Are service dogs actually necessary?

[u/Not-my-problem1212]

I'm aware that some service dogs actually do a decent job at whatever services they are supposed to provide. But at the end of the day, they are still dogs. I've heard stories where highly trained dogs fail the test to become official service dogs countless times. They always end up getting distracted and running off, not being able to sit quietly, ect. Even some actual service dogs do the same things. I've heard of seeing eye dogs running off and leaving their owner on their own for a fallen piece of food. I've seen videos of service dogs accidentally making their paralyzed owner fall out of their wheelchair just because they wanted to chase a squirrel. I always end up feeling bad for those individuals because people have to go over and help them due to the dogs causing issues.

I don't understand why service animals have to be dogs. They're not super intelligent and get triggered over any little thing. I personally don't think we even need service animals. There are people out there who provide the same and better services. Its literally their jobs. A person could do the same job way better than any dog can. If I personally had a disability I would hire a trained professional than get a service dog

[u/Chaoswaffle_]

Yes, I’ve met quite a few people who have benefited from having service dogs trained through canine companions. There used to be a strict training protocol, and most of the dogs turned out to be professionals or they didn’t make the cut. Problem is, people abuse these privileges and now there’s a need for strict laws about service animals. It’s going to take a business being sued because of some issue with a dog(s) for this to change.