There are approximately half a million service dogs working diligently for their human handlers here in the United States, and they are permitted everywhere by law. To understand more, we put together a series called, “Can I bring my dog?” Here’s reporter Heather Clisby with Part Two: Service Dogs Are Not Pets…
Ever since German Shepherds were trained as messengers during World War I, humans have used canine loyalty to their benefit. Thanks to Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), service dogs can access any location their human handlers can.
Service dogs are trained to work or perform tasks for the disabled—those with limited sight, hearing, or mobility—or those who are susceptible to seizures. These highly focused animals remind the mentally ill to take medications and calm PTSD sufferers during anxiety attacks. About 30 service dog tags have been issued in Yucca Valley, according to Doug Smith, Animal Care and Control Manager.
Increasingly, some dog owners are trying to pass off their untrained pets as service dogs. Currently, 23 states prohibit the misrepresentation of a non-service dog as a service dog. Here in California, we have Service Dog Penal Code 365.7 that can lead to a $1,000 fine and jail time. Just two questions can be legally asked to determine legitimacy: “Is your dog a service animal?” and “What work or task has the dog been trained to perform?”
Much like K-9 cops, Service Dogs are NOT pets should not be approached or touched by strangers—akin to hugging a firefighter who is busy taming a blaze—tempting, but not advised.
