By Andrea Free
Many do not know the difference between a pet and a service animal. Some might think that while a service animal provides a service it is also a pet. That is not the case. No matter how cute a service animal might be and how tempting it is, the animal is not to be petted by strangers. It is there to provide a service, whether to help guide the blind, sense a seizure, or even help calm someone. Just as they provide a variety of types of support, there is an assortment of animals that provide these services: dogs, monkeys, miniature horses, cats, ducks, goats, and more.
The owners and their service animals are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). While a restaurant, for example, may have a sign saying no pets allowed, the ADA says that a service animal can still enter the establishment. In fact, they are permitted into any establishment that serves the public because a service animal is not a pet. Though it might make some uncomfortable to have an animal in a restaurant or other public building, they are allowed to be there.
Under federal law, disabled people with service animals are to be treated the same as everyone else. This means if someone enters an establishment with a service animal they cannot be directed away from the other patrons nor restricted from going where other customers are allowed.
The only allowance given to question people with service animals is to ask if the animal is, indeed, a service animal, and what service the animal provides. It is illegal to question the validity of a service animal or insist the person show some sort of proof.
The situation can get difficult, though, when an employee of a public establishment doesn’t believe an animal is really a service animal. They may not believe the type of animal could really provide a service (e.g. duck) or may not want that type of animal in their establishment. It is important to remember that the person who claims the animal is a service animal should not be given a hard time. If it turns out the animal is a service animal and their rights were violated under the ADA, the establishment is going to be the one in trouble, which could result in a fine. Instead, the proper approach would be to ask if the animal is a service animal and what service is provides. If they still doubt the sincerity of the person, they should report it to the U.S. Department of Justice but still allow the person and their animal to enter the establishment.
The only way an employee can force someone to take their service animal out of the establishment is if the animal is causing a ruckus and won’t settle down, or if the animal is a threat to others. However, both of these scenarios are very unlikely because these animals are very well trained. Additionally, they cannot be forced to leave just because someone is allergic, afraid, or doesn’t like that certain type of animal.
In conclusion, it is important to remember that there is a distinct difference between a pet and a service animal. And, it is crucial to remember that service animals are a necessity, and shouldn’t limit the activities (going to the movies, eating at a restaurant, etc.) someone requiring a service animal can do. A little tolerance and understanding can go a long way.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=giBx7rFqXQo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLVMIO5P5H8
http://www.ada.gov/qasrvc.htm
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
More Bang for Your Buck: Pet-Friendly Hotel Directory Offers More than its Competitors for a Cheaper Price
CORVALLIS, Ore. – May 4, 2009 -- HotelsAllowingPets.com (HAP) is a hotel directory that features pet-friendly hotels in all 50 U.S. states to people all over the world. Hoteliers can pay a low yearly rate to advertise their hotel(s), and pet owners have a convenient directory that allows them to find a hotel that welcomes them and their pet(s).
In a recessed economy, the service HAP provides presents a great benefit to hoteliers because it reduces vacancy rates and promotes hotels that accommodate pets. Many people have a difficult time locating pet-friendly hotels; they benefit by having the information they need to compare from the frugal to luxury establishments in one convenient location.
HAP allows pet-friendly hoteliers to advertise at a low annual fee of $100.00 for the premium membership. This membership price is a much lower rate than many of its competitors and does not skimp on the benefits. There are currently over 700 hotels listed in the directory.
Hoteliers are given the creative freedom to write a description of their services. In addition to their ability to provide a description of their property and amenities exactly as they see fit, there are many other benefits such as a featured sidebox display, map, logo, image gallery, creative banner display throughout the site, and nearly 20 other features.
These hotel advertisements reach potential clients on a global level. Additional exposure like this is important to stay competitive, and advertising on the Internet reaches an unlimited amount of potential customers.
In order to provide a comprehensive list, HAP is offering a $50 cash prize to travelers that solicit a pet-friendly hotel to join the directory at full price for a limited time. Plus, hoteliers following HAP on Twitter have the option to receive a discount code for half off a year’s membership or pay full price, and HAP will donate $50 to their favorite animal charity.
HAP also provides travel tips, related sites, and other additional information as resources to pet owners.
As owner/operator Michele Peters Schamp stated: “We are neither a non-profit organization nor a charitable foundation; however, I hope to be providing a service that resembles this type of vision. HAP is designed to be an easy to remember, up-to-date resource for both hotels and pet-toting travelers.”
For additional information, contact Michele Peters Schamp or visit HotelsAllowingPets.com.
CONTACT:
Michele Peters Schamp
Owner/Operator
Phone: 541-908-4949
mpschamp@HotelsAllowingPets.com
www.HotelsAllowingPets.com
# # #
More Bang for Your Buck: Pet-Friendly Hotel Directory Offers More than its Competitors for a Cheaper Price
CORVALLIS, Ore. – May 4, 2009 -- HotelsAllowingPets.com (HAP) is a hotel directory that features pet-friendly hotels in all 50 U.S. states to people all over the world. Hoteliers can pay a low yearly rate to advertise their hotel(s), and pet owners have a convenient directory that allows them to find a hotel that welcomes them and their pet(s).
In a recessed economy, the service HAP provides presents a great benefit to hoteliers because it reduces vacancy rates and promotes hotels that accommodate pets. Many people have a difficult time locating pet-friendly hotels; they benefit by having the information they need to compare from the frugal to luxury establishments in one convenient location.
HAP allows pet-friendly hoteliers to advertise at a low annual fee of $100.00 for the premium membership. This membership price is a much lower rate than many of its competitors and does not skimp on the benefits. There are currently over 700 hotels listed in the directory.
Hoteliers are given the creative freedom to write a description of their services. In addition to their ability to provide a description of their property and amenities exactly as they see fit, there are many other benefits such as a featured sidebox display, map, logo, image gallery, creative banner display throughout the site, and nearly 20 other features.
These hotel advertisements reach potential clients on a global level. Additional exposure like this is important to stay competitive, and advertising on the Internet reaches an unlimited amount of potential customers.
In order to provide a comprehensive list, HAP is offering a $50 cash prize to travelers that solicit a pet-friendly hotel to join the directory at full price for a limited time. Plus, hoteliers following HAP on Twitter have the option to receive a discount code for half off a year’s membership or pay full price, and HAP will donate $50 to their favorite animal charity.
HAP also provides travel tips, related sites, and other additional information as resources to pet owners.
As owner/operator Michele Peters Schamp stated: “We are neither a non-profit organization nor a charitable foundation; however, I hope to be providing a service that resembles this type of vision. HAP is designed to be an easy to remember, up-to-date resource for both hotels and pet-toting travelers.”
For additional information, contact Michele Peters Schamp or visit HotelsAllowingPets.com.
CONTACT:
Michele Peters Schamp
Owner/Operator
Phone: 541-908-4949
mpschamp@HotelsAllowingPets.com
www.HotelsAllowingPets.com
# # #
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