Although certification of a service animal is not required, why do disabled pet owners find it important?

Posted on March 27, 2017 by SARC Editorial Staff

Although registration is optional and voluntary under the law, many service animal owners have found it a useful tool to help them assert their rights. It is often easier to show paperwork than to try educating the person about the law. By handing over your registration, you get to shortcut the conversation.

Please take note that under the law, landlords, employers, restaurant staff, and other people are not allowed to demand a registration certificate from you. However, most of these people demand paperwork anyways.

Are you an owner of an assistance animal?

The Service Animal Registry of California invites you to have your assistance animal registered in order to designate its status. We also encourage you to take our online classes so you can be fully aware of your rights and gain more knowledge about your support animal.

Finally, we present to you our book entitled, “ASSISTANCE ANIMAL LAWS: LEARN YOUR RIGHTS REGARDING SERVICE ANIMALS, EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMALS, THERAPY PETS, AND OTHER DOGS, CATS, AND ASSISTANCE ANIMALS” to provide you with a complete education on assistance animals.

Purchase your copy of the book by clicking the text or image below.

ASSISTANCE ANIMAL LAWS: LEARN YOUR RIGHTS REGARDING SERVICE ANIMALS, EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMALS, THERAPY PETS, AND OTHER DOGS, CATS, AND ASSISTANCE ANIMALS

Is there is a requirement under the law for an assistance animal to be certified or registered?

Posted on March 20, 2017 by SARC Editorial Staff

The answer is NO.

There is no requirement under the law for an assistance animal to be certified or registered. There is no governmental agency that tracks the status of individual animals and a disabled owner can train a service animal him or herself, so there is no specific training certificate needed. Therefore, any registration is optional and voluntary under law. The registration itself does not create or change your animal’s status. Your animal’s status under the law is determined by your disability and the animal’s assistance to you with that disability.

Although there is no federally-operated registry in existence at this time; several private registries such as the Service Animal Registry of California exist so that we can offer assistance animal owners a critical and helpful tool.

Registration with a registry such as the SARC is purely voluntary and many owners find that it helps them explain their animal’s status to landlords, airline ticket counter agents, employers, retail store staff, restaurant staff, and others.

Those people are not allowed to demand registration “paperwork,” or “documents” for your assistance animal, but many will demand paperwork anyways, even though none is legally required.

Showing your registration certificate is an easy way to assert your rights and is often easier than trying to educate the person about the law. By handing it over, you can shortcut the conversation.

Are you an owner of an assistance animal?

Purchase your copy of the book by clicking the text or image below.

ASSISTANCE ANIMAL LAWS: LEARN YOUR RIGHTS REGARDING SERVICE ANIMALS, EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMALS, THERAPY PETS, AND OTHER DOGS, CATS, AND ASSISTANCE ANIMALS

How can you make a request for a landlord/property manager to accommodate your assistance animal?

Posted on March 20, 2017 by SARC Editorial Staff

The first step is to let the landlord, property manager, or hotel operator know that you would like to request that your Assistance Animal live with you as a reasonable accommodation for your disability. It is best to do this in writing so that you have evidence of how and when you made your request.

There is no specific way that the request has to be made; the law does not require that it be in writing or that you use a particular language.

However, if you are also a student in our online course series, we have had an attorney prepare a template you can use for a general request.

Students can download the Template for Requesting Housing Accommodation as a PDF by clicking this link to access the template from the online class.

Are you an owner of an assistance animal?

Finally, we present to you our book entitled, “ASSISTANCE ANIMAL LAWS: LEARN YOUR RIGHTS REGARDING SERVICE ANIMALS, EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMALS, THERAPY PETS, AND OTHER DOGS, CATS, AND ASSISTANCE ANIMALS” to provide you with a complete education on assistance animals.

Purchase your copy of the book by clicking the text or image below.

ASSISTANCE ANIMAL LAWS: LEARN YOUR RIGHTS REGARDING SERVICE ANIMALS, EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMALS, THERAPY PETS, AND OTHER DOGS, CATS, AND ASSISTANCE ANIMALS

What are the things that housing providers are not allowed to do when accommodating tenant/hotel guests and their service animals?

Posted on March 19, 2017 by SARC Editorial Staff

Under the law, the housing provider may not:

Demand a pet deposit or any additional deposit related to the Assistance Animal specifically.
Demand pet rent.
Restrict the areas of the housing complex where a service animal may access. However, an emotional support animal’s access may be limited to the housing domicile interior and be prohibited in common areas and outdoor areas (such as the pool area or barbecue area) that other tenants also use. Once again, Service Animals have additional access rights that Emotional Support Animals do not

Are you an owner of an assistance animal?

Purchase your copy of the book by clicking the text or image below.

ASSISTANCE ANIMAL LAWS: LEARN YOUR RIGHTS REGARDING SERVICE ANIMALS, EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMALS, THERAPY PETS, AND OTHER DOGS, CATS, AND ASSISTANCE ANIMALS

Service dog allowed into the dental examination room after ABC27 Investigators’ help

Posted on March 19, 2017 by SARC Editorial Staff

Mike Geib is a Gulf War veteran who is diagnosed with PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder). He owns a service dog which he named Cookie Dough. She assists Geib by detecting his anxiety and blood pressure level and offers him comfort.

One day, Geib had an appointment with a dentist at the Lebanon VA Medical Center in January. He noticed the sign on the door that prohibited animals from entering the room. So Geib left Cookie Dough in the waiting room with a friend. As he went home with his dog after the appointment, he remembered the sign on the door and sensed that something was not right. He researched the ADA policy and the Lebanon VA Medical Center policy. He also reached out to the ABC27 Investigators to do the story on the matter just in case he would be turned away after raising the concern.

After the ABC27 Investigators contacted Lebanon VA Medical Center about its policy and Geib’s situation, the facility did their own research and decided to change their policy. Douglas Etter, a spokesman for the Lebanon VA, said, “Our policy is based on the national policy, but our policy had some other things in it which we are changing… We are always going to do what is in the best interest of the veteran and if in the best interest of the veteran is having a service animal and the environment therein does not have to be a sterile one, we’ll certainly permit that.” When Geib had his next dentist appointment, the sign on the door was removed.

Finally, Cookie Dough was able to enter the examination room and just sat there throughout the examination. Geib mentions that the hospital just wasn’t aware of the ADA law. The ADA states that service dogs are to accompany their disabled owners in public and that the owners must only be asked two questions: Whether the animal is a service dog and the tasks that the animal performs for its owner.

Article source: Abc27.com

Are you an owner of an assistance animal?

Purchase your copy of the book by clicking the text or image below.

ASSISTANCE ANIMAL LAWS: LEARN YOUR RIGHTS REGARDING SERVICE ANIMALS, EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMALS, THERAPY PETS, AND OTHER DOGS, CATS, AND ASSISTANCE ANIMALS

ACVO and Stokes Pharmacy of Laurel will offer free eye exams to service animals this year

Posted on March 19, 2017 by SARC Editorial Staff

Photo courtesy: Veterinary Practice News

The American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (ACVO) and Stokes Pharmacy of Laurel, N.J., will be holding The National Service Animal Eye Exam Event in May this year. In this event, service dogs will be given the chance to have their eyes examined for free. The service dogs that qualify for this event include guide, disability assistance, detection, military, and search and rescue. Registered therapy animals also qualify.

These service dogs deserve to be cared for medically for the selfless work they do for their disabled owners. By having their eyes examined, they will be able to continue guiding their owners without the risk of running into accidents.

A true story that demonstrates the importance of healthy eyesight for service animals is the story of Giza, a black labrador, and Nancy Moore, her owner. One day, while navigating for Moore, Giza led her into the street. Moore was delighted with ACVO’s free service since she is unable to afford an eye exam for Giza.

Registration for the said event will take place from April 1, 2017, to April 30, 2017. Interested participants can visit www.ACVOeyeexam.org for more information.

Article source: Veterinary Practice News

Are you an owner of an assistance animal?

Purchase your copy of the book by clicking the text or image below.

ASSISTANCE ANIMAL LAWS: LEARN YOUR RIGHTS REGARDING SERVICE ANIMALS, EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMALS, THERAPY PETS, AND OTHER DOGS, CATS, AND ASSISTANCE ANIMALS

Idaho State Veterans Home in Pocatello gets an emotional support dog

Posted on March 19, 2017 by SARC Editorial Staff

A veteran and Glory

Glory is an emotional support dog (a labradoodle) who provides comfort to veterans at the Idaho State Veterans Home in Pocatello. Josiah Dahlstrom, the administrator for the veterans home, said that Glory would make a valuable staff member since she helps improve the quality of life of these veterans. Dahlstrom also mentioned that so far, they have witnessed a lot of successes as a result of Glory’s presence.

Since Glory came into the home after her 9-month training, several positive changes have occurred. For example, a resident who used to refuse to participate in activities now does. Glory has also calmed down and encouraged another resident who disliked some hygiene procedures.

Ned Mickelsen, a WWII veteran, quotes, “I think she’s a wonderful dog… She’s smart. I didn’t know dogs could be that smart. I think she’s an asset to the veterans down here and I think everybody enjoys her.” Because the veterans have taken an active part in Glory’s care (such as taking her outside to play or go potty), they get to go out more often.

Glory stays at the veterans home from Monday until Friday at 8 am to 5 pm. She also visits other people who need her help.

Article source: Localnews8.com

Are you an owner of an assistance animal?

Purchase your copy of the book by clicking the text or image below.

ASSISTANCE ANIMAL LAWS: LEARN YOUR RIGHTS REGARDING SERVICE ANIMALS, EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMALS, THERAPY PETS, AND OTHER DOGS, CATS, AND ASSISTANCE ANIMALS

College student got her emotional support animal approved by the university

Posted on March 12, 2017 by SARC Editorial Staff

Going to college can be very stressful for some students who have not been used to being away from their families. For this reason, having an emotional support animal as a companion is beneficial.

Miranda Schnakenberg happens one of these students who has found relief in her cat named Gatsby. Schnakenberg suffers from anxiety and depression. She shares her challenging experience on having her emotional support animal approved on campus.

The UMW Office of Disability Resources required Schnakenberg to complete some paperwork and provide a diagnosis of her condition and prescription from her physician. After complying with all the necessary documents, she was finally given permission.

According to Schnakenberg, Gatsby helps her cope with her issues of feeling alone most of the time. She feels that her cat loves her so much and that they rely on one another since she needs to get up each day to feed Gatsby while Gatsby gives her emotional comfort at the same time.

Article source: The Blue & Gray Press – The University of Mary Washington Student Newspaper

Are you an owner of an assistance animal?

Purchase your copy of the book by clicking the text or image below.

ASSISTANCE ANIMAL LAWS: LEARN YOUR RIGHTS REGARDING SERVICE ANIMALS, EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMALS, THERAPY PETS, AND OTHER DOGS, CATS, AND ASSISTANCE ANIMALS

Experts give their opinion on assistance animals

Posted on March 12, 2017 by SARC Editorial Staff

Photo By Takashi Hososhima via StockPholio.com

Just recently, the Supreme Court of the United States favored a girl diagnosed with cerebral palsy and her service dog.

Although service dogs have been popular since the 1920s, there is still a lot of speculation regarding their definition and specific roles. Several experts give their opinion on service dogs and assistance animals as a whole to address controversies.

According to Jessica Smidt, Healing Enhancement Therapy Coordinator at Mayo Clinic, real service animals are trained to perform tasks that their owners are unable to do for themselves regardless of their individual effort. Eichler also mentions that there are disabled people who are able to perform their activities of daily living better with an assistance animal around. A lof of individuals do not have overt signs of a disability and because of this, they can be regarded in a different way that disabled people who have obvious signs.

Donna A. Baker of Emory Rehabilitation Hospital agrees that service animals can make a big difference in how disabled people are able to live independently. That is because service animals can do a wide variety of tasks for their disabled owners such as opening a door, picking up dropped objects, and helping their owners stand up during a fall.

Article source: Medpage Today

Are you an owner of an assistance animal?

Purchase your copy of the book by clicking the text or image below.

ASSISTANCE ANIMAL LAWS: LEARN YOUR RIGHTS REGARDING SERVICE ANIMALS, EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMALS, THERAPY PETS, AND OTHER DOGS, CATS, AND ASSISTANCE ANIMALS

How will businesses differentiate between real and fake service animals?

Posted on March 12, 2017 by SARC Editorial Staff

To date, there is no specific government-issued documentation that certifies service animals. Because of such ambiguity in the ADA, businesses are offering identifying items such as vests and collars to help owners of legitimate service animals access places where pets are normally not allowed.

In order for an establishment to know whether a dog is a service animal or not (and only posing as one), that establishment is only allowed to ask two questions to the animal owner:

Is this animal required because of a disability?
What task is this animal trained to perform?

Chris Kreiger president of WNY Heroes, a support group for veterans, mentions that while some people are taking advantage of paraphernalia to make a false claim that their pets are service animals when they’re really not, animal gear can still serve useful for real service animal owners.

However, remember that animal gear can help shortcut uncomfortable conversations with business owners but it does not give an animal its status. Kreiger states that he hopes that the government “tightens up” the law to eliminate fake service animals.

Article source: Wivb.com

Are you an owner of an assistance animal?

Purchase your copy of the book by clicking the text or image below.

ASSISTANCE ANIMAL LAWS: LEARN YOUR RIGHTS REGARDING SERVICE ANIMALS, EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMALS, THERAPY PETS, AND OTHER DOGS, CATS, AND ASSISTANCE ANIMALS

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Are you an owner of an assistance animal?

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