Faking a service dog! Just $365.00!

It was only a matter of time.

"What do these packages consist of?

With an identification package from American Service Dogs, Inc. you will be provided with all of the materials needed to identify your dog as a Service Animal, helping you smoothly and seamlessly enter public places with your dog and improve your quality of life. You are responsible for training of your dog and ensuring that both you and your animal meet the necessary criteria for Service Animal designation."

So in other words, here are the the materials - a vest with a patch on it that says you're a service dog, an ID card, and an official-looking brochure to give to people who ask you questions. You don't have to actually prove that your dog is a service dog. No. That's up to your discretion.

Listen, I like bringing my dog everywhere I can but I wouldn't DREAM of pretending he's a service dog to do it. People have said that to me jokingly so many times.

The website also has a section on all the non-physical reasons why you could possibly have a service dog along with the symptoms and things the dog "should" do for you.

How did I find this? A banner ad across the top of my Gmail that says "Fly with your dog for free! Bring your dog everywhere lifetime certification".

Siiiiiigh.

BringYourDogEverywhere.com

Re: Faking a service dog! Just $365.00!

I volunteer training guide dogs...that is just despicable...

Re: Faking a service dog! Just $365.00!

I will almost guarantee that some folks are nearly vibrating with glee and getting their credit cards out right this moment.

I guess I should just thank my lucky stars that I am not afraid of animals and that noone in my family suffers from severe animal allergies.

It's just awful. I hope the site gets shut down ASAP.

ETA: They are covering their backsides with this:
I/we hereby attest that the handler has a qualified disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act; and the above named animal's primary function is as a service animal for the benefit of its disabled handler, and that the animal is qualified by training, is well behaved in public, and is under the safe control of its handler while working. I/we declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct.

Message edited 6/22/2009 11:52:30 AM.

Re: Faking a service dog! Just $365.00!

This is just sad... I can see this becoming out of control and possibly making things more complicated, as if they weren't already; for the owners who ARE disabled and NEED service dogs!

To Rojerono: Good idea! Yes! Look into who their merchant is and report it!

Message edited 6/22/2009 11:54:52 AM.

Re: Faking a service dog! Just $365.00!

LOVE that they include the # to a Beverly Hills attorney.

Re: Faking a service dog! Just $365.00!

And what exactly does the $365 pay for?
Some patches and a vest?
Ridiculous!

Re: Faking a service dog! Just $365.00!

Re: Faking a service dog! Just $365.00!

Do you think they'll buy it if I put this stuff on my cat

Re: Faking a service dog! Just $365.00!

Posted by KittyTheStray

Do you think they'll buy it if I put this stuff on my cat

Re: Faking a service dog! Just $365.00!

Posted by KittyTheStray

Do you think they'll buy it if I put this stuff on my cat

Re: Faking a service dog! Just $365.00!

This is horrible-all these terrible people who think their right to do whatever, whenever with their pets takes precedent over the needs of another human being will love it. So gross.

Re: Faking a service dog! Just $365.00!

Ugh. Just because your dog has a vest does NOT mean it's a service dog. Those dogs are working all the time they are out. They are not allowed to be pet by anyone and they cannot be distracted from their task. That is horrible that some company is advertising this. I really hope it is not the same company that does the legit certification. I assume there is one company that does the main certification...

Re: Faking a service dog! Just $365.00!

my coworker spent $15,000 on an autism service dog for her son. A single mom whose ex-hubby contributed jack sh** towards the dog. The money was raised by donations/fundraising. Im sickened by this.

and even still she has had issues bringing the dog places. she is currently fighting her son's school b/c they refuse to let him attend with the dog. She has to find yet another school for him come sept.

people are sick...

Re: Faking a service dog! Just $365.00!

ETA: They are covering their backsides with this:
I/we hereby attest that the handler has a qualified disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act; and the above named animal's primary function is as a service animal for the benefit of its disabled handler, and that the animal is qualified by training, is well behaved in public, and is under the safe control of its handler while working. I/we declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct.


yeah..if this was true, then why would people have to buy a scam set of vests etc. they would just have a legally trained and accredited service dog. Ughh..

Re: Faking a service dog! Just $365.00!

Posted by Kara

Posted by KittyTheStray

Do you think they'll buy it if I put this stuff on my cat

No, cats can - of course - do whatever they want. You need the "service human" vest and patch to give you the authority to accompany the cats wherever it is they want to go. Your cats won't be seen in public with you without that.

Re: Faking a service dog! Just $365.00!

Re: Faking a service dog! Just $365.00!

seriously, what is this world coming to??? It's disgusting. f


ETA: Does anyone not feel this can be compared to buying a handicapped sticker??

Message edited 6/22/2009 7:47:54 PM.

Re: Faking a service dog! Just $365.00!

My dog ain't gonna pass for no service dog . I'd have to have some b@lls to try it with him, cute as he is. I know that various breeds can be therapy dogs, so it is not about breed, but he really has no chance. He has a screw loose. Yes, I know about proper training but he's not cut out for some things! I should try to sign him up just so I can blog about the ridiculousness of it!!!!!!

Re: Faking a service dog! Just $365.00!

Kerie, I have always wanted to go for TDI (therapy dog) training!

Although I think Brinkley has what it takes in the obedience and personality area, I need to wait till he's older and calms down a little around other people & dogs. He gets too excited and I could imagine that being a problem with someone in a wheelchair or hospital bed!

There's no reason why your pup can't do TDI, it's more about bringing joy to people than doing specific tasks. Once you go through testing and pass, you can find out which facilities in the area request TDI dogs and contact them. Some schools even have programs where children read to dogs to sharpen their reading skills.

Here's the brochure on testing requirements:

http://www.tdi-dog.org/images/TestingBrochure.pdf

And here is their website:

http://www.tdi-dog.org/Default.aspx

There's a really sweet video in the "An Introduction" area too.

Re: Faking a service dog! Just $365.00!

Posted by Kara

Posted by KittyTheStray

Do you think they'll buy it if I put this stuff on my cat

No, cats can - of course - do whatever they want. You need the "service human" vest and patch to give you the authority to accompany the cats wherever it is they want to go. Your cats won't be seen in public with you without that.

Re: Faking a service dog! Just $365.00!

I have read on another message board that people have seen dogs on cruises, small dogs like poodles, malteses and that they were service dogs.
Its crazy