First of all, let's talk about the difference between emotional support animals and service animals. Emotional support animals are NOT considered service animals, and only service animals are protected under the ADA. Service doggos perform essential life-saving services for their humans, and it is literally dangerous for them to be separated from their humans. Emotional support doggos, while being totally valid and adorable, if removed from their humans momentarily, there is no life-threatening danger.
So when people try to pass their emotional support animals as 'service' animals, it's understandable why people who really NEED their service animals to SURVIVE would be offended. Like the entitled Karen featured in this painfully delightful Reddit thread, who was immediately called out by a responsible candy store employee for attempting to bring a fake service dog into the store at which OP is employed. Buh bye Karen, go be annoying somewhere else, far far away. The entitlement is strong with this one.
"And because my old dog Bella(RIP), was a service dog for my mom, I read up on the ADA laws and I can immediately tell what animals are service animals, and what are just pets."
RIP Bella. No wonder OP is so knowledgeable and passionate about service dogs. One clearly had a significant impact on her mother's life. A sharp eye for ADA intruding Karen's is one of OP's strong suits.
"When it comes to fake service animals, I'm not nice."
Nor should you be, these passing off fake service animals make things all the more difficult for people who actually NEED their service animals with them at all times to perform potentially life-saving services.
"Well, emotional support animals aren't protected by the ADA, therefore, they aren't considered service animals"
Point blank.
"She started to scream at me, threatening to sue me and call the cops."
OP had the perfect response, Karen shut up reaaaaal quick.
"PSA, do NOT bring your untrained pets into a non pet friendly store! And especially do not fake a service animal! You make it harder for the people who actually need them!"
Amen, OP, amen.
"The reason? Her teacup yorkie (which is more of an accessory than a pet) was not allowed inside the doctor's office for health reasons because it isn't a service dog. It's an emotional support animal. She even got bullshit papers and a little vest from some Web site to try and make it look more official."
When will entitled Karens finally be stopped?
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