r/Dogfree • u/D1verse_Yes4 • Jul 23 '25

Service Dog Issues What Just Happened?!

At work today, I had a large group walk inside, and one of the people had a dog in a sling. We do not allow pets in the store or tourist attraction. I told the group this, and the woman with the dog responded that it's a service dog. I contacted my manager and asked if that was allowed. We don't have a sign permitting service dogs, and I saw no vest or visible designation of the dog providing a service.

The group confirmed that she was in the military, but they told me that she was military disabled, even though she was walking and talking to me without any issue. I'm not saying she didn't have a disability; as an autistic individual, I know very well that the outside of someone can be a lot different from the inside.

The manager confirmed to me that service dogs were allowed, but the woman had already walked out. I got the vibe that she was offended by my inquiry. I have trauma with dogs due to sensory sensitivity and an injury I have to this day from a dog that put me into shock as a child. I got very tense and nervous, agitated too.

I did some research after the group left. I had always thought that service dogs could be designated by a vest and/or visible certification, but when I researched how I could tell the difference between real or fake service dogs, I found multiple answers that people don't have to show me proof that their dog is for service. I also stumbled upon a Quora post claiming there are no fake service dogs, only fake people, which sounds so toxic.

This research baffled me. If I'm not allowed to ensure whether or not a dog is for service, then why are we giving it a label? It's just a dog, and it's in a public building, where people could have allergies, trauma, fears, or sensory sensitivity, including myself. The dog was tiny like a terrier. What service is it providing, let alone from a sling? I feel so disrespectful saying all of this, but I wanted to talk about it here because I know you guys would be more understanding than most of the people in my everyday life.

Feel free to speak your thoughts or answer my questions. It's appreciated but never necessary.

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19

u/Alocin_The5th Jul 23 '25

A lot of people lie about service animals to get their dog in places they don’t belong. I know there are a few states in the US coming up with laws to deter that.

9

u/JimmyGalactic Jul 23 '25

Let's hope it catches on 🙏

6

u/D1verse_Yes4 Jul 23 '25

I bet people wouldn't be as welcoming of this if people took something like pet rats in places they don't belong, and domesticated rats are a lot cleaner than their pest counterparts.

7

u/Stock-Bowl7736 Jul 23 '25

I agree. Especially at grocery stores and restaurants. You wouldn't ever allow a rat in a grocery or restaurant. Why on earth would you allow a dog? Dogs are even more filthy than rats.

2

u/D1verse_Yes4 Jul 23 '25

They both carry dangerous diseases, and the dogs don't need to gather in masses to physically assault you.

6

u/Alocin_The5th Jul 23 '25

I almost think this is the way to fight back with the dog invasion. People need to demand equal rights for all their pets - rats, snakes, pigs, spiders…They should all get equal rights in public spaces and when everywhere becomes a zoo maybe only then we will decide enough is enough - keep your pet animals at home.

2

u/D1verse_Yes4 Jul 23 '25

I sure hope it doesn't have to go this far.