If you go that route, you’ll end up in jail for fraud.
-Real- therapy [technically, “support”] dogs need a doctor’s ‘prescription’ and have much more limited access than *service* dogs.
People who scam the legitmate system wreck it for those who actually need a support animal.
Therapy dogs are the certified dogs who go to nursing homes and the like.
Support dogs fill the gap left over by trained and licensed service dogs, such as seeing eye, deafness dogs, wheelchair/mobility assistance dogs, etc.
Good points all.
>> ... doctor’s ‘prescription’ ...
I think you underestimate the willingness of people to scam the system. I volunteer at the airport two days a month and see nearly every dog in there with a “service” or “therapy” patch. We’ve been cowed into silence by the 1990 ADA act that enabled the nazi-like handicapped lobby. A quick eBay or internet search will get you supporting materials that’ll scare the begeezus out of anyone:
http://www.petjoyonline.com/Service-Dog-Patches-IDs-Tags-s/270.htm
>> People who scam the legitmate system wreck it for those who actually need a support animal.
Yup
Indeed.
Linda-The-Dog is my best buddy, my home-security system, my constant companion, my comfort in my lonely widowhood, and my morning exercise pal, but I wouldn’t dream of scamming the system. It is not in my nature.
Also, if i am having a medical procedure, I would prefer her to be somewhere ELSE! She MIGHT think the doctor is HURTING me, and would NOT be amused. LOL!