Bogus Service Dogs

Many of us in the industry deal with the issue of service animals. Canine Companions for Independence is asking  the Department of Justice to take issue with the online sale of fraudulent service dog products that allow people to take their dogs anywhere they choose.

“As a result of this fraudulent practice, people with disabilities who have a legitimate need for an assistance dog face added discrimination and are being denied access to public places, which is in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act.”

“There’s no penalty for people in Florida who fraudulently claim their dog is a service animal”, said Paul Edwards of Miami, President of the Florida Council of the Blind.  “There are some of us who feel it isn’t unreasonable to ask folks to carry identification for a dog that shows them to be a trained service animal – and most legitimate service dog organizations do issue those.“

What does this mean to property managers?  Perhaps it is time for us to try to address the issue again, and ask for the aid of this organization.  How do you handle this issue in your House Rules?  Do you ask for third party verification? Are service animals allowed in your common areas? Are there guidelines that are clearly stated?

For more information visit: Canine Companions: Sale of Fake Service Dog Products Needs to Stop