Alarming Emotional Support Animal Scams Getting Out Of Hand
I am beginning to think that some emotional support animals are a scam. Don’t get me wrong, if there’s someone who truly needs an emotional support animal due to PTSD, an emotional disability, etc. then that’s a different story. But, there have been some instances that have left me questioning this topic.
Emotional Support Animals And Their Rights
For years I have been researching, hoping to better understand the role animals play in emotional support for humans. It’s a huge line between a service dog and an emotional support animal. This is very irritating, to say the least. however, there are laws to protect those who choose to have an emotional support animal. According to Pettable.com, “Nevada does not have specific state laws regarding emotional support animals.” This means anyone who claims to need a support animal, has the right to have one and bring it wherever they want.
The Difference Between A Service Dog And An Emotional Support Animal
I was unaware of the difference between a service dog and an emotional support animal. So, I did a little digging. According to the National Network of Information, Guidance and Training on the Americans With Disabilities Act, the distinction between an emotional support animal is that it’s am animal that provides relief to those with psychiatric disabilities. They provide companionship, and these support companions could be any type of animal. However, this is not recognized as a service animal under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Service animals are protected under the ADA, and they’re allowed to be with their person even in places that don’t allow pets since they are trained to perform tasks directly helping their owner to make tasks, etc. easier.
Along with this, the Americans with Disabilities Act, “Service animals are defined as dogs that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities.”
They also must be “under the control of its handler.” Service animals need to be harnessed, tethered or leashed. But, this also has an exception if the individual’s “disability prevents using these devices or these devices interfere with the service animal’s safe, effective performance of tasks.”
Emotional Support Animals Gone Too Far
In recent years, the idea of emotional support animals has become increasingly common and noticeably intrusive. Although we have science to confirm the known benefits, I must ask where is the line on how integrated these animals should be into everyday activities and locations?
According to Pettable.com “You don’t need proof of a full disability, but you need a doctor or professional to agree that you significantly benefit from having the animal around.” Here’s where I feel some people are taking advantage of this.
I’ve had multiple encounters where oversized dogs were standing table-side in restaurants or in airports. I even heard a story from my friend that a large dog decided to “do his business” in the paint aisle at a local Home Depot. (Who’s gonna clean that up?) Keep in mind that I’m a dog owner and a huge animal lover, but I’m struggling to connect and to adjust to seeing rabbits, birds, hedgehogs, and minipigs staring at me while I try to eat my soup.
The Sun, a UK-based publication, reported a woman tried traveling with a peacock, and she even tried to board the aircraft. (You can’t make this up!) That may cause PTSD with other passengers I would think. Additionally, I don’t know that I would be too thrilled to fly cross-country next to the support peacock, or python, in the seat next to me. I truly think this negatively affects people who rely on their animals for true emotional therapy.
Help me if you will.
NSPCA Adopt A Pet: Meet Mayham, The Terrier, Pit Bull
Beasley Media Group‘s Jammin’ 105.7, the independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and NSPCA (Nevada Society for the Protection of Cruelty to Animals) and the leading mattress company want to help animals get adopted to their forever homes.
Animals are lifetime responsibilities that require love, attention and care. We want to shine a light on these precious animals who deserve to be treated with the upmost respect. Animals show us unconditional love and it’s our turn to return the love.
The Nevada SPCA has been saving animal lives in Southern Nevada since 1982. They are Southern Nevada’s original no kill shelter. The organization takes in over 2,000 pets annually. Their goal is to increase the human-animal bond through adoption and we are here to help them with that mission.
NSPCA 2021 Life-Saving Stats:
The NSPCA had a 99.7% success rate based on Asilomar Live Release Formula.
390 pets were fostered
22,865 pet pantry meals were provided
226 dogs were adopted
690 cats were adopted
198 “small pets” were adopted
If you are looking to add a new furry family member to your household you came to the right place. Each month we will feature a new animal in our “NSPCA Adopt A Pet” series looking for their next home. Families will be screened/interviewed for the protection of the family and the animal.
Name: Mayham
Sex: Male
Breed: Terrier, American Pit Bull
Age: 8 Months / 1 Week
Weight: 49 lbs
Color: Brown / White
Attributes:
Experience With Dogs
Loves to play
Loves toys
Athletic dog
Puppy Behaviors
Vocal
Bio: Please ask more about me today!
You can find more information about the adoption process HERE.
Thank you for taking the time. Adopt a pet today! Meet Mayham below:
Toys Are My Fav
Come meet Mayham at Nevada SPCA and play with him. He loves stuffies and other toys.
Treats Treats Treats
Mayham is a big fan of treats. He is a good boy and deserves all the treats in the world.
I Like Other Dogs
Mayham has experience with other dogs. Come by for a meet and greet and see if your dog gets along with Mayham.
Shining Personality (Puppy Behavior)
Mayham loves to play and has a youthful spirit. Come see his shining personality.
Will You Be My Forever Home?
This terrier is an athletic dog. Take Mayham hiking or for a walk around the neighborhood.
