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Annoying service dog - can we do anything?
We have an interesting situation and I'm not sure what, if anything, we can do. An employee has a service dog. It is a miniature poodle and is around because he "calms her down" - her words, not mine. It is an anxiety disability, I believe.
However, this dog runs around the office, tries to socialize with other people, has it's own chair (fabric covered, so his dander, etc gets in there) and eats at her desk, regularly, during the work day. It isn't a well behaved, sit-at-her-feet, animal. It is an open office where 14 other sit. The dog is 7 years old. No employees in this office have dog allergies.
I get it - she is protected and can have a service dog. But it is distracting and annoying to others. At what point does the line get crossed?
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Re: Annoying service dog - can we do anything?
Oh yeah, you're right. I forgot about that. But still... it is annoying.
FET - transferred two embryos (boy and girl) - Nov 2014 - BFP!
Is the dog an actual licensed service dog? That may be your only course of action, requesting the service dog certificate, if she doesn't have one, you might be able institute a rule that says only "Licensed service dogs are allowed in offices".
Fine if she needs one - but an actual service dog should be FAR better behaved.
True service dogs do not behave like this, other than maybe sitting on the furniture. Most service dogs I have encountered sit on the floor.
I would discretely inquire about credientials.
I agree with quietly asking for the dogs certification. From what I understand (although I'm not an expert) true therapy dogs have to pass some pretty strict tests for behavior. It doesn't sound like this one is well behaved enough.
If he really is a service dog then I don't think that there is anything you can do
Ditto everyone who said you need documentation. The service animal has to stay with the disabled person at all times. They can't roam freely in a workplace.
FIRST, she must be disabled, and be able to provide documentation of her disability; and 2nd, the dog must be registered with the state. CHECK WITH YOUR STATE about what kind of documentation is required for a service animal, because states have different requirements.
Anyone can order a service animal ID online with no questions asked, and anyone can just make a bogus service animal ID on a computer.
This animal sounds more like a PET than a legitimate service animal.
Actually, poodles do have dander. All dogs do. Poodles just sometimes have less of it than other dogs, so that is why they are often good for people with allergies.
My brother has a service dog. It doesn't move from under his desk (unless it's to help him retrieve something or if he goes somewhere) the entire day. In fact, most people never even realize she's under there.
I would ask her for the dog's training certificate. Most service dog organizations require the dogs to be re-certified every couple of years in order to keep their licenses. You could call the organization and make a complaint.
You could also add language to your handbook that says something like, "Professionally certified Service Animals are welcome but must be under strict control of their owners at all times."
There is no "service dog certification." The Americans With Disabilities Act does not require it.
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The line was crossed when the dog is disruptive to the workplace. I've raised 4 guide dog puppies and was able to bring them into work from the age of 8 weeks (due to my employer being supportive, we weren't covered under the law). Part of their training is to be by the side and under control of the handler at all times.
Ditto pp's about asking for certification and/or proof from a doctor that it is necessary, or whatever is legally allowed to be asked for. What dog doesn't provide relief from stress? I'd love to bring my dog to work daily but she's my pet. If that dog isn't "official", and it causes injury to someone your company could be liable.
This was exactly what I was coming in to post
There was an article where I live a week or 2 ago about some guy getting kicked out of a restaurant because of his service dog. Obviously people were upset about that... then it came out it was just a "comfort dog" which are not protected, and it was making a nuisance of itself in the restaurant. The animal has to perform a service to be protected, and it has to be under control.
http://www.standard.net/stories/2011/09/07/clinton-man-service-dog-thrown-out-clearfield-restaurant
This is what I was thinking too. You can't just bring in *any* pet and call it a service animal. That does a discredit to the entire program. The ones that have been trained from puppyhood should be far better behaved, and generally have pretty calm temperaments.
And while poodles are very intelligent dogs, I haven't known very many that would have the right temper for a service animal.
See the poster above, who has a service poodle in her sig. Poodles are incredibly smart, I think they're great service dogs if trained from puppyhood.
Like the person who posted before me said, TheCRPSGirl has a service poodle. Any breed can be trained as a service dog, and it can be trained as a puppy or an adult.
There is no "official licensing program." A service dog can go through a training program, but it's not required. A service dog can also be trained by its owner.
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H is still allergic to poodles.
they are hypoallergenic...not completely allergy free.