A question please?

[westgebo]

Hello,
My name is Bill and I hope that you might be able to assist me by answering a question? I am involved in security operations at several large music festivals in the US. Our gate teams and site personnel are always respectful of the ADA.
My question is this. All large events have "No Pets" policies in place. We respect and allow entry to any and all service animals. However, now the kids have learned that and they arrive with their dogs or other animals and simply tell our gate personnel that their animals are service animals so we will let them in. For example, we find lots of dogs hidden under blankets or gear in the back of their car and they then say, "Oh, that's my service dog."

With the greatest respect for the ADA, as well as all true service animals, can anyone provide some advice for this difficult situation?

Thank you for any and all information

 

[VamPyroX]

I don't know the exact policy, but I am guessing that they require proof.

Ever see people with those medical bracelets that have an official seal confirming their medical conditions?

What about those who have special identification cards that verify their medical conditions? I don't know if this officially exists, but would sound plausible.

Why don't you call the local ADA office or service dog office... and ask them about how it works. Perhaps, they can give you better insight.

I've always been against service dogs unless they're absolutely needed.

A hearing service dog in a music festival?

A hearing service dog in the mall?

That's like having a handicapped parking space for deaf people. Well, we're deaf... but we can still see. If we refuse to use our other senses like everyone else, then we might as well stay home like hermits.

 

[dogmom]

reputable service dogs of all kinds <mobility dogs, seizure alert dogs, signal alert dogs, guide dogs...> wear bright capes or vests <often with handled harnesses> clearly stating that they are service animal, please don't pet, and with name and other identifying info. of service dog organization that they were trained at - i.e., Paws With a Cause, Canine Companions for Independence, Leader Dogs for Blind, etc. Individual with that dog should also have contact from organization and information on said organization. Dogs hidden away in bags, shirts are likely not service animals because it would be fairly difficult for them to alert and work in that manner. For more information on service dogs, contact Delta Society-

 

[rockin'robin]

I've seen people bringing dogs into restaurants, to Walmart, etc. Not necessary! As for bringing a dog to a music festival is outrageous! I believe now that some restaurants will allow dogs if they have an outside seating, but not inside.
I do feel that some people will try anything to get their way! Making other deafies/blind look bad.
I love my dog, but don't take her into public places. We go to the park or for a walk, visit friends, etc. I also have a spare set of car keys, and leave my car AC or heat on for her while I'm inside doing business. (lock my car up) but have a spare key.

 

[VamPyroX]

I've seen people bringing dogs into restaurants, to Walmart, etc. Not necessary! As for bringing a dog to a music festival is outrageous! I believe now that some restaurants will allow dogs if they have an outside seating, but not inside.
I do feel that some people will try anything to get their way! Making other deafies/blind look bad.
I love my dog, but don't take her into public places. We go to the park or for a walk, visit friends, etc. I also have a spare set of car keys, and leave my car AC or heat on for her while I'm inside doing business. (lock my car up) but have a spare key.

I definitely agree with you.

I've seen a lot of people abuse their privileges of having hearing service dogs. This happened a lot when I was in Rochester.

One woman was very demanding with her dog. She had to have her dog with her everywhere. She would bring the dog in grocery stores with her. Whenever someone mentioned her dog, she would get all defensive and play the "deaf card" talking about her rights and blah blah. Even if there was someone who was allergic to dogs, she would be like... "Too bad! My right beats your allergies!"

One woman was quite demanding with her dog. She would bring her dog to work. She worked in a place where 99% of the people there were deaf. (This was in NTID.) She said she needed the dog so that she knew if someone was getting her attention. :roll:

One woman had a dog that she treated more like her play pet than a hearing service dog. She flooded her MySpace and Facebook photo galleries with pictures of her with her dog as if it was her baby.

 

[VamPyroX]

reputable service dogs of all kinds <mobility dogs, seizure alert dogs, signal alert dogs, guide dogs...> wear bright capes or vests <often with handled harnesses> clearly stating that they are service animal, please don't pet, and with name and other identifying info. of service dog organization that they were trained at - i.e., Paws With a Cause, Canine Companions for Independence, Leader Dogs for Blind, etc. Individual with that dog should also have contact from organization and information on said organization. Dogs hidden away in bags, shirts are likely not service animals because it would be fairly difficult for them to alert and work in that manner. For more information on service dogs, contact Delta Society-

That's a good point.

I'm not familiar with those groups.

 

[westgebo]

More info

First of all, I thank you all for your replies thus far. One event I do each summer has 80,000 people. I have had pet dogs turned over to me that were near death. Their dopey owners sneaked them in and then lost them. These lost dogs suffer dehydration, heat stroke, and terror. I get them air conditioned, rehydrated, calmed down and fairly happy again. Most time the owner comes looking for them AFTER the event ends! I take great pleasure in chewing them out.
The service dogs on site have never once been lost or created the least problem. I must say however that they rarely have credentials of any kind or any type of vests. Our search people at the gates are preventd by ADA to ask any questions after an attendee states that their dog is a service dog.

Our great problem now is finding a means, within the ADA rules, that will allow us to stop the morons who choose to lie and say their dog is a service animal, and will allow us to let the wonderful legitimate people with wonderful legitimate service animals to come in and enjoy!