Are fake service dogs really all that bad? Edit in Red

[paganbaby]

Okay I found out some great news. Turns out it's not as difficult or expensive to Licence her dog as a working dog. She was told before that she had to go to Arizona and take her to professional trainers, and pay alot of money.

So I looked it up and I found out that In California you can you can receive your dog license in the form of the California Assistance Dog tag at no cost. You just need to fill out some paperwork and show proof of your disability. Ex, SSI statment, handicap tags, or in her case, a note from your doctor. And that's it.

My dads cousin has some serious anxiety problems. She can't work, barely leaves the house and it's only gotten worse since having the kids. Medication helps some but not enough. She's basically a hermit.

Now all that changed about a year ago when she got this little dog. She says just holding her and having her near works better than any medication she's ever had. She's not afraid to leave the house anymore. The only problem is, since her dog isn't a real service dog she's really limited where she can go. School, resturants, grocery stores, ect. They've looked into getting the dog certified but they just can't afford it. So she was considering just going online and buying a vest and some patches and passing her off as a service dog.

What do you think?

[JamesMom714]

That's what I would do, get a little vest for the dog to identify it as a service dog... Does anyone actually ask for certification?

[Euphoric]

 I'm a softie and all, but I worry if she gets caught the dog could be taken away, or she could be in serious trouble.

[UpSheRises]

I don't have any problem with it.

[Tanya93]

Your family just has endless ethical issues

[paganbaby]

I don't think so. From what I've read all anyone can ask is, Is your dog a aservice animal and What service do they preform? After that, as long as your dog isn't posing a danger to anyone I think you're good.

Quoting JamesMom714:

That's what I would do, get a little vest for the dog to identify it as a service dog... Does anyone actually ask for certification?

[paganbaby]

I take it you voted no?

Quoting Tanya93:

Your family just has endless ethical issues

[Tanya93]

I didn't vote.

[paganbaby]

See I thought of that too. That's the last thing she needs :-(

Quoting Euphoric:

 I'm a softie and all, but I worry if she gets caught the dog could be taken away, or she could be in serious trouble.

[paganbaby]

Oh. Well I'm on pins and needles! LOL Do tell, what do you think?

Quoting Tanya93:

I didn't vote.

[mysonsmom99]

Actually I heard just recently it's pretty easy to get them certified online somehow. Not sure how though.

But if she already has anxiety and she has a fake service dog it could get worse if someone asks for documentation. I'd just get the dog legally certified.