Valley Resident Suggests How to Spot a Real Service Dog

real vs fake service dog

Sheryl Womble, a Valley resident, has years of experience working with service animals. Service animals have helped with day-to-day activities such as picking up things and opening doors. Womble knows how to differentiate a real service dog from a fake one.

Womble recalls an incident that happened years ago. According to her, she was at a community event with her service dog when another dog wearing a vest that “indicated” it was a service animal tried to attack her dog. In an attempt to protect her service dog, she blocked the attacking dog with her wheelchair and got bit.

She states that just because a dog wears a service animal vest, doesn’t mean it’s real. Vests can be purchased over the internet. Although they “can help” in the identification of a service dog, they increase the incidence of people passing their pets off as service animals.

One way to tell that a service animal is a fake one is the way it behaves. Dogs that show aggressive behavior in public are less likely to be service dogs because to be a service dog, the animal should be trained for years on several aspects including basic obedience.  

Source: The Spokesman-Review

Do you own an assistance animal? Register your pet. 

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.

Free Eye Exams Will Be Offered to Service and Working Animals

free eye exams service animals

Service animals deserve love and care after all the assistance they provide to the community. This year, the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists will once again conduct free ocular screening eye examinations to qualified service and working animals. Since 2008, service animals have benefited from such screening programs. In 2017, 7,500 examinations took place.

The said event will happen in May in the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. Registration period runs from April 1 through 30. According to acvoeyeexam.org, those who wish to have their service animals examined should provide qualification paperwork at the clinic during the exam. If you own a puppy, it should be at least 3 months old. Please read the complete qualifications and expectations of the said program on this page.

Source: PR Newswire

Do you own an assistance animal? Register your pet. 

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.

Why faking a service dog makes life difficult for real owners

why fake service dogs undermine real service dogs

Preston Radtke is someone who relies on a service dog, a seeing-eye dog. He said that he used to be a cane user. The dog named Burton helps Radtke avoid obstacles. He’s not just a service dog but also a friend.

Radtke expresses his concern about the growing number of fake service animals. Because more and more people need physical assistance which certified dogs can provide, opportunists pretend to have legitimate service animals. This undermines what real service animals do. Radtke shares the fact that real service animals go through intensive training – not to mention 120 hours of skilled training. Burton himself spent 2 years in training before he became Radtke’s helper.

The director of the Disability Services at Ball State mentions that service dogs need to undergo training to be qualified. Also, acquiring a service dog can be a lengthy and expensive process. These things explain why in the United States, there are only 10,000 service dogs.

It’s not easy being frequently questioned when you have a real service dog just because of growing fake service dogs. According to the ADA law, one way to tell whether a dog is a service dog is to ask these two questions:

  • Is the dog a service animal required because of a disability?
  • What work or task has the dog been trained to perform?

Do you own an assistance animal? Register your pet. 

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

Cambridge couple writes a children’s book about their service dog

Photo courtesy: USC News

Photo courtesy: USC News

Jessica Kensky and Patrick Downes are married couples who were victims of the Boston Marathon bombing in 2013. Jessica lost both her legs while Patrick lost his left leg. To help with their recovery process, they were provided a service dog (a black labrador) named “Rescue” by the NEADS World Class Service Dogs.

The couple realized that Rescue did more than just provide physical assistance to them. Rescue offered emotional support, which makes him an emotional support animal at the same time.

It was their meaningful experience with Rescue that compelled the couple to write a children’s book. The book entitled “Rescue & Jessica: A Life-Changing Friendship” focuses on teaching children about the importance of service dogs, and how they help disabled individuals recover. screenshot of childrens book

In a live interview, Jessica explained that Rescue brought back structure and joy in their lives. She had to make sure that Rescue gets to eat and exercise regularly.

The children’s book makes no mention of the marathon or bombings.

Article source: boston.cbslocal.com

Do you own an assistance animal? Register your pet. 

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

Duson-based organization is raising money to get trained dogs to disabled individuals

service dog training

On April 31, 3k9 Run for Abilities was held in Duson. This was an activity-filled event where dog training demos were performed and live music was played. A 5k run took place at the start of the event.

The sole purpose of this event was to raise funds for the Mill Pond Kennels’ Rescued Abilities Project. This project or program seeks to train healthy and trainable dogs to be paired with individuals with disabilities.

Nikki McBride, one of Mill Pond Kennels’ dog trainers, says that the help that goes into helping those in need means a lot.

Below is a video of the said event.

Article source: Katc.com

Do you own an assistance animal? Register your pet. 

The Service Animal Registry of California invites you to have your assistance animal registeredhave 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

What are 10 tasks that a service animal may perform?

service animal tasks

Question:

What are 10 tasks that a service animal may perform?

Answer:

A service animal may perform tasks for its disabled owner. These tasks include the following:

  1. Navigation for the blind
  2. Assisting with mobility by giving physical support
  3. Preventing or interrupting impulsive or destructive behaviors
  4. Interrupting self-mutilation
  5. Alerting the individual as to a medical issue, such as an oncoming seizure, blood sugar drop, or another medical condition onset
  6. Reminding the individual to take medicine
  7. Fetching dropped items
  8. Providing safety checks or room searches for persons with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
  9. Alerting individuals to the presence of allergens
  10. Hearing assistance for the hearing impaired

Do you own an assistance animal? Register your pet. 

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

 

 

 

Rhode Island Lawmaker Introduces Bill to Fine Fake Service Animal Owners

rhode island service animals

Lawmakers in the United States are doubling their efforts to mitigate the rise of fake service animals. Recently, Rhode Island Rep. Thomas Winfield introduces legislation that addresses this misrepresentation of service animals. He proposes that violators of the law be fined up to $500 and required to do community service for up to 30 hours.

The restaurant and hospitality industry made this request which compelled Winfield to take action. Winfield says that this abuse of the use of service animals puts abiders of the law and true service animals at a disadvantage. The goal of Winfield’s bill is to protect the welfare of service animals so that people and establishments wouldn’t doubt their authenticity.

Representative Winfield owns a therapy dog himself. The dog, named Buddy, helps comfort families in Winfield’s funeral home.

Article source: The newportbuzz.com

Do you own an assistance animal? Register your pet. 

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

Minister of Canadian Heritage Finds Joy in the Company of a Service Dog

naboo service animal

Naboo is a Labrador retriever/Bernese mountain dog who is about to undergo training as a service dog. While waiting, she accompanies Mélanie Joly, the minister of Canadian heritage. Joly met Naboo through a friend who fosters MIRA Foundation service dogs but cannot handle one more dog alone – Naboo.

Joly faced several challenges – not to mention, serial criticism because of the logistical mess of a Canada 150 event on Parliament Hill and the issue on Nextflix’s tax exemption. Naboo’s companionship served as a great stress reliever for Joly. He followers her to meetings and created structure in her daily routine despite the hectic life of politics. Joly says that she has to feed Naboo at 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. walk him before and after meals. Though gym workouts are a stress reliever, Joly attests that having a pet around calms her more.

Joly knows that she’s going to lose Naboo soon when he turns into a service dog. But if Naboo doesn’t pass, Joly still has the option to buy him at half the price of being a service dog – that’s about $4,475.

Article source: Macleans.ca

Do you own an assistance animal? Register your pet. 

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

Service Animals Are Remarkable. Here’s Why

service dogs are remarkable

Let’s put aside the rumors regarding the abuse of the use assistance animals and recall why they came into existence in the first place. Despite today’s climate of skepticism, it’s undeniable that service animals perform special tasks for their owners. Service animals are animals that are trained to help people affected with some form of disability. For example, a service animal owner can be at risk for collapsing but this can be prevented with the intervention of the animal.

This week, we heard of a report about a service dog that helped her owner for years in detecting drops in her blood pressure. The trained cardiac alert service dog is named Adele, a black labrador. Her owner, Marty Harris, is diagnosed with acute malignant neurocardiogenic vasovagal syncope. She faints many times because of this heart ailment and incurred many concussions. To make things worse, Harris was told by the doctor that there’s nothing much that can be done for her.

Canine Partners for Life, a non-profit organization that matches service dogs to disabled individuals, helped Harris by giving her Adele. Adele has a keen sense of smell that detects changes in Harris’ blood pressure and prompts Harris to sit down before she collapses. There was even a time when Adele caught Harris’ head using her torso to prevent it from hitting the ground. Harris said that since Adele came, she fainted only twice in 9 years.

This is just one of the many stories that show how meaningful service animals are.

Article source: ACDH.org

Do you own an assistance animal? Register your pet. 

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

Mississippi bill permits veterans to bring service dogs with them in public places

bill for veterans

Veterans are known to often suffer post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD. These individuals can benefit from the companion of service animals so that they can cope better. Although service animals are usually used for people with visual and hearing problems, a Mississippi house bill wants to include veterans on the list of individuals who are allowed to carry service animals with them in public places.

The abovementioned House Bill 944 has already passed the House. The Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee are still yet to take action. Rep. Tommy Reynolds, D-Charleston, states that the bill is something that is needed by every veteran with PTSD.

If you don’t know what PTSD is, it’s an anxiety disorder that affects people who have been exposed to a traumatic event. It can be that the person experienced the event himself or just witnessed the event.

The Department of Veterans Affairs mentions that there isn’t a lot of research to prove that service animals such as dogs can treat PTSD. However, they mention that service dogs have benefits for veterans. Dogs serve as loyal companions, reduce stress, promote socialization, and are fun and lovable to be with.

Article source: Clarion Ledger

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

assistance animal laws