Service Dog SCAM?

[1AA]

Many people are scamming the system and certifying their dogs as a service dog.
I personally seen these so called service dogs. I've been around dogs all my life and I can say that service dogs do not act like the ones I saw. People are using this scam certification to get their dogs in restaurants and on commercial aircraft. People need to be a bit more considerate of others when they decide to scam their dogs inside a restaurant or onboard a flight.
 
http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2013/08/21/despicable-epidemic-people-using-fake-service-dogs/
 
http://www.boston.com/community/pets/blogs/pet_chatter/2014/03/service_dog_scam_gives_air_tra.html
 
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/08/05/fake-service-dog-certificates_n_3709720.html
 
http://www.wral.com/service-dog-scams-putting-people-at-risk-/13111411/
 
http://www.nbcbayarea.com/investigations/Frustrated-by-Fake-Service-Dogs-208233211.html
 
http://fox4kc.com/2013/11/14/service-dog-fraud-on-the-rise/
 
http://servicedogcentral.org/content/fake-service-dog-credentials
 
 

 

[Dog Wonder]

Cat person!

 

[jimntx]

I've seen some people come on with "service dogs" that I wouldn't trust to be able to pee on my leg with any accuracy or on command. First off, true service dogs take their place in the floor next to their human and don't move. It's never necessary to keep reminding the handicapped person to keep the dog out of the aisle. It just doesn't happen with the real deal service dogs.

There should be major fines for people who pull this stunt. Problem is (as pointed out in one of the linked articles), the ADA specifically prohibits questioning the handicapped person regarding their disability or their service animal. People have to bring a Dr's statement to use oxygen or Personal Oxygen Concentrators on board. Why not just have to show a service dog certification at check-in?

 

[delldude]

Whats a service dog anyway?
 
One that drives a Jitney?

 

[southwind]

I've seen some people come on with "service dogs" that I wouldn't trust to be able to pee on my leg with any accuracy or on command. First off, true service dogs take their place in the floor next to their human and don't move. It's never necessary to keep reminding the handicapped person to keep the dog out of the aisle. It just doesn't happen with the real deal service dogs.

There should be major fines for people who pull this stunt. Problem is (as pointed out in one of the linked articles), the ADA specifically prohibits questioning the handicapped person regarding their disability or their service animal. People have to bring a Dr's statement to use oxygen or Personal Oxygen Concentrators on board. Why not just have to show a service dog certification at check-in?

But, that's like asking someone to show ID before they vote.....blasphemy!

 

[xUT]

I've seen some people come on with "service dogs" that I wouldn't trust to be able to pee on my leg with any accuracy or on command. First off, true service dogs take their place in the floor next to their human and don't move. It's never necessary to keep reminding the handicapped person to keep the dog out of the aisle. It just doesn't happen with the real deal service dogs.

There should be major fines for people who pull this stunt. Problem is (as pointed out in one of the linked articles), the ADA specifically prohibits questioning the handicapped person regarding their disability or their service animal. People have to bring a Dr's statement to use oxygen or Personal Oxygen Concentrators on board. Why not just have to show a service dog certification at check-in?

Yep, that's the conundrum. All you can do is 'ask' if it's a service animal. No paperwork required.
Kind of stupid isn't it?
I have a friend who has a service dog and works with people who need service animals and even he is ashamed at how people scam the system.
His dog has a picture ID and a vest. Very well trained, go into a restaurant and he just sits/lays beside his chair.
That I can respect.

 

[777 fixer]

First time I've heard of this.  Can't say that I'm surprised.  People abuse the handicap placards for parking why should this be any different.