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Comment by JimBlackwood | Hacker News Reader

I really disagree with the owners statement that therapy dogs should never be able to get licensed. If they go through the same training as current disability dogs, then what’s the problem exactly? There are enough non-visible disabilities where dogs can be useful, for instance in panic disorders where they can recognise it before the owner.

In regards to dogs in coffee shops, etc. Aslong as there are enough spaces that allow dogs, it shouldn’t be a problem when most other places don’t allow them. I think there are enough people that enjoy dogs to make that work.

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Under the ADA, the kind of dog youre describing would be a service dog, same as any other. "Therapy dog" isn't a term that the ADA uses.

You can totally have a legitimate service dog for invisible disabilities.

Licenses don't mean anything in the US btw. The law does not require it and having a "license" is meaningless. Sometimes a training organization might vouch for the dogs skills, but that isn't a license and doesn't legally mean anything.

> If they go through the same training as current disability dogs, then what’s the problem exactly?

With guide dogs the benefit is huge - someone can get around without human assistance.

With "emotional support" animals it just means someone gets to take their pet with them to have coffee. Not a big enough benefit to outweigh the downsides.

I think you underestimate how debilitating some disorders can be and the assistance a dog can give.

If a person is unable to get a coffee without an assistance dog, and the dog is properly trained, why would you want to rob them of participating in a normal life?

Something being "just" for you, does not mean this holds for everyone.

I met a couple that had paid $100 to get a fake service dog certification. I guess the training is extremely hard and many people don't want to do it.

I have a miniature golden doodle that I try to take to as many places as possible. But if there is a place that is strict, I end up just having to crate her.

> I guess the training is extremely hard and many people don't want to do it.

You would guess wrong. The couple you met just didn’t bother to spend 5min reading the ADA service dog website.

https://www.ada.gov/resources/service-animals-faqs/

> Q5. Does the ADA require service animals to be professionally trained?

>A. No. People with disabilities have the right to train the dog themselves and are not required to use a professional service dog training program.

> Q8. Do service animals have to wear a vest or patch or special harness identifying them as service animals?

>A. No. The ADA does not require service animals to wear a vest, ID tag, or specific harness.

There is no specific training for a service dog.

All you have to do is say your dog is a service dog, and it is, legally.

https://www.ada.gov/resources/service-animals-faqs/

Q5. Does the ADA require service animals to be professionally trained?

>A. No. People with disabilities have the right to train the dog themselves and are not required to use a professional service dog training program.

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