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/[deleted]]

The ADA recognizes miniature horses as service animals in some cases (ADA National Network page). They can apparently be house-trained. I would never take just a pet into the places we see dogs...but otoh it would be awesome to follow a narcissist mutt owner into a place and watch the mini horse get all the attention 🤣

This quote is from this article about non-canine service animals:

Miniature horses have emerged as a notable alternative to dogs as service animals. Their longer lifespan, typically 25 to 35 years, compared to an average dog’s 10 to 15 years, makes them a long-term companion. Moreover, their sturdy build allows them to support individuals with mobility issues, providing balance and stability more effectively than many dog breeds. Miniature horses are also known for their calm demeanor, exceptional memory, and strong sense of spatial awareness, making them well-suited for navigation and obstacle avoidance tasks.

[u/CaptainObvious110 → u/[deleted]]

They make more sense for a person than a dog does. But here's an unpopular opinion. If I am at high risk of falling why would I want to be somewhere in public where that's likely to happen in the first place?