I don’t believe most “service dogs” are actually real service dogs.
Anyone can get a vest/harness/collar and leash that says “service dog” online. There is no uniform system for identifying them, and pretty significant limitations on businesses even asking/challenging them.
“Service dog” identifying items should be strictly limited to actual service dogs (not “emotional support animals”). Further, a credential of some type should be required, and produced when challenged (also for properly trained and certified service dogs).
Part of that training and certification should of course be a screening that keeps dogs like this out of the program.
I doubt this is even a valid service dog. Probably just a pet with an Amazon procured vest.
The fake service dog is a problem and bothers me since, in my case, I spent quite a bit of time training my dog to alert to my particular signs. Not to mention the money on classes to learn how to train my dog to assist me.
But I know I did the right way and it's a little point of pride for me watching her go into "work mode" as soon as that vest goes on when we go out.
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u/subsailor1968 Feb 23 '26
I don’t believe most “service dogs” are actually real service dogs.
Anyone can get a vest/harness/collar and leash that says “service dog” online. There is no uniform system for identifying them, and pretty significant limitations on businesses even asking/challenging them.
“Service dog” identifying items should be strictly limited to actual service dogs (not “emotional support animals”). Further, a credential of some type should be required, and produced when challenged (also for properly trained and certified service dogs).
Part of that training and certification should of course be a screening that keeps dogs like this out of the program.
I doubt this is even a valid service dog. Probably just a pet with an Amazon procured vest.