I need some help guys

Jasmine4lakshmi

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Hi everyone. I hope your new year celebration was fun and those who did drink are all rested up and ready to begin the new year. :)

I need some help. Do any one of you have a dog or cat that is used as part assistance program?

I have a cat, she's been a great help to me. She's my alarm clock, when I can't hear it go off, she wakes me up by getting on me and bumping my face. She has never failed to do this. She also alerts me when the phone rings or if someone is outside at the door, by looking that direction or sitting next to me staring at me, I know she's telling me something. She's a reliable assistant, always near me or within seeing view. She is very good at communicating with me, we have an unspoken bond.

The problem is, I am moving soon to an apartment who doesn't allow animals unless you have a medical reason to have one. I do have a reason to have Star, I can't hear, and she helps me. Where do I get a doctor's request? Who do I talk to? Do I need to register Star?
 
If you could get a note, there's absolutely nothing your landlord can say, if he does, then he can be tried for being guilty in breaking federal housing laws.

You can try asking any medical doctor to get the note for you - I think this is how they do it. You just ask the doc, say if he can write you up a note indicating the cat is a special pet and used for health purposes. That is simple enough. I've been told that most doctors don't even care and are willing to comply with such notes provided that they aren't in a bad mood.

But there's something else too - according to a 1990 american disabilities act, there is no "official" certification for Service/Assistance Dogs (ie: you don't *need* a letter or tags of any sort), nor can anyone discriminate based on disability (ie: it doesn't matter what your disability is - depression, social anxiety, stress, are legally as valid as blindness, being an amputee, etc... and there's legally NO DISTINCTION between physical and mental disabilities, nor has there been for about 18 years now, so no one can say your disability "doesn't require a service dog").

Likewise, since it can be for any disability and there's no specific task/training required, you can technically get a Service Dog for depression even if undiagnosed, and while the dog has to do something to help your condition, it can be as simple as licking your face to make you happy.

in the DoJ (Department of Justice) website, it states:


"Q: What is a service animal?

A: The ADA defines a service animals as *any* guide dog, signal dog, or other animal individually trained to provide assistance to an individual with a disability. If they meet this definition, animals are considered service animals under the ADA regardless of whether they have been licensed or certified by a state or local government"

Commonly Asked Questions About Service Animals in Places of Business

It would just really be going to the doctor as a middleman if the landlord doesn't believe your talk. Then once you have the note, you have power over what he says.
 
I have heard about service dogs. But wouldn't a cat be a whole different ball game.

Tough call. If it was a dog, it would a lot easier. But being a cat, I'm not really sure. How one can go about getting it qualified as a service animal.
 
It would just really be going to the doctor as a middleman if the landlord doesn't believe your talk. Then once you have the note, you have power over what he says.

I think it's not that simple otherwise many pet owners would easily register their pets as service animal for their "emotional support." It depends on each state to register your pet as service animal. You might want to contact your state ADA lawyer or a facility in your state that provides/trains service animal.
 
I think it's not that simple otherwise many pet owners would easily register their pets as service animal for their "emotional support." It depends on each state to register your pet as service animal. You might want to contact your state ADA lawyer or a facility in your state that provides/trains service animal.

going straight to an ADA laywer over a doctor? Are you sure that's not a bit too extreme for a start?

Hmm, according to the DoJ website, it states "any animal" after the word service dog. I think it just assumed service dogs were more common, but noted and added that there are other animals as well.
 
going straight to an ADA laywer over a doctor? Are you sure that's not a bit too extreme for a start?

Hmm, according to the DoJ website, it states "any animal" after the word service dog. I think it just assumed service dogs were more common, but noted and added that there are other animals as well.

doctor wouldn't know anything about this. He'll think his doctor note is good enough but unfortunately - this pet is not officially recognized as service animal by law so the landlord has legal rights to refuse the animal. The state is the one who will license your pet as service animal so you need to learn about its laws in order to certify your pet. This superseded doctor's note. ADA has a hotline number so it's good idea to get info from it.

Here's what I found from random search about service animal -

At our airport, we have a "no loose pets" policy inside the terminal. Pets must be in a carrier. As security supervisor at our airport, we occasionally see people with what they claim to be "service dogs" so we are tasked with verifying the service dog documentation. Service dogs only have to be on leash, not in carriers.

Just this past week, we observed a lady walking through the terminal with a "weenie" dog (since I can't spell "daschund") on a leash. Now maybe I need to get out more, but I have never seen a "weenie" dog as a service dog. One of my newer deputies approached her and asked about the dog. She told him that it was a service dog, but refused to provide any proof.

I was watching the exchange on the surveillance monitors, and it was obvious that my deputy was not having much success. He came up to the monitor room, and told me what took place.

I told him to come with me and we would go talk to her again.

When I approached the woman, and asked for the status of the dog, and if she had documentation to verify that it was a service dog, the first thing out of her mouth was, "I'm going to sue for harrassment."

Oh yeah, lady, go ahead and trip my trigger.

I informed her that no one is harrassing her, we were doing what we are required to do and the deputy was doing his job, and that since she failed to cooperate with him, that was interfering in a police investigation, and then threatened me with a lawsuit, I considered that to be intimidation of a public official, she had the choice of providing me with the paperwork I was requesting or spend the night in my jail.

She then decided that providing the documentation was the smarter course of action.

The "weenie", BTW, was a certified service dog, in her case for hearing impaired people.

I thanked her for her "cooperation", and bid her a great day.

Sure would have been a lot simpler if she had simply cooperated.

Sometimes you have to slap 'em just to get their attention. Some children's people.
 
Don't want to get into anymore debates, sorry.

I went by the facts of what she posted and what's out there:
Jasmine stated her pet was from a part assistance program, she has no credentials with the cat being registered. But according to the US Department of Justice (and this is off the ADA site), her pet is not considered a pet. A note from a doc may be enough for her landlord to approve, but if he doesn't then she can escalate this to the lawyer like you stated.. but somehow I think going directly to the lawyer over a doctor is more of an extreme form of communicating - I would rather go to an established area with proper credentials to support what they state than going straight to a lawyer.. that's like asking to sue someone or take them to court, just like the passage you posted.

Same link again:

2. Q: What is a service animal?

A: The ADA defines a service animal as any guide dog, signal dog, or other animal individually trained to provide assistance to an individual with a disability. If they meet this definition, animals are considered service animals under the ADA regardless of whether they have been licensed or certified by a state or local government.

Service animals perform some of the functions and tasks that the individual with a disability cannot perform for him or herself. Guide dogs are one type of service animal, used by some individuals who are blind. This is the type of service animal with which most people are familiar. But there are service animals that assist persons with other kinds of disabilities in their day-to-day activities. Some examples include:

_ Alerting persons with hearing impairments to sounds.

_ Pulling wheelchairs or carrying and picking up things for persons with mobility impairments.

_ Assisting persons with mobility impairments with balance.

A service animal is not a pet.


5. Q: I have always had a clearly posted "no pets" policy at my establishment. Do I still have to allow service animals in?

A: Yes. A service animal is not a pet. The ADA requires you to modify your "no pets" policy to allow the use of a service animal by a person with a disability. This does not mean you must abandon your "no pets" policy altogether but simply that you must make an exception to your general rule for service animals.
 
Don't want to get into anymore debates, sorry.

I went by the facts of what she posted and what's out there:
Jasmine stated her pet was from a part assistance program, she has no credentials with the cat being registered. But according to the US Department of Justice (and this is off the ADA site), her pet is not considered a pet. A note from a doc may be enough for her landlord to approve, but if he doesn't then she can escalate this to the lawyer like you stated.. but somehow I think going directly to the lawyer over a doctor is more of a extreme form of communicating - I would rather go to an established area with proper credentials to support what they state than going straight to a lawyer.. that's like asking to sue someone or take them to court.

Don't worry naisho. I wasn't debating with you at all. Yes you can go to either doctor or ADA lawyer. Both of our stories are correct. I find it odd that since her cat is from part assistance program.... her cat wasn't given any certification/documentation for that. :dunno:

I'm hoping the landlord would not be hard-ass about it and would accept doctor's note. If not.... yes Jasmine will have to step it up by getting her pet certified as service animal. I wasn't saying that Jasmine should hire ADA lawyer. She can just call toll-free ADA hotline just to get information in getting her pet certified as service animal. No need to hire one. btw - she can't hire ADA lawyer to sue landlord because her pet is not a certified service animal.

ADA Information Line
800 - 514 - 0301 (voice)
800 - 514 - 0383 (TTY)

The U.S. Department of Justice provides information about the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) through a toll-free ADA Information Line. This service permits businesses, State and local governments, or others to call and ask questions about general or specific ADA requirements including questions about the ADA Standards for Accessible Design.

ADA specialists are available Monday through Friday from 9:30 AM until 5:30 PM (eastern time) except on Thursday when the hours are 12:30 PM until 5:30 PM.

Spanish language service is also available.

For general ADA information, answers to specific technical questions, free ADA materials, or information about filing a complaint, call:
 
2. Q: What is a service animal?

A: The ADA defines a service animal as any guide dog, signal dog, or other animal individually trained to provide assistance to an individual with a disability. If they meet this definition, animals are considered service animals under the ADA regardless of whether they have been licensed or certified by a state or local government.

Service animals perform some of the functions and tasks that the individual with a disability cannot perform for him or herself. Guide dogs are one type of service animal, used by some individuals who are blind. This is the type of service animal with which most people are familiar. But there are service animals that assist persons with other kinds of disabilities in their day-to-day activities. Some examples include:

_ Alerting persons with hearing impairments to sounds.

_ Pulling wheelchairs or carrying and picking up things for persons with mobility impairments.

_ Assisting persons with mobility impairments with balance.

I'm no expert on these issues since I've never had a "service animal", just pets, but it would seem to me that the above statement is more than sufficient enough to show to the landlord. Especially if the service animal does *not* have to be certified. It appears to me that Jasmine has just cause to bring her cat with her when she moves in.
 
I'm no expert on these issues since I've never had a "service animal", just pets, but it would seem to me that the above statement is more than sufficient enough to show to the landlord. Especially if the service animal does *not* have to be certified. It appears to me that Jasmine has just cause to bring her cat with her when she moves in.

But the problem is. Will the landlord agree?


Jasmine has a hell of a cat. Which I think it is wonderful. My cat just lays around and leave me unexpected presents at my front door.
 
I hate to start a fight here, but everything Naisho said is correct.
 
But the problem is. Will the landlord agree?


Jasmine has a hell of a cat. Which I think it is wonderful. My cat just lays around and leave me unexpected presents at my front door.

LOL I agree :) My 2 of my 3 cats are big bums and the other is active, but is NOT in the least bit helpful :)

I hate to start a fight here, but everything Naisho said is correct.

Couldn't agree more. As I said in my above post. Showing ADA documentation should be sufficient for the landlord. (Of course if the landlord wants to be an a**, he might well be, but without legal cause.)
 
Couldn't agree more. As I said in my above post. Showing ADA documentation should be sufficient for the landlord. (Of course if the landlord wants to be an a**, he might well be, but without legal cause.)

Exactly. That's why I suggested calling ADA hotline to get some information on obtaining service animal certification... not to sue. We all know landlords can be such a HARD-ASS. He can legally refuse to allow the animal and the doctor's note is not a legal exemption.
 
Jasmine, at any rate, let us know how this turns out. I'd be interested to know what legal avenues you have to pursue (if any) to get this resolved. Best wishes!
 
Funny how we usually assume it's a "he" landlord, if they don't comply with accepting to have a service animal. Stereotyping at it's best, but it does fit the picture perfectly.
Maybe women are more lenient towards pets in general?

At any rate, gotta chime along with AlleyCat as well - I'm interested in how this pans out Jasmine, should I be moving into a new apartment complex in the future I'll know the right course of action. Let us know your results.
 
Funny how we usually assume it's a "he" landlord, if they don't comply with accepting to have a service animal. Stereotyping at it's best, but it does fit the picture perfectly.
Maybe women are more lenient towards pets in general?

At any rate, gotta chime along with AlleyCat as well - I'm interested in how this pans out Jasmine, should I be moving into a new apartment complex in the future I'll know the right course of action. Let us know your results.

To me it was a question of acceptance. How aware the landlord may be. Not stereotyping
Most landlords require a pet deposit. Would that fall under the ADA law?

Would a Person with a service animal have to pay a deposit?
Or lose a security deposit when they leave due to the service animal?
 
Funny how we usually assume it's a "he" landlord, if they don't comply with accepting to have a service animal. Stereotyping at it's best, but it does fit the picture perfectly.
Maybe women are more lenient towards pets in general?

At any rate, gotta chime along with AlleyCat as well - I'm interested in how this pans out Jasmine, should I be moving into a new apartment complex in the future I'll know the right course of action. Let us know your results.

:laugh2: lol true about "he" thing but it's for the sake of simplicity because it gets cumbersome to type "he/she" or "person". It doesn't really matter if it's a he or she. I've had both types and they were pretty hard-ass about the pet policy. that's why it's called a policy. There's no if or but. Rule's a rule.

beside I don't think you'll want to live at the place where landlord hates pet unless it's a multi-floor apartment. Think about what evil things he/she will do when you're not home. :cold:
 
To me it was a question of acceptance. How aware the landlord may be. Not stereotyping
Most landlords require a pet deposit. Would that fall under the ADA law?

Would a Person with a service animal have to pay a deposit?
Or lose a security deposit when they leave due to the service animal?

I've laughed at this landlord about pet deposit because it's so ridiculously high. He demanded a $1000 pet deposit and I asked if he takes a fuck-you check (no really). He was sleezy.... thinking that he'll get lucky rich with a pet owner forced to pay for it cuz of location or whatever.
 
beside I don't think you'll want to live at the place where landlord hates pet unless it's a multi-floor apartment. Think about what evil things he/she will do when you're not home. :cold:


That is actually a very good point to be made. Of course we all know, legally, landlords can't do anything to your apt. or your pets. But you'll always wonder when you're out, if your pets are safe. I live in a house with 2 other roommates and I wonder every night when I go out if they're "safe" at home. (One of my roommates is VERY weird which gives me cause for concern.) It's sad to say .. So that is something to consider -- if Jasmine feels the apartment she wants to move into would become a hostile environment after "duking it out" with the landlord over the cat, maybe she would be better off in another cat- or pet-friendly place. Not that I want to discourage Jasmine, of course, but ... peace of mind goes a long ways.
 
I have heard about service dogs. But wouldn't a cat be a whole different ball game.

Tough call. If it was a dog, it would a lot easier. But being a cat, I'm not really sure. How one can go about getting it qualified as a service animal.


Friend of mine had a service monkey, a Capuchin. It not only went to the store with her it got canned goods down from the shelves.

I am under the impression she and her family trained it themselves.
 
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