As the prevalence of service dogs rises, so does the issue of fake service dogs. Many people may purchase vests, licenses, and certifications for their dogs to pass them off as legitimate service dogs. Unfortunately, these individuals do not understand the difference between real and fake service dogs. This is a problem because it’s difficult to spot a real service dog from a fake one.

Caitlin Bird, a service dog trainer, speaks about the differences between working dogs. Emotional support dogs require no training and have limited legal rights. Therapy dogs are trained to visit hospitals, rehab centers, and schools. Service dogs are specially trained to perform specific tasks for a person’s disability. However, many people mistakenly try to pass off their dogs as service dogs when they are not.

The rise of fake service dogs has prompted organizations to educate the public about what service dogs do and what distinguishes them from emotional support dogs and therapy dogs. Service dogs undergo rigorous training that can take up to two years. They are trained to perform specific tasks for a person’s disability, which sets them apart from emotional support dogs and therapy dogs.

It’s essential to note that purchasing service dog vests and certifications, when you do not have a disability, is illegal. It’s wrong because it undermines the work that legitimate service dogs do. A poorly trained dog posing as a service dog can be dangerous and could cause harm to those who rely on service dogs.

Therefore, it’s crucial to understand the difference between a service dog, an emotional support dog, and a therapy dog. This knowledge will help prevent the exploitation of service dog laws and ensure that legitimate service dogs receive the respect they deserve. While it may be tempting to pass off a dog as a service dog, it’s essential to remember that service dogs undergo intense training to perform specific tasks for their owners. As a result, buying a vest and certification to pass your dog off as a task trained animals is not only illegal but also highly disrespectful to the service dogs who help people with disabilities every day.