Much of the problem is ignorance on the part of business owners regarding the ADA rules. But, another aspect is the fear of law suits.

Perhaps the government who makes the regulations should educate the owners as to what the rules are. Maybe insist that a poster with the rules be displayed where employees can see it just as they now have to do with wage law and voting law posters.

Of course, they probably won't read them but that would be their problem since they'd have the rules stated right in front of them should they choose to actually read and enforce them.

 Quote: Duane Hull

If all of the legitimate service dogs in this country paid application fees to be registered, there would be enough money in the program to provide registered dogs to those disabled who need financial assistance.

There are more low income disabled than there are financially stable.

There is no easy answer, I know. The problem is this;

The ADA created a policy, and lobbied to make it federal regulation, to protect the interest of a large diverse group of individuals. The idealism, in and of itself, is noble. However, in doing so, as with other noble undertakings, they have left open a huge loophole that a large number of people will and are taking advantage of. I feel like this is short-sighted (or selfish) on the part of the ADA, and they should be the vehicle for creating a process to limit the abuse. The impetus does not belong on the sandwich shop owner who has his hands full paying his own bills, or the casual flyer who just wants to proceed to his destination without all of the drama of having to wait in line while some dog owner argues with flight staff/TSA about his dog being able to enter the terminal and board.

There are many cats that provide the same therapy for their owners that some "service" dogs do. The reason that you don't see the same issue with cats is that the ADA didn't create a loophole for the cats. The ADA needs to fix this abuse.

Do you realize that there is a seperate set of rules for airlines?

 Quote:

Do you realize that there is a seperate set of rules for airlines?

Did you see the pics of dogs on airline seats and testimonials from people who are obviously exploiting the policy?

The other side of the coin...

http://www.myfoxboston.com/story/23251585/2013/08/25/police-oxford-restaurant-owner-kicks-out-war-vet-service-dog

In the article, the following statement is made: "...even though the veteran had his service dog's certification papers." However, Sam pointed out that the ADA does not recognize any registry or certification. So it begs to be asked, Certified by who? Under these circumstances, does the business owner have the right to challenge the dog's certification?

While researching this, I ran across dozens of news articles about people with service dogs being harassed at and run out of establishments because they had a "service dog" with them. IMHO, some measure of accountability, exercised under the umbrella of the ADA, would eliminate this and benefit both sides of the issue. If you want private businessman to uphold ADA policies, there should be clearer guidelines for them to follow.

 Quote: Cathy Goessman

 Quote: Duane Hull

If all of the legitimate service dogs in this country paid application fees to be registered, there would be enough money in the program to provide registered dogs to those disabled who need financial assistance.

There are more low income disabled than there are financially stable.

But not every disabled person uses a service dog. By far, the vast majority of "service dogs" that I have encountered were with people that could afford the upkeep.

Airlines can require a letter from a psychiatrist/physician stating the need for a dog if it isn't obvious why a person needs a dog. If they followed legal protocal then those pets wouldn't be getting on planes.

Being disabled is expensive and inconvenient enough already. The idea of adding more expense seems kind of like adding insult to injury. The only thing that might work is having some sort of a prescription tag from a Dr for a service dog that can be presented. But businesses can already asks what the dog does and doing that will help weed out the impostors

 Quote: Mara Jessup

But businesses can already asks what the dog does and doing that will help weed out the impostors

I'll bet you a goughnut that 19 of 20 small business owners are not aware of this.

A prescription tag from a random doctor is going to get you about as far as the veteran in the above-linked article. Unless there is an official identification, all a business owner has to do is claim that you're credentials are fake and kick you out.

Sooner or later, the ADA will realize (or Big Brother will point out to them) that the loophole needs to be closed. Another possibility is that, as dogbite incidents involving fake service dogs become more frequent, the insurance companies will lobby legislature to have the current regulations changed.