b'Stand Against Service Dog FraudWhen untrained pets posing as service dogs behavebadly, people who truly need assistance dogs can faceadded discrimination and lose access to public places-both violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act.Misrepresenting a pet as a service dog is against the law and has serious consequences for people with disabilities who rely on trained service dogs for independence.Fraudulent service dogs cause confusion around thelaws and can pose a serious threat to the safety of working service dogs.The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) ADA defines a service dog as a working animal trained in specific tasks that directly mitigate the effects of a handlers disability. Animals whose sole function is to provide comfort do not qualify as service animals and are not permitted in public.Service dog teams are permitted in any location the public is allowed if they meet the definition above and are in control and behaving in a safe manner.87% of graduates have encountered a fraudulent oruncontrolled service dog in public where pet dogsare not allowed.66% of graduates have had a dog interfere with,vocalize at, bite, or growl at their service dog.1 in 5 of graduates feel that their quality of life andindependence has been moderately or severelyimpacted by fraudulent service dogs.A number of states have passed laws making it illegal to falsely claim that you are entitled to be accompanied by a service animal. Its illegal to falsely misrepresent your pet or other animal is a service animal in some states, (example, putting your dog in a guide dog or service dog vest).Penalties for violating these laws vary in states. In California, it is a misdemeanor to falsely and knowinglyclaim that you are the owner or trainer of a service animal. The crime is punishable by up to six months in jail and/ora fine of up to $1,000. In New Jersey, you can be fined from $100 to $500 forputting your dog in a guide harness to falsely misrepresent and pass it off as a guide dog. Texas penalty for misrepresent your dog as a service animalis a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $300 and30 hours of community service.23 States with Fake Service Dog/Animal LawsArizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Iowa, Idaho, Kansas, Maine, Michigan, Missouri, Minnesota,Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey,New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Texas, Utah,Virginia, Washington State, Wyoming and more to follow.Certification ScamEach year more and more sites have popped up online claiming to Register or Certify service dogs and emotional support animals.No federal government agencies certify or registerservice dogs or emotional support animals.40 Military Appreciation Resource Magazine Thank You For Your Service'