How to make Fifi legal....

This was just posted on FB (again I might add) by a "friend" who is an animal nut. We had a dog that was family, I am not an animal hater - just do not want Fifi in my house. Thank you, "friend", for helping to destroy what I have tried so hard to create - a nice, allergy-free atmosphere as best I can with no pets, no scents - by telling everyone how they can take Fifi wherever they want and I cannot stop them. It is a self register no proof of training or anything else of course.
And yes, I did relent one November when no one else would be booking, only to find Fifi had peed on all the rugs.
Fifi registry

I think it's shameful that people and organizations like this exploit a law that was designed to help people with legitimate needs for service dogs, and make it difficult for them.
More and more of these "shyster" pet owners exploit the law's vagaries to take their pets into places they don't belong. And then those with legitimate service animals have to fight for their rights after abusers' dogs misbehave, make messes and general disparage true service dogs.
I haven't unloaded on one of these people in person yet, but I'm looking forward to the opportunity.
When you see this on fb, rip them a new one in the comments section. Nip it in the bud.

I did.

I have only one room for dogs, Cottage and if its occupied they have to go elsewhere. Have had this happen.....

Mary, if it's a legitimate guide dog, you have to put them in another room. You don't have a choice.

Mary at Bridgewater Inn and Cottage said:

I have only one room for dogs, Cottage and if its occupied they have to go elsewhere. Have had this happen......

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But, by law, you can't restrict a service dog. That is the issue.

Mary at Bridgewater Inn and Cottage said:

I have only one room for dogs, Cottage and if its occupied they have to go elsewhere. Have had this happen......

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Don't know if its the same in the USA but in the UK you can be sued for refusing a service animal unless you can prove a medical reason of your own for refusing ie its in your house and you have severe ashma or similar - otherwise you have no choice.

TheBeachHouse said:

Mary at Bridgewater Inn and Cottage said:

I have only one room for dogs, Cottage and if its occupied they have to go elsewhere. Have had this happen......

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But, by law, you can't restrict a service dog. That is the issue.
.

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At least here I can actually demand to see the paperwork or the dog's collar. There are three recognized collars in this country and you can brought up on charges for faking a collar or paperwork. We only have to accept the paperwork from those three recognized authorities.

So how do we get out of having to accept them? The only thing I can think to do is tell them that the one room I have that is available for service dogs is already occupied? Would that get me out of any legal recourse they could take?

BananaE29 said:

So how do we get out of having to accept them? The only thing I can think to do is tell them that the one room I have that is available for service dogs is already occupied? Would that get me out of any legal recourse they could take?.

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My understanding is that you can't discriminate because of a service dog. He's not a pet. He has access to restaurants, lodging, entertainment venues.

BananaE29 said:

So how do we get out of having to accept them? The only thing I can think to do is tell them that the one room I have that is available for service dogs is already occupied? Would that get me out of any legal recourse they could take?.

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You don't. It is the law. If they truly are a service dog, you must take them. No getting out of it

BananaE29 said:

So how do we get out of having to accept them? The only thing I can think to do is tell them that the one room I have that is available for service dogs is already occupied? Would that get me out of any legal recourse they could take?.

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They are smart, well trained dogs.
The issue is not service dogs, the issue is that people lie. The fake having a service dog so they can bring their precious snowflake everywhere they go.
I once had a guest claim to have a 'service cat.' I let them in. Looked it up and sure enough, I was right, there is no such thing as a service cat. Emotional support animals do not have the same rights as service animals.
Had another guy say he had a service dog but he left the dog in the car when he checked in. Pretty sure service dogs go with you everywhere. Oh well, they left the next day and the dog made no trouble.
But I still get very annoyed that people lie about such things.

https://www.ada.gov/regs2010/service_animal_qa.html Don't guess there is one answer that fits all, but this may be helpful.

TheBeachHouse said:

BananaE29 said:

So how do we get out of having to accept them? The only thing I can think to do is tell them that the one room I have that is available for service dogs is already occupied? Would that get me out of any legal recourse they could take?.

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They are smart, well trained dogs.
The issue is not service dogs, the issue is that people lie. The fake having a service dog so they can bring their precious snowflake everywhere they go.
I once had a guest claim to have a 'service cat.' I let them in. Looked it up and sure enough, I was right, there is no such thing as a service cat. Emotional support animals do not have the same rights as service animals.
Had another guy say he had a service dog but he left the dog in the car when he checked in. Pretty sure service dogs go with you everywhere. Oh well, they left the next day and the dog made no trouble.
But I still get very annoyed that people lie about such things.
.

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TheBeachHouse said:

They are smart, well trained dogs.
The issue is not service dogs, the issue is that people lie. The fake having a service dog so they can bring their precious snowflake everywhere they go.
I once had a guest claim to have a 'service cat.' I let them in. Looked it up and sure enough, I was right, there is no such thing as a service cat. Emotional support animals do not have the same rights as service animals.
Had another guy say he had a service dog but he left the dog in the car when he checked in. Pretty sure service dogs go with you everywhere. Oh well, they left the next day and the dog made no trouble.
But I still get very annoyed that people lie about such things.

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Agreed 100 percent! Trying to make it easier for the real ones had made it fair game for all which makes it harder on the real ones.
Emotional support dogs and therapy dogs are not under the ADA law. You can ask any dog to leave if they aren't behaving, this includes service dogs. You don't have to let them rip your place apart. A real one won't be a problem. I used to train guide dogs, those dogs are walking gold mines. They will be a pleasure to host.

TheBeachHouse said:

BananaE29 said:

So how do we get out of having to accept them? The only thing I can think to do is tell them that the one room I have that is available for service dogs is already occupied? Would that get me out of any legal recourse they could take?.

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My understanding is that you can't discriminate because of a service dog. He's not a pet. He has access to restaurants, lodging, entertainment venues.
.

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In the UK they are classed as equipment - had one the other week was lovely - we are both dog lovers and it was a real cutie - chap was completely blind so was a medical necessity. Felt really bad for him mind as
(1) had booked help when he arrived at one train station to take the dog for a comfort stop but because train was late they didn't have anyone to help him - ie basic human decency
(2) another hotel he stayed in made him go right to a tiny verg on a very busy road for the dog to go, wouldn't send anyone with him or even keep an eye out and he was nearly hit by a car
Didn't take much to help him have a nice stay

BananaE29 said:

So how do we get out of having to accept them? The only thing I can think to do is tell them that the one room I have that is available for service dogs is already occupied? Would that get me out of any legal recourse they could take?.

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BananaE29 said:

So how do we get out of having to accept them? The only thing I can think to do is tell them that the one room I have that is available for service dogs is already occupied? Would that get me out of any legal recourse they could take?

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No, basically if anyone requests they want to stay with you with their service dog you will have to allow them. Also, you can not charge a pet fee with a service dog. Its kinda like telling a transgender person they can't use the bathroom of their choice at Target. You will get thrown into court if you deny them. People are getting pretty smart about this and are starting to figure out they can bring their pets along with them if they want too!

Mary at Bridgewater Inn and Cottage said:

I have only one room for dogs, Cottage and if its occupied they have to go elsewhere. Have had this happen......

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Just be careful. People are all about their rights now day's. If you turn someone away you could end up in a lawsuit.

This is a good poll question, I'll see you over there.

JimBoone said:

https://www.ada.gov/regs2010/service_animal_qa.html Don't guess there is one answer that fits all, but this may be helpful..

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JimBoone said:

https://www.ada.gov/regs2010/service_animal_qa.html Don't guess there is one answer that fits all, but this may be helpful.

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And this is why it is tricky:
"Q3. Are emotional support, therapy, comfort, or companion animals considered service animals under the ADA?
A. No. These terms are used to describe animals that provide comfort just by being with a person. Because they have not been trained to perform a specific job or task, they do not qualify as service animals under the ADA. However, some State or local governments have laws that allow people to take emotional support animals into public places. You may check with your State and local government agencies to find out about these laws.
Q4. If someone's dog calms them when having an anxiety attack, does this qualify it as a service animal?
A. It depends. The ADA makes a distinction between psychiatric service animals and emotional support animals. If the dog has been trained to sense that an anxiety attack is about to happen and take a specific action to help avoid the attack or lessen its impact, that would qualify as a service animal. However, if the dog's mere presence provides comfort, that would not be considered a service animal under the ADA.

There have been lots of discussion on this topic both here and on the FB forum.

Many have stated that B&B's with 5 or less rooms that are owner occupied are not subject to the ADA regs. regarding service animals.
Since that would apply to me, I have attempted to call them to verify this. Each time I was on hold for over 45 minutes before hanging up. During the hold period the recording kept stating that the information shared is just that - it is not legal advice.