Service dogs dilemma: ‘Loads of fakes’ detrimental to legitimate helper animals
People have become emboldened to bring their pets along on public outings thanks to legal gray areas and widespread availability of service animal insignia. People are emboldened to bring their pets along on public outings thanks to legal gray areas and widespread availability of service animal insignia. “If you go anywhere on the internet you can buy a vest,” said Severt.
“If you Google ‘service dogs,’ the first thing that comes up is a registry. It’s totally bogus.” Yet pet owners purchase a certificate and claim they “have paperwork” when questioned, she said.