What can a veteran do if denied access to a business because of a service dog?

CDR Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 14 Jan 2016 09:36:47 -0500

If you are a person with a disability who uses a trained service animal in Michigan, the State of Michigan now offers two new tools to help ensure you won't be denied access to businesses, schools and other public accommodations.

http://www.lansingstatejournal.com/story/opinion/columnists/judy-putnam/2016/01/14/judy-putnam---service-dogs-get-michigan-welcome-mat/78737044/

Judy Putnam - Service dogs get Michigan welcome mat

The state Americans with Disabilities Act compliance director said that miniature horses could also be registered as service animals.

Response by SGM David W. Carr LOM, DMSM MP SGT made Jan 14 at 2016 9:49 AM

SGM David W. Carr LOM, DMSM MP SGT — Thu, 14 Jan 2016 09:49:44 -0500

CDR Private RallyPoint Member CPT Private RallyPoint Member TSgt Hunter Logan I think it is a good start to protect veterans that this program is designed to help

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 14 at 2016 9:54 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 14 Jan 2016 09:54:45 -0500

CDR Private RallyPoint Member The American's with disabilities act, the federal service dog law, and the ADA requirements for service animals covers this. The State getting in on the act is a good bonus.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 14 at 2016 10:13 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 14 Jan 2016 10:13:11 -0500

I don't see an article attached, but...
I don't like this. Federal law already specifies that NO specific vest, patch, paperwork are required. This may lead Michigan businesses to expect a patch, when it is not required and create more problems than it solves.

Response by CDR Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 14 at 2016 10:28 AM

CDR Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 14 Jan 2016 10:28:42 -0500

Here's a picture of the patch.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 14 at 2016 10:29 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 14 Jan 2016 10:29:16 -0500

CDR Private RallyPoint Member An issue is:
Are emotional support, therapy, comfort, or companion animals considered service animals under the ADA?
A. No. These terms are used to describe animals that provide comfort just by being with a person. Because they have not been trained to perform a specific job or task, they do not qualify as service animals under the ADA. However, some State or local governments have laws that allow people to take emotional support animals into public places. You may check with your State and local government agencies to find out about these laws.

Response by MSgt C Madd made Jan 14 at 2016 2:18 PM

MSgt C Madd — Thu, 14 Jan 2016 14:18:36 -0500

Great idea. Abuse with this idea is so rampant, people are bringing turkeys and pigs on aircraft. Just because people want to bring animals with them everywhere, does not mean they should be allowed. Some sort of state or national authorization should be involved to keep the kooks from abusing something that is so helpful to service members that are suffering.

Response by SFC Maury Gonzalez made Jan 14 at 2016 7:27 PM

SFC Maury Gonzalez — Thu, 14 Jan 2016 19:27:42 -0500

Unfortunately there are some jerks doing this:
http://www.foxnews.com/travel/2016/01/14/turkey-ruffles-feathers-about-emotional-support-animals-on-flights/

Flying turkey ruffles feathers about 'emotional support' animals on planes

Is the turkey a fowl play?

Response by SSG John Caples made Jan 15 at 2016 10:02 AM

SSG John Caples — Fri, 15 Jan 2016 10:02:50 -0500

First do not go to the extreme's with the people you are dealing with, just walk out with your dog and call your congressman and tell him the story if that doesn't work , I am sure the local TV would loved to get this as news

Response by PV2 Bengie Gonzalz LMHC made Jan 15 at 2016 1:32 PM

PV2 Bengie Gonzalz LMHC — Fri, 15 Jan 2016 13:32:16 -0500

First of all what state are you in? Per ADA they cannot denied access is it is a public business, they can if your dog is acting out, asked you to take the dog outside and you have to comply. However if your dog is not they are braking the ADA. There are some local state issues that may apply in a particular state. Business that have a lock entrance can deny because those are not public. Like some of the American Legion post. BTW they can't ask you what your disabilities are, they can ask if your dog is trained.
I hope this helps.