Pets

Faking a disability or claiming a family pet as a service dog or emotional support animal is harmful and illegal. Service dogs and ESAs provide specialized support for people with documented disabilities. Pets do not. Misrepresentation undermines disability rights, creates public safety risks, and makes it harder for those who genuinely rely on these animals to access housing, travel, and public spaces. Respect the rules, protect the integrity of disability rights, and ensure support animals continue to help the people who truly need them.

Misrepresenting a family pet as a service dog or emotional support animal (ESA) is more than misleading—it’s harmful. Service dogs and ESAs are legally recognized for a reason: they provide critical support to individuals with documented disabilities. Service dogs are trained to perform specific tasks, from guiding people with visual impairments to alerting those with hearing loss or mobility challenges. Emotional support animals offer comfort for individuals with diagnosed mental health conditions. Pets, as much as we love them, do not provide these specialized services and are not entitled to the same legal protections.

Faking a disability or diagnosis to claim public access or housing rights for a pet creates serious consequences. Legally, misrepresentation may be considered fraud, with potential fines or criminal penalties. Socially, it undermines trust in legitimate requests for service or support animals, making it harder for people with genuine needs to access public spaces, housing, or travel accommodations. Untrained pets in public settings can also pose safety risks for both their owners and others.

Respect and honesty are crucial. Service dogs and emotional support animals exist to protect independence, safety, and quality of life. Misusing these legal protections diminishes their value and harms those who truly rely on them. By understanding and respecting the rules, we uphold disability rights, public safety, and the integrity of the support system that millions of people depend on every day.