By Maiya Fleck
Published: Nov. 22, 2023 at 7:13 PM EST
JUD, N.D. (KFYR) - Dogs are called man's best friend, but some dogs play an even bigger role for humans. Some people cause confusion by claiming their dogs are service animals when they are not.
Hidden in a town with fewer than 100 people, the furry friends at Service Dogs for America in Jud, North Dakota, are more than companions to their handlers.
There are many animals that aid humans by providing emotional support or therapy, but they are not service animals. Misrepresenting your pet can cause real confusion for those who depend on these animals for daily living.
"It makes me a little bit nervous because I feel like I'm going to be denied service at the business I'm at," said Ryan Moss, handler.
Service dogs are trained to do tasks like picking up keys for someone who is blind.
Jenny BrodKorb, executive director of Service Dogs for America, was called by an airport that found an owner who faked that their dog had gone through training in Jud, even down to a fake patch.
"What you're seeing is an influx in what's called misrepresentation of a service dog. You are seeing people that are claiming their pets or emotional support animals are service dogs and they're in public and they are poorly trained or not trained at all. And they are certainly not trained in medical tasks," said BrodKorb.
She says people are willing to lie on federal forms to gain access to places with their animals.
Businesses can ask two questions under the Americans with Disabilities Act:
- Is the dog a service animal required because of a disability?
- What work or task has the dog been trained to perform?
Handlers like Moss pay thousands of dollars to get their service dogs, and the dogs go through years of training.
Service Dogs for America is currently training 23 dogs from puppyhood to adulthood. The dogs pick their handlers, so it's always a great fit.
The dogs are medical devices for their handlers first, but they are dogs who need play and positive reinforcement.
