Our passion and commitment at Dog Training Elite and Your Dogs Best Days led us down this path. We have witnessed the extraordinary benefits a well-trained Service Dog provides for individuals with mental, medical and physical disabilities. Yet, we have also been witness to a growing issue that threatens to undermine the credibility of these indispensable companions. 

Currently, there's a loophole in legislation that enables service dogs to operate in public spaces without any requirement or proof of training. This lack of regulation presents a considerable societal problem. We've come across several instances where dogs without proper training are able to travel in public areas and subsequently bark or even bite others due to lack of control. This is alarming and poses safety risks to the general public and unfairly tarnishes the reputation of genuinely trained service dogs. 

A study at the University of California, Davis in 2019 identified that pets posing as 'fake' service dogs is indeed a problem, highlighting the urgent need for action to address this issue (UC Davis Study, 2019). 

We urge legislative bodies to uphold the integrity of the relationship between people with disabilities and their service dogs. Let us cling tight to credibility and ensure people understand these are not merely pets but life-savers for those who need them. Service Dogs can help mitigate mental, medical and physical limitations and profoundly improve the quality of live for their handlers. Some dogs alert to low blood sugars, high anxiety, upcoming seizure, autism eloper, and more.  Some dogs go find help, interrupt nightmares, calm someone with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. The list goes on.
We plead for a new law that requires all service dogs to verify their training through recognized organizations. This will not only uphold the respect and trust in service dogs but will also ensure public safety. We have witnessed untrained dogs posing as a trained service dog growl and even lunge at the general public.  By signing this petition, we can work together in reclaiming faith in service dogs and ensure a safer, more empathetic world for these beloved companions and those they assist.