[jfisher]

SDIT Law in PA

Hi everyone. I have been trying and trying to locate the laws involving SDITs in the state of PA. I need to know what the law is regarding public access for dogs who are still in training. Here in FL I was able to locate the laws easily with the help of this board (thanks very much ILGHAUS!

) but I will soon be visiting family in PA for a few weeks. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

-Jackie

 

[jfisher]

Re: SDIT Law in PA

Thank you both very much! Patti, that's just what I needed.

I wanted to be able to have a specific named law that I could show proof of, so I printed that section out to carry in my info file.

ILGHAUS,
I also found that not just the disability laws, but PA laws pertaining to anything else to be extremely difficult to find! It's like they're trying to keep that stuff a secret! LOL! I need the info by Monday evening, which is when I will be flying with my SDIT in the plane cabin for the first time. Wish us luck!

-Jackie

 

[jfisher]

Re: SDIT Law in PA

Thanks again for all the information provided to me in this thread. I appreciate everyone's help. I do understand that the law is different and goes state-by-state when it comes to service dogs who are still in-training. That is why I was searching for the laws of the state of PA so that I am familiar with them beforehand, and ready to deal with them accordingly. (By the way, I need them for tomorrow, Monday, when I am going to be flying there and staying with family outside of Pittsburgh for a few weeks.) From what I understand now, SDITs accompanied by their trainer have the same access rights as SDs in the state of PA? At least that's what I interpreted the info from the net to mean.

In addition, when training in public places, since my dog is still in-training, I like to either call ahead and speak with a manager, or do so upon entering an establishment. That way things go smoothly and I don't have 10 different employees telling me "no dogs allowed." I understand that some SD owners discourage this, as they believe it can lead to a habit of business owners pushing to see identification from ALL SD teams. I agree to a certain point, however, in my opinion, since the dog is still in training and not yet functioning as a full fledged SD, I believe the business owner is entitled to an explanation. I DO mention to the business owner/manager every time I introduce myself and my dog that once any service dog attains that status, legally they are not required to provide identification or proof of disability. I explain to them that they are by law only permitted to ask if the handler is disabled and if the dog is a service animal. I have found that the majority of them have been happy to talk to me and learn. I am glad to do this because not only does it make my visit that day a whole lot easier, plus I'll someday be visiting these places as a SD/handler team, but also by educating people, it could be of help to other SD/handler teams.

Furthermore, like ILGHAUS said, I agree that honesty is very important when it comes to this matter. Many negative consequences can come from trying to pass off a SDIT as a SD, not to mention that fact that it's illegal. Another reason why, though I may not HAVE to, I will always touch base with a business before training there.

-Jackie

 

[jfisher]

Re: SDIT Law in PA

Quoteid you check with your particular airline?

Yes, before I made the reservations I called to ask if they allowed service dogs in training to fly in the cabin. The first person I spoke with was a standard customer service rep and tried to tell me that I needed "official certification" so I spent a good bit of time "arguing" with him that there is simply no such thing. Finally after it was clear he was not understanding me, I asked to be transferred to a supervisor who also told me I needed "official certification." Again, I explain that for SDs this doesn't exist, and tell her that the best I can provide her with is a copy of the ADA law and also orders from my doctor. (I do not mind providing my doctor's orders at this time since my dog is still in training. This will change once he is through with training.) She puts me on hold for quite some time, then finally returns and tells me everything is fine and I am ok to fly, but does he have a harness? I'm thinking, what in the WORLD does that have to do with anything?! Confused I tell her yes and ask if he needs to wear it for the flight. She tells me yes, he will need it.

Maybe she's thinking a harness is the same thing as an ID cape??? Oh well...I'll just make sure he's wearing his harness... I also asked for her name (so if I run into any problems I can name the supervisor I spoke with) and instead of giving me a full name, she only used her first. I thought that a bit weird but again, oh well... I also asked her for the contact info for the in cabin ADA specialist working for the airline and once again, I was put on hold for quite awhile after which she finally told me she wasn't able to locate that number, but gave the the number for the "front desk" who would be able to connect me with who I need to speak to on Monday morning. So, that's the best I could do.

Any other steps anyone suggest I take? I also tried to request "bulkhead" seating at the time, but was told this cannot be done until I get to the ticket counter at the airport. As mentioned, I will also have my doctor's orders and a copy of the ADA information/laws concerning SDs. Thanks!

-Jackie

 

[jfisher]

Re: SDIT Law in PA

Quote:Mike Spolling of the DOJ was VERY helpful to me during one airline incident, and suggested having the ADA in-cabin specialist's name on hand... and her number, too.

Oh my! You had to get involved with the DOJ?! That must have been quite a frustrating incident! I will definitely give the ADA specialist a call first thing tomorrow, and I thank you for this tip.

Quote: Be polite, but be very clear. Make direct eye contact. You and your SDIT are a team already, and functioning well as a team. Be proud of that! You can do this. I've lost count of the times I've flown with my last dog, and had only one incident.

Thank you for the encouragement Patti! *Hugs* from me and Talon! Would you mind if I asked what the incident was? I want to be ready for anything! (PM me of you need to)

Quote:She was the pilot!

What a cool story! LOL! Now there's an example of a trip gone extremely well! I hope that kind of good luck is with me!

Quote: request that this info be put into the computer

Will do this first thing Monday morning. Hopefully they'll make a notation for me.

Quote:If you haven't ever flown with a dog in the cabin before I would like to pass on a travel tip. Have a doggie treat for when the plane takes off.

Will have treat ready! In your experience, is it difficult to keep them calm during takeoff?

Quote:For people who wonder why handlers, trainers, and advocates have such a sour taste in their mouths for "fakers" this is a good example of the extra problems that they cause for those who follow the rules.

When you say this is a good example, what specifically are you referring to? Just all the extra precautions we have to take because the "fakers" cause the airlines to be nervous about flying SDs?

Quote:Good luck in your travels and hope you enjoy yourself. Please let us know how things went and be sure to give any travel tips that you may pick up on the way.

Thank you!

As soon as I get settled in, I will be sure to reply with a recap of the whole trip! Wish me luck! Talk to you then!

-Jackie