"To get around restrictions on planes, trains, and in stores, some owners are buying certificates and ID tags from websites that claim to let you 'take your working dog anywhere without the hassle.' For about $70 and with a few clicks, I was able to register my 22-pound cavapoo, Charlie, who has more anxiety than I do, as a service dog."
"Other sites charge some $300 for a full suite of ID cards, service dog wear, and letters certifying the dog is needed for emotional support. To sign up, I didn't have to specify what disability Charlie would aid or provide any documentation that he had been trained. It was an instant solution to the pesky 'no dogs allowed' signs on storefronts."
"The number of households that own dogs has jumped from 35 million in 1991 to 60 million in 2024, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association. The unleashing of a pro-dog culture over the past decade has spiraled out of control. It seems dogs are everywhere."
Dog ownership has surged from 35 million households in 1991 to 60 million in 2024, creating a culture where dogs appear everywhere. To bypass restrictions on planes, trains, and in stores, owners purchase fake service dog certificates and ID tags from websites requiring no verification of training or disability. For approximately $70, owners can register any dog as a service dog; additional fees provide vests, collars, and certification letters. These fraudulent documents are meaningless according to experts, as no licensing process exists for service dogs. The proliferation of fake certifications undermines legitimate service dog access and creates public confusion about actual working dogs.
#fake-service-dog-certifications #pet-industry-fraud #service-dog-regulations #dog-ownership-trends #public-access-abuse
Read at Business Insider
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