Each month we try to address various accessbility issues that may arise within the TravelAbility community.
Image courtesy of Kristy Durso
January’s scenario: Is that service dog legit?
You have a hidden disability and are accompanied by Lester, an impossibly cute Golden Doodle that helps you regulate anxiety, moods, and medication needs. Lester is wearing a “Service Dog” vest. While the hotel registration process proceeds without incident, when you enter the restaurant for breakfast the hostess begins to interrogate you about the legitimacy of your service animal. What do you do? What do you say?
Answer:
Two questions can be asked to determine the legitimacy of a service animal:
- Is that a service animal for a disability?
- What tasks is it trained to do?
Businesses may not.
- Require identification
- Require a vest
- Charge additional fees
- Refuse admittance
Businesses can ask a customer to leave if:
- The animal is being disruptive, aggressive, or out of control.
- The animal defecates indoors.
A red flag for business owners is if somebody presents a certification. U.S. service dog handlers know that there is no national registry and there is no required certification.
“He helps me stay calm” is not a task. Service animals have specific tasks that they are trained to do. Without being able to provide the specific task the animal is trained to do, the business can ask the person to leave. It is important that these questions are asked. Verifying the legitimacy of a service dog through these questions and behavior helps protect real teams.” Kristy Durso
As a service dog owner, it may be helpful to carry Service Dog Law Cards, reminding others of your rights.
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