A canine wearing a vest with “Service Dog” patches means that animal is working, assisting their handler who has a disability—or does it? An increase in animal-related incidents and fake service dogs has created suspicion among the public in response to dogs labeled as service animals—which in turn causes distress for people who need a service dog to assist with legitimate disabilities. Is it illegal to fake a service dog? The majority of states have passed laws regarding fraudulent service dogs and emotional support animals—and many new bills were introduced during the 2018 legislative session in states without current laws.
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Is That a Real Service Dog? (Or Is it Just Someone’s Pet?)
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.
Read MoreDon’t Miss the Northwest Battle Buddies Anniversary Event
The mission of Northwest Battle Buddies is to “Empower combat veterans with PTSD to regain their freedom and independence by partnering them with professionally trained and specifically . . .
Read MoreWho can get a “Service Dog”?
Written by: Jill Jones
True service dogs require extensive training.
Photo by Michelle, Aurora
So-called “service animals” seem to be proliferating these days. Though the majority of them are dogs, other animals have been appearing in service roles, as well. You see them in all . . .
Read MoreInfographic: Is That a Real Service Dog?
We have posted many times about the problems caused by people who try to pass off their pets as service animals to gain entry to restaurants, businesses, and even airplanes. Because pets . . .
Read MoreWould You Like to Raise Puppies that Become Service Dogs?
Saxon Eastman plays with Wrangler, who will become a guide dog for the blind.
Photo by Samantha Okazaki / TODAY
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to raise a puppy for a service-dog organization? Puppy-raising is a vital step in a dog’s journey to becoming a working service dog, and the. . .
Read MoreWatch the Warrior Canine Connection Puppy Cams!
Warrior Canine Connection is an organization that promotes clinically based Canine Connection Therapy to help wounded warriors reconnect with life, their families, their communities, and. . .
Read MoreVideo: Comfort Dogs Helping Folks in Orlando Deal with Grief
The horrific events in Orlando over the weekend have left thousands dealing with grief, shock, and fear, so teams of comfort dogs have been making their way from across the country to. . .
Read MoreVet Promotes Shelter Dogs as PTSD Assistance Animals
We’ve posted many times about services that breed and train service dogs, but one Louisiana vet thinks that this system is unnecessary. Dr. Bob Zepecki, who is both a veteran and a. . .
Read MoreDog Helps a Little Boy Feel Better About Himself
Quaden takes Buddy for a walk.
Photo Courtesy of Yarraka Bayles via today.com
Five-year-old Quaden Bayles has been the subject of much ridicule in his short life because he suffers from a form of dwarfism called achondroplasia. According to his mother, the poor boy. . .
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