.(SO NOT F@CKING TRUE. DOGS ARE DOGS)
Never barks or whines except to alert the owner of an impending stroke or panic attack, for example. Barking out of impatience betrays a ‘service’ dog as an impostor. (INACCURATE STATEMENT,SOME SERVICE BARKS TO ALERT HELP AND OR TO LET OWNER KNOW THAT ITS SAFE TO MOVE…ETC)
Is trained to avoid distractions, including interesting smells. Even in a store, a service dog resists sniffing at items placed on lower shelves.(LIES CERTAIN BREEDS CAN DO THIS AND MOST BREEDS DON’T. NOT A QUALIFICATIONS FOR A SERVICE ANIMAL… WHO WROTE THIS BS?)
Never eliminates indoors. (FALSE…DEPENDING ON HOW LONG THEY’RE HOLDING IT… HINTS WHY THERE ARE NOW SERVICE ANIMAL RELIEF AREAS IN THE AIRPORTS)
Never steals food, and will even resist snapping up food dropped on the floor or ground.(FALSE… DEPENDING ON THE HOURS OF WORK JUST LIKE A HUMAN , THEY STILL GET HUNGRY AND NEED FOOD OR SNACKS… THEY AREN’T ROBOTS)
Is fully socialized and thus self-assured and calm in a crowded venue. (TRUE …UNTIL SOME RUDE INDIVIDUALS WRONGFUL TOUCH,PET AND VIOLATE THEIR SPACE. OLDER WOMEN HAVE AN ISSUES WITH THESE BOUNDARIES…IJS)
Does not seek attention from anybody except the person holding his leash, because he recognizes he has important work to do. (TRUE , BUT RUDE PEOPLE STILL EXIST)
Never shows signs of unprovoked aggression towards people or other animals, even if he is trained specifically to protect his handler.(MEH IF THE SA THINKS THE OWNER IS IN DANGER… THEY MAY ATTACK)
Some service dogs wear a vest or jacket, but not all, and some non-service dogs may wear jackets to make them look official, so this isn’t always the best identifier. FINALLY A TRUE COMPLETE STATMENT!
I am someone who is disgusted by animals in restaurants. I am willing to tolerate it for true service animals however it’s ridiculous to expect people to eat in a public place along side people’s pets. There are health regulations banning this. How do you suggest those of us without service/anxiety/comfort dogs determine whether or not these dogs have a legal right to be inside a restaurant?
WOW, what article were you reading? There should be a certification requirement. There are too many fake ones that are out there. Unfortunately, it is the whiners that the constituents try to appease. It hurts no one and benefits everyone. If the owner does not take full and complete responsibility of care, then you will most definitely have issue. These issues are caused by the owner. I have heard of service animals emaciated as they sat by their owners who were deceased. They remained true to their impeccable training.
For the record, if owned by a responsible person, a properly trained dog.
Does not steal food.
Does not pull on their leash unless it is a requirement of what they need to do (not even if there is another dog).
Protects, does not attack unless it is last resort.
Does not relieve themselves indoors unless where provisions have been provided. Even then some still will not until they are “untrained” to do so.
And Service dogs are not held, you are referring to support dogs.
Brandy, let me guess. You are probably one of those who take their pets everywhere with them, wearing a fake service dog vest from Amazon.
I am someone who is disgusted by animals in restaurants. I am willing to tolerate it for true service animals however it’s ridiculous to expect people to eat in a public place along side people’s pets. There are health regulations banning this. How do you suggest those of us without service/anxiety/comfort dogs determine whether or not these dogs have a legal right to be inside a restaurant?
Came across this mug today dog was awfully sweet I was barbecuing with my dog mind my own business I told him to get a leash on the dog he said he didn’t have to he’s a service dog federally protected is that true?
I work at Costco. We have so many people come in saying their dog is a service dog, when clearly they are not. Their dog is so old, pulling on the leash, etc. I think a person coming into a place of business that has food should have to show the legal papers for the dog being a service dog, and the place of business has a right to ask for it. Those of you who lie and say your dog is a service animal ruin it for people who actually do need help from those amazing animals. You should be ashamed of yourselves. Leave your dog at home, you don’t have to take your dog everywhere you go. And those of you that do have a service dog, get over it if you have to show your documentation that your dog is a true service animal. I have seen those people get so upset and almost violent when asked about their dog when going into a place of business.
I think this is all inane, dogs generally have access to most Public and Private sector buildings in Europe. They seem to make it just fine, including restaurants, bars, grocery stores, hotels and this isn’t fake news. I have seen with my very own eyes.
This article does have some useful info but also feeds ignorance to people. I have had a Psych service dog for about 6 months now. He has trained over a year-he’s very well behaved but does have moments of reaction—he is a dog. One time I actually did have someone say “your dog just wagged it’s tail at me-he’s a fake”. There is so much ignorance. As a handler who worked with professionals and is looking into training part time after taking some courses, it’s disappointing that the non disabled feel entitled to speculate and demand explanations. I want to make it clear: if my dog is laying down at my feet, out of the way, on alert and well behaved and silent, I do NOT owe you any explanation on why I need a service animal or if he is legit or
Not. Let people live there lives and worry about yourself. I don’t question your choices or the source of your ignorance. I do not stare at others or comment on choice I don’t agree with unless asked. I’m worry about myself and my service animal and how to better ourselves. I suggest the ignorant to do the same.
I am a Veteran. I have been diagnosed with PTSD and a number of other dings that required a service dog. I appreciate this article. My dog is my protector and my big buddy. He stays close to me in public and at home. He is trained but there is no one who can legally certify he is a Service Animal. I have his certificate of training and my card from the VA that says I am disabled. I really hate the fact that he has to wear his vest in public. It points out to people that there is something wrong with me but I guess that’s the trade off. He can tell when I am tense, my blood sugar drops, or I am about to have a seizure. He will stop me, or move me out of the main stream, sometimes he will just whine until I acknowledge what’s going on. He is my greatest asset in feeling normal. Service Dogs are great. I thank you for the article. It is enlightening.
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I have an issue we are renting a building. And one of our renters have a fake id to say that is a service dog now she brought in two service dogs n thinks she is allowed to do that we have no proof from a psychiatrist saying it’s a service dog it’s two regular dogs and she’s taking advantage n keep adding more dogs that isn’t allowed in there my question is can she not be arrested for fake fraud on both of these??n now we have to kick her out because she didn’t tell us abt the other dog! Am I allowed to press charges for fraud!