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Emotional Support Dog at the Gym
Replies
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kshama2001 wrote: »I actually don't believe in service dogs from an ethical standpoint. I just don't think any sentient being should be conscripted to a lifetime of 24/7 servitude.
What I coincidence @33gail33. I was just chatting on another forum about the incredible strides my niece has taken since her mom and dad were able to acquire a service dog for her. She is autistic, and since having the dog she has made incredible progress in being able to interact with family and friends as well as simple daily functions.
Oh, she has also just recently started eating again, the animal is helping her overcome the food rejection common with some autistic folks.
The dog? She's a yellow lab mix. 100% part of the family, loved and treated like gold by everyone, and anyone who knows anything at all about dogs could clearly see the joy she has in going through her routine, hanging tight by my niece and just loving that girl.
It's very much a partnership. So, your post ...well...there is nothing even worth carrying on a conversation about, but it did warrant a reply.
The show Cat From Hell now has a Cat from Heaven segment and one featured a cat who had similarly positive effects on an autistic child. There was also one about a cat who goes to a local library and helps kids who have trouble reading feel more comfortable.
I mean, if we are still on the dogs as employees analogy, I'm going to concede that they are generally going to be better employee types than cats, but I had to plug a couple of cats too!
;-)
I think the best analogy for cats comes from Westworld - cats are guests, humans are the hosts there to cater to their every need.
I'll have to see if we can get Cat from Heaven streaming.
We watched a few Jackson Galaxy youtube videos (different from Cat From Hell) when we got our cat in January and found them very helpful, even though we had both been cat "hosts" in the past.
The we are hosts thing - YAAAASSSSSS!
I am currently a host to 3 guests. 2 live permanently at my place, and 1 comes and goes. When he comes I feed him and occasionally he allows me to pet him.
He likes to sleep on my daughter's bed on cold days.
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Wow! Upon further reading...This is really an interesting topic. In situations where it is not obvious that the dog is a service animal, staff may ask only two specific questions: (1) is the dog a service animal required because of a disability? and (2) what work or task has the dog been trained to perform? Staff are not allowed to request any documentation for the dog, require that the dog demonstrate its task, or inquire about the nature of the person's disability.
Basically, if confronted, all the "handler" has to say is any animal accompanying them into almost any (very very few exceptions) premises is a "service animal" rather than an ESA and cannot be excluded unless it is disruptive. So all one has to is say "I have seizures and this is my alert animal"... and there's nothing anyone can say or do.
In some cases, or perhaps a lot of cases, it would be impossible or simply inappropriate to ask that the dog demonstrate their task. The first thing that popped in my mind was a service dog for people who have seizures. People who have service dogs to help them with PTSD symptoms (yes, that fits into the service dog category assuming the dog is trained to do a task, as opposed to just sit there and be, well, a dog) would be another one. It also means you're effectively acting people to act out their disability which is, at best, in pretty poor taste.
I guess I would also question why you think that you need to know why someone has a service animal. What business of it is yours? Sure I think that the ability for people to pass their animals off as service animals is lax, but until there's an equitable system set up by the government to have dogs certified this is where we're at in the US.5 -
Wow! Upon further reading...This is really an interesting topic. In situations where it is not obvious that the dog is a service animal, staff may ask only two specific questions: (1) is the dog a service animal required because of a disability? and (2) what work or task has the dog been trained to perform? Staff are not allowed to request any documentation for the dog, require that the dog demonstrate its task, or inquire about the nature of the person's disability.
Basically, if confronted, all the "handler" has to say is any animal accompanying them into almost any (very very few exceptions) premises is a "service animal" rather than an ESA and cannot be excluded unless it is disruptive. So all one has to is say "I have seizures and this is my alert animal"... and there's nothing anyone can say or do.
In some cases, or perhaps a lot of cases, it would be impossible or simply inappropriate to ask that the dog demonstrate their task. The first thing that popped in my mind was a service dog for people who have seizures. People who have service dogs to help them with PTSD symptoms (yes, that fits into the service dog category assuming the dog is trained to do a task, as opposed to just sit there and be, well, a dog) would be another one. It also means you're effectively acting people to act out their disability which is, at best, in pretty poor taste.
I guess I would also question why you think that you need to know why someone has a service animal. What business of it is yours? Sure I think that the ability for people to pass their animals off as service animals is lax, but until there's an equitable system set up by the government to have dogs certified this is where we're at in the US.
I think more businesses (and people, and lawyers) need to be made aware of the clause that states that if a service dog is being disruptive or threatening, basically generally not behaving as a "service dog" should, they can be removed from the establishment without repercussions.12 -
I'm not sure if someone mentioned this before but what is the protocol when the animal relieves itself inside a crowded gym? Merely picking up or wiping up? I would want to know what areas to avoid when I show up for my workout. Someone mentioned they had been bitten by a "service animal". Some animals can become very protective and territorial in a strange place with a lot strange people and loud noises. Many people a terrified by just the sight of a dog. My tween grandson screams and runs like a 3 year old when my buddy shows up with his dachshund puppy.
Anyone allergic? Surely there are some guidelines/ bylaws that address these issues.
A true "service dog" doesn't bite, even in self defense. They also don't become territorial or protective in a strange place. It takes a couple of years of intensive training to really, truly be a legitimate service dog.
And, from the perspective of someone who has a legitimate service dog, herein lies the problem. People claim any dog as a service dog just to get around establishments not allowing dogs, and it gives businesses and the public a totally inaccurate, although understandable, perception of service dogs and it really hurts those of us who have legitimate service dogs.
As terrified as some people are of dogs, I find it hard to believe that they would be afraid of my Golden Retriever walking calmly directly next to me on a 12 inch long stiff harness, not even looking at them because he is working. Chances are he's carrying something in his mouth, usually a shopping basket, which pretty much further shows his lack of interest in anything but his job.
The biggest problem I have is not people afraid of dogs, it's people who insist on petting him even though he has a large "do not pet" badge.
BTW, there's no reason for a service dog to relieve himself inside a crowded gym or for that matter, usually never while working. Dogs can go many, many hours without relieving themselves (ask anyone who works and has dogs!). Mine won't go when his harness is on, even on command. Once again it comes down to truly trained service dogs vs fake ones.18 -
i actually went to a gym that allowed you to bring your dog but they had to be well behaved and stay with you at all times. I don't see having an unleashed dog as being appropriate.
(sorry this may offend people but I have a history with large dogs but I am going to say it...)At the least the dog should be restrained using an e-collar with corrections for leaving her (the owner's) side and interfering with others.
AND...as most dog owners would do the dog should have a small collapsible travel bowl, which would making drinking easier for the dog and more appropriate for a public place. Imagine if you were handicapped and using that water fountain. Finally, almost everyone brings their own water bottle to the gym, share that with the dog.
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Electric dog collars are an obscenity and are banned in many countries.7
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ecollars can be very humane and used a tool. i prefer to use other methods but i've seen amazing success with dogs trained with them. i've been buzzed by them. mostly they tingle a bit. the owners and dogs both need proper training with an ecollar. i've seen other dogs been euthanized because the dog wasn't doing well with other forms training and the owners wouldn't use an ecollar.
i would rather make my dog tingle than put it downWickedcheezit wrote: »i actually went to a gym that allowed you to bring your dog but they had to be well behaved and stay with you at all times. I don't see having an unleashed dog as being appropriate.
(sorry this may offend people but I have a history with large dogs but I am going to say it...)At the least the dog should be restrained using an e-collar with corrections for leaving her (the owner's) side and interfering with others.
AND...as most dog owners would do the dog should have a small collapsible travel bowl, which would making drinking easier for the dog and more appropriate for a public place. Imagine if you were handicapped and using that water fountain. Finally, almost everyone brings their own water bottle to the gym, share that with the dog.
i am a dog owner. unless that dog is bomb proof-or a truly trained service dog, i completely agree the dog should be on a leash. too many new stimulus12 -
hotel4dogs wrote: »Wow! Upon further reading...This is really an interesting topic. In situations where it is not obvious that the dog is a service animal, staff may ask only two specific questions: (1) is the dog a service animal required because of a disability? and (2) what work or task has the dog been trained to perform? Staff are not allowed to request any documentation for the dog, require that the dog demonstrate its task, or inquire about the nature of the person's disability.
Basically, if confronted, all the "handler" has to say is any animal accompanying them into almost any (very very few exceptions) premises is a "service animal" rather than an ESA and cannot be excluded unless it is disruptive. So all one has to is say "I have seizures and this is my alert animal"... and there's nothing anyone can say or do.
In some cases, or perhaps a lot of cases, it would be impossible or simply inappropriate to ask that the dog demonstrate their task. The first thing that popped in my mind was a service dog for people who have seizures. People who have service dogs to help them with PTSD symptoms (yes, that fits into the service dog category assuming the dog is trained to do a task, as opposed to just sit there and be, well, a dog) would be another one. It also means you're effectively acting people to act out their disability which is, at best, in pretty poor taste.
I guess I would also question why you think that you need to know why someone has a service animal. What business of it is yours? Sure I think that the ability for people to pass their animals off as service animals is lax, but until there's an equitable system set up by the government to have dogs certified this is where we're at in the US.
I think more businesses (and people, and lawyers) need to be made aware of the clause that states that if a service dog is being disruptive or threatening, basically generally not behaving as a "service dog" should, they can be removed from the establishment without repercussions.
I agree. In fact I touched on that yesterday when I wrote, "if someone was bitten or otherwise attacked by a service animal, then said person could press charges and if the dog was in a facility, the management would have the right to make the animal and their human leave." That, however, doesn't have anything to do with trying to figure out why someone has a service animal.1 -
Wow! Upon further reading...This is really an interesting topic. In situations where it is not obvious that the dog is a service animal, staff may ask only two specific questions: (1) is the dog a service animal required because of a disability? and (2) what work or task has the dog been trained to perform? Staff are not allowed to request any documentation for the dog, require that the dog demonstrate its task, or inquire about the nature of the person's disability.
Basically, if confronted, all the "handler" has to say is any animal accompanying them into almost any (very very few exceptions) premises is a "service animal" rather than an ESA and cannot be excluded unless it is disruptive. So all one has to is say "I have seizures and this is my alert animal"... and there's nothing anyone can say or do.
My understanding is that one would only have to say the animal alerts one to a developing medical incident. One doesn't have to say that one has seizures, and people aren't allowed to ask someone with a service animal what their medical issue is.2 -
Oh wow the dog actually went up to people and started sniffing them? Why didn’t the owner do anything? Bet the owner was one of those owners who assume everyone’s a dog lover and gets dumb founded when you don’t reach to pet it.
I don’t even blame the dog. But if I suddenly felt something below me or touching me unexpectedly my instant reaction would be to kick it.
There’s some dog that are so chill though, I’ve seen service dogs just lay there beside their owners. If it was that type of dog I wouldn’t even mind it in the gym at all. But it’s a dog... they get curious. Just tame your dogs peeps.8 -
hotel4dogs wrote: »I'm not sure if someone mentioned this before but what is the protocol when the animal relieves itself inside a crowded gym? Merely picking up or wiping up? I would want to know what areas to avoid when I show up for my workout. Someone mentioned they had been bitten by a "service animal". Some animals can become very protective and territorial in a strange place with a lot strange people and loud noises. Many people a terrified by just the sight of a dog. My tween grandson screams and runs like a 3 year old when my buddy shows up with his dachshund puppy.
Anyone allergic? Surely there are some guidelines/ bylaws that address these issues.
A true "service dog" doesn't bite, even in self defense. They also don't become territorial or protective in a strange place. It takes a couple of years of intensive training to really, truly be a legitimate service dog.
And, from the perspective of someone who has a legitimate service dog, herein lies the problem. People claim any dog as a service dog just to get around establishments not allowing dogs, and it gives businesses and the public a totally inaccurate, although understandable, perception of service dogs and it really hurts those of us who have legitimate service dogs.
As terrified as some people are of dogs, I find it hard to believe that they would be afraid of my Golden Retriever walking calmly directly next to me on a 12 inch long stiff harness, not even looking at them because he is working. Chances are he's carrying something in his mouth, usually a shopping basket, which pretty much further shows his lack of interest in anything but his job.
The biggest problem I have is not people afraid of dogs, it's people who insist on petting him even though he has a large "do not pet" badge.
BTW, there's no reason for a service dog to relieve himself inside a crowded gym or for that matter, usually never while working. Dogs can go many, many hours without relieving themselves (ask anyone who works and has dogs!). Mine won't go when his harness is on, even on command. Once again it comes down to truly trained service dogs vs fake ones.
I mean, it’s an animal still at the end of the day, they may just attack no matter how trained they are. You just never know.9 -
At least she didn't bring a miniature horse...which currently have an ADA status as follows:In addition to the provisions about service dogs, the Department’s revised ADA regulations have a new, separate provision about miniature horses that have been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities. (Miniature horses generally range in height from 24 inches to 34 inches measured to the shoulders and generally weigh between 70 and 100 pounds.) Entities covered by the ADA must modify their policies to permit miniature horses where reasonable. The regulations set out four assessment factors to assist entities in determining whether miniature horses can be accommodated in their facility. The assessment factors are (1) whether the miniature horse is housebroken; (2) whether the miniature horse is under the owner’s control; (3) whether the facility can accommodate the miniature horse’s type, size, and weight; and (4) whether the miniature horse’s presence will not compromise legitimate safety requirements necessary for safe operation of the facility.4
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Why would a miniature horse serving as a service animal be a bad thing?the_happy_buddha wrote: »At least she didn't bring a miniature horse...which currently have an ADA status as follows:In addition to the provisions about service dogs, the Department’s revised ADA regulations have a new, separate provision about miniature horses that have been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities. (Miniature horses generally range in height from 24 inches to 34 inches measured to the shoulders and generally weigh between 70 and 100 pounds.) Entities covered by the ADA must modify their policies to permit miniature horses where reasonable. The regulations set out four assessment factors to assist entities in determining whether miniature horses can be accommodated in their facility. The assessment factors are (1) whether the miniature horse is housebroken; (2) whether the miniature horse is under the owner’s control; (3) whether the facility can accommodate the miniature horse’s type, size, and weight; and (4) whether the miniature horse’s presence will not compromise legitimate safety requirements necessary for safe operation of the facility.4 -
Soft4
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hotel4dogs wrote: »I'm not sure if someone mentioned this before but what is the protocol when the animal relieves itself inside a crowded gym? Merely picking up or wiping up? I would want to know what areas to avoid when I show up for my workout. Someone mentioned they had been bitten by a "service animal". Some animals can become very protective and territorial in a strange place with a lot strange people and loud noises. Many people a terrified by just the sight of a dog. My tween grandson screams and runs like a 3 year old when my buddy shows up with his dachshund puppy.
Anyone allergic? Surely there are some guidelines/ bylaws that address these issues.
A true "service dog" doesn't bite, even in self defense. They also don't become territorial or protective in a strange place. It takes a couple of years of intensive training to really, truly be a legitimate service dog.
And, from the perspective of someone who has a legitimate service dog, herein lies the problem. People claim any dog as a service dog just to get around establishments not allowing dogs, and it gives businesses and the public a totally inaccurate, although understandable, perception of service dogs and it really hurts those of us who have legitimate service dogs.
As terrified as some people are of dogs, I find it hard to believe that they would be afraid of my Golden Retriever walking calmly directly next to me on a 12 inch long stiff harness, not even looking at them because he is working. Chances are he's carrying something in his mouth, usually a shopping basket, which pretty much further shows his lack of interest in anything but his job.
The biggest problem I have is not people afraid of dogs, it's people who insist on petting him even though he has a large "do not pet" badge.
BTW, there's no reason for a service dog to relieve himself inside a crowded gym or for that matter, usually never while working. Dogs can go many, many hours without relieving themselves (ask anyone who works and has dogs!). Mine won't go when his harness is on, even on command. Once again it comes down to truly trained service dogs vs fake ones.
I mean, it’s an animal still at the end of the day, they may just attack no matter how trained they are. You just never know.
True, but that goes for humans as well. But I'm not sure I've heard of a service animal attack either.
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the_happy_buddha wrote: »At least she didn't bring a miniature horse...which currently have an ADA status as follows:In addition to the provisions about service dogs, the Department’s revised ADA regulations have a new, separate provision about miniature horses that have been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities. (Miniature horses generally range in height from 24 inches to 34 inches measured to the shoulders and generally weigh between 70 and 100 pounds.) Entities covered by the ADA must modify their policies to permit miniature horses where reasonable. The regulations set out four assessment factors to assist entities in determining whether miniature horses can be accommodated in their facility. The assessment factors are (1) whether the miniature horse is housebroken; (2) whether the miniature horse is under the owner’s control; (3) whether the facility can accommodate the miniature horse’s type, size, and weight; and (4) whether the miniature horse’s presence will not compromise legitimate safety requirements necessary for safe operation of the facility.
My understanding is a miniature horse would be far less likely to have the issues mentioned in this incident. Horses already have a naturally lesser interest in people - they're not going to go up to people to sniff them, even without training.4 -
magnusthenerd wrote: »the_happy_buddha wrote: »At least she didn't bring a miniature horse...which currently have an ADA status as follows:In addition to the provisions about service dogs, the Department’s revised ADA regulations have a new, separate provision about miniature horses that have been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities. (Miniature horses generally range in height from 24 inches to 34 inches measured to the shoulders and generally weigh between 70 and 100 pounds.) Entities covered by the ADA must modify their policies to permit miniature horses where reasonable. The regulations set out four assessment factors to assist entities in determining whether miniature horses can be accommodated in their facility. The assessment factors are (1) whether the miniature horse is housebroken; (2) whether the miniature horse is under the owner’s control; (3) whether the facility can accommodate the miniature horse’s type, size, and weight; and (4) whether the miniature horse’s presence will not compromise legitimate safety requirements necessary for safe operation of the facility.
My understanding is a miniature horse would be far less likely to have the issues mentioned in this incident. Horses already have a naturally lesser interest in people - they're not going to go up to people to sniff them, even without training.
Oh I've met horses that absolutely love people like that. Horses tend to be more timid than dogs (being "prey" animals versus "predator" by biology) but horses can absolutely be curious and friendly.0 -
As long as someone doesn't come in with one of those helper monkeys. I am really, really afraid of monkeys and their little monkey faces. Especially the small ones. I think they will jump on my face. Dogs, horses, peacocks, whatever. No. Monkeys.10
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kenyonhaff wrote: »magnusthenerd wrote: »the_happy_buddha wrote: »At least she didn't bring a miniature horse...which currently have an ADA status as follows:In addition to the provisions about service dogs, the Department’s revised ADA regulations have a new, separate provision about miniature horses that have been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities. (Miniature horses generally range in height from 24 inches to 34 inches measured to the shoulders and generally weigh between 70 and 100 pounds.) Entities covered by the ADA must modify their policies to permit miniature horses where reasonable. The regulations set out four assessment factors to assist entities in determining whether miniature horses can be accommodated in their facility. The assessment factors are (1) whether the miniature horse is housebroken; (2) whether the miniature horse is under the owner’s control; (3) whether the facility can accommodate the miniature horse’s type, size, and weight; and (4) whether the miniature horse’s presence will not compromise legitimate safety requirements necessary for safe operation of the facility.
My understanding is a miniature horse would be far less likely to have the issues mentioned in this incident. Horses already have a naturally lesser interest in people - they're not going to go up to people to sniff them, even without training.
Oh I've met horses that absolutely love people like that. Horses tend to be more timid than dogs (being "prey" animals versus "predator" by biology) but horses can absolutely be curious and friendly.
Knew one that you could not wear blue around, or it would try to eat it.5 -
OK. Can't help myself weighing in here both as a user of a local gym AND as a dog behavior counselor and dog sports competitor. I love dogs. My own dogs are my family members and sports partners. Based on what I know of dogs, NO dog should be subjected to a gym environment with the following exception. If there is a special session for handicapped persons who use a dog for certain movements and they are in training for that so that they can do it at home. Sure. IF there is a dog experienced therapist with them.
My dogs are my emotional support animals in a way. As my husband says "lots cheaper than a therapist!" But I do not believe it is fair to a dog to put it in social situations in which the dog can inadvertently be hurt and/or scared. This is true of taking them into most stores (except dog friendly ones such as pet stores where we go to prepare for CGC, parkour (see our photo) etc. But subjecting one's dog to the noise of a gym? Subjecting them to potentially getting tangled in and injured by gym equipment? Collars and tags can snag on things. To do this, to me, is very, very selfish. Just don't go! I'm in my 60's now and I live in Hawaii. I avoided going to the gym for decades as I wanted to be outside with my dogs. Now I love going to the gym (free membership to the Y for seniors through my Kaiser health plan got me inspired!). Never even thought of taking the dogs except I'd like to introduce one of them to a staffer (but outside!) as we talked about him. And I still find time for the doggies.
As a gym goer I really really am against having a dog there and I am someone who seriously loves seeing dogs, any dog, almost anywhere. BUT not the gym. Gyms are for us to concentrate on our health and well being and often is a very solitary pursuit unless we are in a class. If I am at the park doing yoga and a dog came up to sniff me that is different than being at the gym. But I do not want to get distracted by Fido clambering over my elliptical. I sure as H*** do not want one coming up to sniff me when I am doing a floor exercise.
When dogs get nervous their default is to do one of three things - run away, pee or try to protect themselves by biting. The weird poses and stuff that we do at a gym can, from a doggy point of view, look threatening or scary to some dogs. I haven't read all the responses but if the pee/poo has not been talked about it should be! Boy dogs (I know, I have one) can lift their leg anytime they are inspired. On you because you smell like your dog at home, on your gym bag and don't get me started on just how, how annoyed I would be to slip and break my hip implant on a pool of doggy pee. Gyms really need to get together and change the law!
IM0, even though I sympathize with friends who have pets that they take everywhere with them for emotional support, I believe that using a pet in unsuitable circumstances for ones own emotional support is not fair to them or those around the pet.
People need to stop treating their pets as their indentured servants and rely on other humans in social circumstances.
So, no. You are not being a "kitten" though I think that is a cute way of putting it. But when you think of it, kittens can be ferocious predators who scratch and bite when they are annoyed, scared or mad. You are being much much nicer than any kitten I know. And I love kittens too. L0L!9 -
quiksylver296 wrote: »For everyone's reading pleasure, the ADA requirements for service animals... (FYI, support animal =/= service animal)
https://www.ada.gov/service_animals_2010.htm
This case would seem to fall under the animal being out of control and the handler not taking action to control it. It seems to me that according to this document the business can legally ask the handler to control the dog or leave the place of business.5 -
rheddmobile wrote: »quiksylver296 wrote: »For everyone's reading pleasure, the ADA requirements for service animals... (FYI, support animal =/= service animal)
https://www.ada.gov/service_animals_2010.htm
This case would seem to fall under the animal being out of control and the handler not taking action to control it. It seems to me that according to this document the business can legally ask the handler to control the dog or leave the place of business.
Also, wasn't the animal in question identified as an emotional support animal, which wouldn't be covered as a service animal under the ADA anyway?4 -
lynn_glenmont wrote: »rheddmobile wrote: »quiksylver296 wrote: »For everyone's reading pleasure, the ADA requirements for service animals... (FYI, support animal =/= service animal)
https://www.ada.gov/service_animals_2010.htm
This case would seem to fall under the animal being out of control and the handler not taking action to control it. It seems to me that according to this document the business can legally ask the handler to control the dog or leave the place of business.
Also, wasn't the animal in question identified as an emotional support animal, which wouldn't be covered as a service animal under the ADA anyway?
The staff member behind the counter said she was told it was an emotional support animal.0 -
Since this is about emotional support animals, I have a question: a friend of mine has recently had some major issues, and her therapist recommended she get an emotional support animal as she responds well to cats especially. However, her lease for her apartment says no pets. If its something that is "prescribed" by her psychiatrist, does she have any legal ground in being able to have the lease changed? And if she does, is there help she can get to help pay for the extra terms, such as an added pet deposit or pet rent per month?0
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if it had been a service animal , maybe? but an emotional support animal is not covered under ADA. unless she has a really nice landlord i think shes out of luck2
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It seems this is just another case of "rules are fo r others" You can define this dog as anything you want. The gm should have a policy, so that members can choose to quit and demand a refund of dues if policy is violated.1
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bmeadows380 wrote: »Since this is about emotional support animals, I have a question: a friend of mine has recently had some major issues, and her therapist recommended she get an emotional support animal as she responds well to cats especially. However, her lease for her apartment says no pets. If its something that is "prescribed" by her psychiatrist, does she have any legal ground in being able to have the lease changed? And if she does, is there help she can get to help pay for the extra terms, such as an added pet deposit or pet rent per month?
This is a fair housing act issue, not an ADA issue in your friends case. There's more info on that here (question 35 specifically) and here. Ultimately she would likely be able to have an emotional support animal. She would need to contact HUD to see if charging her a pet fee would be legal. If it is she'd need to contact a local organization for help, if one exists.2 -
ESA’s do not have public rights of access like Service Dogs do. She shouldn’t even have it in the gym in the first place let alone off leash and uncontrolled. And definitely not drinking from the fountain which is gross! I have trained Service dogs and therapy dogs. I own one that didn’t pass because he was too easily distracted. The requirements to pass are huge and ESA owners just invalidate all that with their sometimes complete disregard for rules.6
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the_happy_buddha wrote: »At least she didn't bring a miniature horse...which currently have an ADA status as follows:In addition to the provisions about service dogs, the Department’s revised ADA regulations have a new, separate provision about miniature horses that have been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities. (Miniature horses generally range in height from 24 inches to 34 inches measured to the shoulders and generally weigh between 70 and 100 pounds.) Entities covered by the ADA must modify their policies to permit miniature horses where reasonable. The regulations set out four assessment factors to assist entities in determining whether miniature horses can be accommodated in their facility. The assessment factors are (1) whether the miniature horse is housebroken; (2) whether the miniature horse is under the owner’s control; (3) whether the facility can accommodate the miniature horse’s type, size, and weight; and (4) whether the miniature horse’s presence will not compromise legitimate safety requirements necessary for safe operation of the facility.
OMG miniature horse!!! If that was brought anywhere near me i'd be that person who was all "OMG HOW CUUUTEEE" and wanting to pet it even if it had the vest saying "don't pet me" (I wouldn't of course, but the desire would be there) and not minding if it sniffed me mid-deadlift.
But horse-loving and jokes aside, not, not even a miniature horse would be the best idea in a gym unless it was on a halter and next to the person and not drinking from the water fountain or being let loose to sniff people's butts.3 -
Cahgetsfit wrote: »the_happy_buddha wrote: »At least she didn't bring a miniature horse...which currently have an ADA status as follows:In addition to the provisions about service dogs, the Department’s revised ADA regulations have a new, separate provision about miniature horses that have been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities. (Miniature horses generally range in height from 24 inches to 34 inches measured to the shoulders and generally weigh between 70 and 100 pounds.) Entities covered by the ADA must modify their policies to permit miniature horses where reasonable. The regulations set out four assessment factors to assist entities in determining whether miniature horses can be accommodated in their facility. The assessment factors are (1) whether the miniature horse is housebroken; (2) whether the miniature horse is under the owner’s control; (3) whether the facility can accommodate the miniature horse’s type, size, and weight; and (4) whether the miniature horse’s presence will not compromise legitimate safety requirements necessary for safe operation of the facility.
OMG miniature horse!!! If that was brought anywhere near me i'd be that person who was all "OMG HOW CUUUTEEE" and wanting to pet it even if it had the vest saying "don't pet me" (I wouldn't of course, but the desire would be there) and not minding if it sniffed me mid-deadlift.
But horse-loving and jokes aside, not, not even a miniature horse would be the best idea in a gym unless it was on a halter and next to the person and not drinking from the water fountain or being let loose to sniff people's butts.
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