Service Animals on Celebrity Ship?

[ghstudio]

He is correct, there are service dogs that allert a diabetic of low blood sugar and they can go through the line, but should have been on a leash on the floor and should never be feed at the table or any time while working.

 

I wasn't there, but there's little chance that was actually a trained diabetic service dog. Some pet owners learn a little about the law and just take advantage without even following (or even reading) the agreement they signed with Celebrity.

[NLH Arizona]

I wasn't there, but there's little chance that was actually a trained diabetic service dog. Some pet owners learn a little about the law and just take advantage without even following (or even reading) the agreement they signed with Celebrity.

Yes, unfortunately, all they have to do is say it is a service dog, that is why the ADA is looking to change some rules. Funny thing is, if they get caught lying about their pet being a service dog, in some states there is a hefty fine. I wish cities and states would crack down on the posers, so that true service dogs can do their job, without these dogs giving them a bad rapm because true service dogs are lifesavers for some, in addition to helping someone get through their day...they are true heroes.

Edited May 16, 2014 by NLH Arizona

[keesar]

I did approach one of the pet owners and asked about his dog. He chuckled and said he got a doctor to write him a note saying that he needed a companion dog for his condition. He also mentioned that got him to keep his dog in his condo complex in Florida where dogs that size were not allowed. That was an eye opener!

[insidecabin]

service animal whatever is not the issue

 

dogs are pooping in public area and X needs to address that.

[DancerOT]

This whole discussion makes me sad and frustrated on many levels. I believe I saw that same Shih-tzu on a cruise last year and was super annoyed with the family. However, they couldn't seem to keep their story straight as one time they said it was for one woman and another they said it was for the woman's mom. Yet, half the time the dog was with the man.

 

First off, I am an occupational therapist and firmly believe in access for those that require it. What pisses me off to no end is those taking advantage of those that truly need it. Instances like the ones described in this thread are part of what has led Disney to change all of their accessibility options for people with disabilities. It is a shame and unfair to those that truly need the accessibility.

 

What makes things worse is I have a friend who had her doctor characterize her dog as a service dog for comfort by her doctor. The prescription or whatever it is states that it is for comfort to cause her anxiety. However, if you ask her, it is because she could not afford to pay for her dog to fly. At the time, she was living across the country from her family and would bring her dog home with her when she flew. It was not pleasant watching me tell her what I thought.

 

On the flip side I have another friend who is in the process of raising over $5000 to acquire a service dog which she requires due to her heart condition. Fortunately for her, she was able to put down a deposit to acquire the dog and is slowly paying off the rest. As a college student, trying to find the money has been difficult for her. My heart goes out to her and I truly wish that it wasn't so difficult for those that truly need service animals to acquire them. It has been interesting watching her FB posts as she tries to raise the money and now that she has the dog, she posts when she is going out and where. She then kindly reminds her friends that it is best if they not pet the dog as they are still continuing with its' training.

 

As a medical professional and a friend, I clearly see the importance of service animals which is what makes abuse of the system (even by my own friend), that much more infuriating.

[ptrpanpens]

This whole discussion makes me sad and frustrated on many levels. I believe I saw that same Shih-tzu on a cruise last year and was super annoyed with the family. However, they couldn't seem to keep their story straight as one time they said it was for one woman and another they said it was for the woman's mom. Yet, half the time the dog was with the man.

 

First off, I am an occupational therapist and firmly believe in access for those that require it. What pisses me off to no end is those taking advantage of those that truly need it. Instances like the ones described in this thread are part of what has led Disney to change all of their accessibility options for people with disabilities. It is a shame and unfair to those that truly need the accessibility.

 

What makes things worse is I have a friend who had her doctor characterize her dog as a service dog for comfort by her doctor. The prescription or whatever it is states that it is for comfort to cause her anxiety. However, if you ask her, it is because she could not afford to pay for her dog to fly. At the time, she was living across the country from her family and would bring her dog home with her when she flew. It was not pleasant watching me tell her what I thought.

 

On the flip side I have another friend who is in the process of raising over $5000 to acquire a service dog which she requires due to her heart condition. Fortunately for her, she was able to put down a deposit to acquire the dog and is slowly paying off the rest. As a college student, trying to find the money has been difficult for her. My heart goes out to her and I truly wish that it wasn't so difficult for those that truly need service animals to acquire them. It has been interesting watching her FB posts as she tries to raise the money and now that she has the dog, she posts when she is going out and where. She then kindly reminds her friends that it is best if they not pet the dog as they are still continuing with its' training.

 

As a medical professional and a friend, I clearly see the importance of service animals which is what makes abuse of the system (even by my own friend), that much more infuriating.

 

There was a woman on the reflection TA this month with two so called service dogs. I have never heard of needing two dogs. Maybe one is a service dog for the other one and one is a service dog for the person. Lol:D

[parallax]

It is disgusting how people take advantage of loopholes so their pets can join them on a trip. I have two colleagues from work who have service dogs and seeing them in action is amazing. They are so well trained and it is easy to spot the difference between a service dog and someone who just wants to bring fido along. Their focus on their work is intense.

[blueberry]

Interesting thread. Just wanted to clear up a few misconceptions.

 

The ADA provides public access for service dogs. That can include Psychiatric service dogs. A service dog by definition does a task of some kind. Remind someone to take medicine, stop suicidal behavior etc.

 

The ADA does not address emotional support animals. The Fair housing act and the ACAA ( right to airplane transportation) both address and permit emotional support animals, but apply only to housing and airplanes.

 

Emotional support animals do not need to be trained because they do not perform a task, they are part of a patient's treatment plan usually in ptsd or anxiety or depression situations. In order to have an emotional support animal you need to be disabled, as certified by a mental health professional. A disability means that you can not perform a required function. For people who need an emotional support animal that can mean not being able to get out of bed, or having severe panic attacks that prevent you from leaving the house. The animal also needs to relieve a specific symptom of the illness. landlords and air carriers are allowed to require a signed certificate from an MD certifing a disability and that the dog provides a real part in mitigating the person's symptoms.

 

ESA are real and serve a very real function to those that need them. A legitimate mental health professional should never certify someone's need for an ESA Although there are, unfortunately people in every profession who do not follow the rules. Please do not judge someone because their disability may be very real, just not easy to see. I have a family member who has an ESA and who has been able to control her symptoms much better since getting the dog. As a result she has been able to work steadily, hold down a job and function relatively normally. She had been unable to do so before her dog was part of her life despite therapy and medication for more than 10years.

 

However, that being said there is absolutely no right, and frankly, in my view No real reason to have an ESA ( unlike a service animal) on a cruise. The person has no right under the ADA to take the animal on a bus, into stores or restaurants why should they on a ship? Finally even on a plane or in housing situations an ESA can be ejected if not well behaved.

 

I do not understand why any cruise line allows an ESA on board. To allow one that is not well behaved is beyond the pale.

[ghstudio]

Was on this ship and saw the dog many times. It was not a service dog. It was an eccentric couple that felt they were more entitled than the rest of us.

 

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I537 using Forums mobile app

 

Celebrity is legally constrained as to what they can say or do, but we, as passengers, are not. I hope that everyone confronts these folks who feel special and humiliates them in public. Perhaps they will start to get it....

[C Cruise Dude]

Hi all. We recently returned from the 4 April 2014 sailing of the Equinox. While in line one day at Guest Services, I overheard a man - with his shih tsu - asking if they would be able to take the dog ashore. I never saw the dog again, but people on my roll call saw the dog many times. The owners said that it was a service animal and had saved their life at one time. It did not wear a vest, as I have seen on most service animals in public. And it "relieved" itself in the casino, hallway and Oceanview Cafe. This is not the behavior of a true service animal. And the owners made no attempt to clean it up.

 

Wish I had asked Guest Services, but didn't think about it at the time. Any idea how they got the dog on the ship?

 

Susan

 

I was on that cruise, shared a cab in St. Maarten with the couple and dog. I see the blue vest on most service dogs but when I was on the Norwegian Pearl, there was a woman with a service dog but no vest unless the yellow clothe on the harness served as that.

 

[Clydesmom7865]

Interesting thread. Just wanted to clear up a few misconceptions.

 

The ADA provides public access for service dogs. That can include Psychiatric service dogs. A service dog by definition does a task of some kind. Remind someone to take medicine, stop suicidal behavior etc.

 

The ADA does not address emotional support animals. The Fair housing act and the ACAA ( right to airplane transportation) both address and permit emotional support animals, but apply only to housing and airplanes.

 

Emotional support animals do not need to be trained because they do not perform a task, they are part of a patient's treatment plan usually in ptsd or anxiety or depression situations. In order to have an emotional support animal you need to be disabled, as certified by a mental health professional. A disability means that you can not perform a required function. For people who need an emotional support animal that can mean not being able to get out of bed, or having severe panic attacks that prevent you from leaving the house. The animal also needs to relieve a specific symptom of the illness. landlords and air carriers are allowed to require a signed certificate from an MD certifing a disability and that the dog provides a real part in mitigating the person's symptoms.

 

ESA are real and serve a very real function to those that need them. A legitimate mental health professional should never certify someone's need for an ESA Although there are, unfortunately people in every profession who do not follow the rules. Please do not judge someone because their disability may be very real, just not easy to see. I have a family member who has an ESA and who has been able to control her symptoms much better since getting the dog. As a result she has been able to work steadily, hold down a job and function relatively normally. She had been unable to do so before her dog was part of her life despite therapy and medication for more than 10years.

 

However, that being said there is absolutely no right, and frankly, in my view No real reason to have an ESA ( unlike a service animal) on a cruise. The person has no right under the ADA to take the animal on a bus, into stores or restaurants why should they on a ship? Finally even on a plane or in housing situations an ESA can be ejected if not well behaved.

 

Someone who is SO emotionally debilitated that they need an ESA to get out of bed or having panic attacks that bad is not signing up for a Caribbean cruise. A person who can smirk, then chuckle while they brag about how they beat the system to bring their pet on a cruise is NOT disabled they are self centered, egotistical, and do not believe the rules and laws apply to them.

 

I whole heartedly disagree that ESA dogs do not need to be trained. ANY animal that is going to accompany a person into a place that normally does not allow animals is expected to have a specific level of training with regards to behavior and bowel/bladder control. ANY dog on a cruise, bus, airplane, restaurant etc. defecating and urinating where it pleases or displaying excessive barking/aggressive behavior is NOT a service animal or ESA. PERIOD.

 

I do not understand why any cruise line allows an ESA on board. To allow one that is not well behaved is beyond the pale.

 

WHY? Because like many businesses the cruise line does not want the negative publicity when that self centered arrogant jerk makes a public stink that their alleged "support animal" was denied access. The cruise line knows they are lying when they say that yapping Chihuahua being fed cheese at the buffet off a plate or the Bichon being wheeled around in a stroller is NOT a service animal in even the remotest universe. However, because that clod can scream discrimination and have a plethora of people condemn them for abuse of the handicapped they don't object.

 

This is why stringent laws are needed defining what legitimate service animals are so that those @ssclowns that can't leave home without Fifi the incontinent yorkie in tow can be stopped in their tracks.

Edited May 18, 2014 by Clydesmom7865

[MCDW]

I was on this cruise too! The lady on the scooter's dog always had it's vest on and was very well behaved. Never saw a service vest on the dog in the stroller. We saw them several times and even in the main dining room.

 

I am the one with the scooter with the "very well behaved" guide dog for the deaf. Thank you for your kind words about my guide dog for the deaf. I had 14 cruises with my newly retired guide dog for the deaf. But, this was Misty's first cruise and she sure did her school and trainers proud.

 

We are from Canada and our guide/service dogs go through almost two years of training before being matched with their human partners. Our school is a member of the International Federation of Guide Schools. The same as your CCI...Canine Companions for Independence.

 

FYI - before I boarded the ship I signed a form that I would not take Misty into the pool, hot tubs or on the lawn of the lawn club. Also that she would be under my control at all times, be well behaved etc.

 

I did see the dog in the stroller many times and have no idea what that was about. I can't see that it could perform any work task when it was always seat belted into the stroller. But, that is just my opinion.

[need2bespoiled]

Someone who is SO emotionally debilitated that they need an ESA to get out of bed or having panic attacks that bad is not signing up for a Caribbean cruise. A person who can smirk, then chuckle while they brag about how they beat the system to bring their pet on a cruise is NOT disabled they are self centered, egotistical, and do not believe the rules and laws apply to them.

 

I whole heartedly disagree that ESA dogs do not need to be trained. ANY animal that is going to accompany a person into a place that normally does not allow animals is expected to have a specific level of training with regards to behavior and bowel/bladder control. ANY dog on a cruise, bus, airplane, restaurant etc. defecating and urinating where it pleases or displaying excessive barking/aggressive behavior is NOT a service animal or ESA. PERIOD.

 

 

 

WHY? Because like many businesses the cruise line does not want the negative publicity when that self centered arrogant jerk makes a public stink that their alleged "support animal" was denied access. The cruise line knows they are lying when they say that yapping Chihuahua being fed cheese at the buffet off a plate or the Bichon being wheeled around in a stroller is NOT a service animal in even the remotest universe. However, because that clod can scream discrimination and have a plethora of people condemn them for abuse of the handicapped they don't object.

 

This is why stringent laws are needed defining what legitimate service animals are so that those @ssclowns that can't leave home without Fifi the incontinent yorkie in tow can be stopped in their tracks.

 

I think the poster you were responding too meant speacialized training for a function, not that it shouldn't be trained to behave properly, including control of its bodily functions, but I am sure they'll clarify.

 

Happy sailing,

Jenna

Edited May 18, 2014 by need2bespoiled

[Quampapetet]

The "self" training IS the problem. While some individuals may be quite good at it, there is no actual recognized expert attesting to the animal's actual use as a service animal.

 

In many cases of legit owner-trained service dogs, there is an expert who is consulted or who administers a public access test, but some people do not do this for whatever excuses they can come up with. (Private-trainer dogs come with the expert, of course.) With national certification, there would be testing by an expert for ALL dogs, both from a program and not. Do not be fooled that a program dog is any better than a private- or owner-trained dog, as I have personally met as well as heard from others about program dogs who behave poorly, behaving worse than owner-trained service dogs in training (dogs who are still in training, not yet covered by the ADA, for those who don't know).

 

I am all for a national certification (and re-certification) process due to all the fakers who make it very hard for those of us who have legit service dogs and legit disabilities.

 

 

 

Actually the man who invented the "golden doodle" now regrets it and has come out and said developing that cross was his biggest mistake. There is a reason certain breeds are used and it is due to many factors and reduced allergies is but one of them. While service dogs are a great asset to many people it does not mean that you can automatically turn any dog into one because someone needs one. Not ever need can be fulfilled and it is a fantasy to believe that there is a one size fits all solution.

 

There are MANY breeds that can be used as service dogs, but programs do not have the ability to use more than one, two, and sometimes three breeds (or mixes of the first two breeds). Some programs are starting to use more of these breeds now, especially for those who are allergic, but the big programs stick with what they know and have the resources for. Yes, the doodle mutts are a mistake (they are not even all hypoallergenic), though there have been some good service dog doodles. There are also good service dog Poodles, Portuguese Water Dogs, and other breeds I cannot think of at the moment that are hypoallergenic. I know some programs that at least sometimes use Poodles and a couple that sometimes use Portuguese Water Dogs, plus plenty of privately-trained and owner-trained legit service dogs of those breeds.

 

The problem is not legit owner-trained dogs, but the non-legit ones. There are lots of ESA and pet owners trying to pass their pooches off as service dogs, some thinking their dog actually qualifies (they train it some task like retrieving when it isn't something they need - this is why the ADA was changed to specify the tasks need to directly relate to the disability), some thinking their malady actually qualifies, and some just doing it to not pay pet fess or get around breed restrictions or take poochie-poo with them everywhere (gag!).

 

 

 

Unfortunately when ever you have people who are willing to cheat or bypass the system to get their own way it is ALWAYS at the detriment of those who truly benefit from the purpose as it stands. Until there are rules that address the false claims of service animals merely so some spoiled entitled self centered jerk simply so they can take their nasty bark bark everywhere they go this will continue to be a huge problem. Even without those rules there still are not enough properly trained service animals for the number of people who legitimately need them. Enacting rules to ensure that animals that are in places requiring accommodation will not decrease the demand or increase the supply of them.

 

Yes, there needs to be a national certification, something difficult for fakers to fake, but disallowing many people to never get a (legit) service dog by outlawing private- and owner-training is not how to go about it. There will never be programs that train for every disability or the difficult combinations of multiple disabilities, as programs do not have the resources to be able to train such a gigantic lineup of tasks, as well as most programs train dogs before they are matched with people. (Unfortunately, though, I cannot understand your last two sentences, sorry!)

[Quampapetet]

A couple weeks ago there was a guy on a cruise with a Pomeranian that he would hold in his arm and go everywhere with her. Even the buffet line. The owner put cheese on a plate in the buffet line and let the dog eat from it on his tray while waiting for his omelet. The guy kept saying out loud that service dogs for diabetes have more flexibility and they had been on 16 cruises. I am sorry but dogs do not need to go through a line where food is being served.

 

That is disgusting, against heath codes, and definitely not legit service dog team behavior/etiquette! Service dogs should never eat or drink anywhere in a restaurant/food area (except the bathroom, should the owner wish to give the dog a drink in there from a bowl they brought or a doggy water bottle they brought).

 

All service dogs need to follow the same rules; there is no additional "flexibility" for diabetic alert dogs. This guy is full of it.

 

People with disabilities DO need to go through the buffet line just the same as you do, so, yes, legit service dogs do need to go through the buffet line to help their person navigate, walk, get something dropped, etc. They should NEVER be off the ground (carried) or fed like this faker did, though, of course! They should never sniff at the food (if they are tall enough to do so), either.

[joandian]

There is a section about how easy it is to get Service dog certification on Inside Edition today. I'm just waiting for it to come on now.

[sunnydazye]

Saw the white baby carriage "service dog" as well. I really ?'ed what service that dog provided!

Edited May 26, 2014 by sunnydazye

[Clydesmom7865]

Saw the white baby carriage "service dog" as well. I really ?'ed what service that dog provided!

 

Saving it's owner $$$$ on boarding fees at the kennel.

[teecee60]

Someone who is SO emotionally debilitated that they need an ESA to get out of bed or having panic attacks that bad is not signing up for a Caribbean cruise.

 

A person who can brag about how they beat the system to bring their pet on a cruise is NOT disabled they are self centered, egotistical, and do not believe the rules and laws apply to them.

 

ANY dog on a cruise, bus, airplane, restaurant etc. defecating and urinating where it pleases or displaying excessive barking/aggressive behavior is NOT a service animal or ESA. PERIOD.

 

the cruise line does not want the negative publicity when that self centered arrogant jerk makes a public stink that their alleged "support animal" was denied access.

 

The Bichon being wheeled around in a stroller is NOT a service animal in even the remotest universe.

 

However, because that clod can scream discrimination and have a plethora of people condemn them for abuse of the handicapped they don't object.

 

This is why stringent laws are needed defining what legitimate service animals are so that those @ssclowns that can't leave home without Fifi the incontinent yorkie in tow can be stopped in their tracks.

 

Could you please expound freely and tell us how you REALLY feel??? :eek: :D ;)

[Aussie_Kiwi_Family]

I have been on two cruises out of Sydney and never saw a dog on board. Is it an American custom regarding the emotional support dogs? :eek: I can understand the medical conditions, but never heard of emotional support dogs in Australia.

[Lsimon]

I have been on two cruises out of Sydney and never saw a dog on board. Is it an American custom regarding the emotional support dogs? :eek: I can understand the medical conditions, but never heard of emotional support dogs in Australia.

 

I've only seen dogs on cruises a couple times, maybe on 10% of the cruises I've been on or less and even then I've never seen more than one dog on a cruise.

 

There are several possible reasons that you've never seen a dog on board a cruise out of Sydney. The most likely reason is just that the odds are low of seeing one on board period. The second most likely reason is that it is more of an American thing and the trip to Australia is just too far to take a dog even for those who are cheating or have a more borderline case than someone with a properly trained service dog.

[sunnydazye]

Love your answer:)

[GOLDENBONNY]

I have been on two cruises out of Sydney and never saw a dog on board. Is it an American custom regarding the emotional support dogs? :eek: I can understand the medical conditions, but never heard of emotional support dogs in Australia.

 

There is lots of things you will find only in America :rolleyes: Just go to doctor say you have panic attack without your chiwawa and you never have to pay for kennel again .:eek:

[ghstudio]

I have been on two cruises out of Sydney and never saw a dog on board. Is it an American custom regarding the emotional support dogs? :eek: I can understand the medical conditions, but never heard of emotional support dogs in Australia.

 

The issue is a bit complicated in the US due to veterans from Afghanstan/Iraq with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). For those brave folks, having an animal, a constant companion, friend really makes a difference in their lives. I have seen veterans where this changes their lives.

 

But once you allow those pets (and, yes, they are more pet than actual service dog), you open up the world to anyone with a real or imagined emotional problem...and to those who will claim anything to be able to stay with their pet.

 

Not an easy situation to manage and certainly a very hard one to legislate.

[Jane2357]

 

There are MANY breeds that can be used as service dogs, but programs do not have the ability to use more than one, two, and sometimes three breeds (or mixes of the first two breeds). Some programs are starting to use more of these breeds now, especially for those who are allergic, but the big programs stick with what they know and have the resources for. Yes, the doodle mutts are a mistake (they are not even all hypoallergenic), though there have been some good service dog doodles. There are also good service dog Poodles, Portuguese Water Dogs, and other breeds I cannot think of at the moment that are hypoallergenic. I know some programs that at least sometimes use Poodles and a couple that sometimes use Portuguese Water Dogs, plus plenty of privately-trained and owner-trained legit service dogs of those breeds

 

Wally Conron does regret breeding the Goldendoodle but not because of the dog itself but because of the abuse of humans who are greedy and market these dogs as hypoallergenic. There is NO breed of dog that is hypoallergenic. There are some breeds that cause fewer allergic symptoms than others. Poodles are viewed as the best of the lot. Some dog breeds are marketed as hypoallergenic because they don't shed fur or they shed very little. Because these dogs don't shed, the allergy-causing dander that sticks to their fur doesn't get released into the air or onto the floor as much as with a shedding dog.

 

To say that "the doodle mutts are a mistake" shows bias against some very wonderful dogs. I have a rescued golden doodle - born in a puppy mill - rescued at 8 weeks. He is the cutest animal I've ever seen, loves everyone, lets strange children climb on him - as he resembles a stuffed animal. He is a great watch dog, gets alone with other animals and is very smart. He also sheds and is allergic to everything including vaccinations, requiring us to carry an Epi pen. Hypoallergenic no - mutt yes - mistake no.