I just read an article in the local small town newspaper. The write is from the local humane society and was happy that Delta is scrutinizing the emotional support animals. It is noted that this is not a service animal since they are "ligitimate, trained working service and assistance dogs". She agrees the ESA is being abused and she can see it in the animals as they are afraid and / or exhibiting bad behavior.

The interesting to us comes where she says these animal should at least have a Canine Good Citizen certification to validate appropriate training, and that the animal is safe and able to be support. This only applies to dogs of course, but it is also mentioned that a lot rental complexes are requiring CGC certification for approval.

So this could be another requirement , even if we accept dogs that we can use to verify a dog is of good temperament.

I did read an article not long ago where an ESA bit a fellow passenger on a flight. I'm wondering when the scale is going to tilt in the other direction.

You can ask for it, if you want to, but you can not require it of an emotional support animal.

I've yet to meet a tenant who puts a Canine Good Citizen title on their dog. At the testing, the people there are the same people I dog show with, and they are all home owners.

The person giving the test has to be certified by the AKC, so mostly the test is given by AKC clubs. It's possible for some place like petsmart to offer a class. Not saying it doesn't happen, but I've never heard of it, so if it is done, it is not common.

The CGC certification is a pretty good indication of good behavior. There are specific requirements involving the dog obeying handler instructions and not reacting in situations where it might be startled or approached by strangers.

I can't remember how many dogs we've rented to over the years. Hundreds, I bet. I get a pretty good feel for their temperament when I meet them.

The worst ones are the ankle biters, they can be nasty little things. But most of the big dogs are just goofy friendly dogs...

LindaJ,

Good idea!

PetSmart has a Good Dog certificate but it is very basic (sit, walk around the store on a leash...).

My biggest concern is odor and damage like chewed furniture and dirt holes. Even certified dogs can stink and dig.

We LOVE animal rent income!

Canine Good Citizen is a basic training. The Petsmart trainer tells you in classes that as the owner you are responsible for the dogs actions/behavior. Actually they are training the owners to understand how to handle their dogs. Some owners are dumber than a box of rocks.

If you want to train your dog to be a 'THERAPY DOG' this is NOT a 'SERVICE DOG'. You have Two Advanced training classes to complete and testing. This is beyond the puppy training and Canine Good Citizen and intermediate training. Therefore a SERVICE DOG requires more training and I bet most of these people with (QUOTE) ESA (QUOTE) Dogs are blowing smoke when they say ESA; hiding behind this label that in most cases is being misused by the dog owner.

IF you are planning to reject based on Pets: Dogs, Cats, Pigs, Ferrets, Snakes, ETC. At least with dogs go to the AKC website and look at the training requirements for a Therapy Dog and a Service Dog. LindaJ and others have mentioned it may help you to expand your pet policy requirements IF you choose to take dogs or flatly refuse dogs.

Sadly some in the medical profession will write a script for anything IF the price is right. Especially the ESA factor. AND they (the medical aspect of it) has NO CLUE the temperament of the dog. I have been in restaurants over the past several years and people walk in with SERVICE DOGS. The dogs were the best behaved and they may be there for a potential health issues that the dog has been trained to sense. Maybe a seizure or other life threaten health issues. HOWEVER that being said a THERAPY DOG can not be passed off as a SERVICE DOG two different things. AND a THERAPY DOG is NOT permitted into a restaurant.

The bottom line IF you have a ZERO PET POLICY. This is understandable due to bad experiences with previous pet owner tenants. You have the right to ask for paperwork if the prospect says its an ESA dog. If you take pets make sure that you require proof of shots from the Vet. And that means yearly updates too. Proper training certificates from qualified trainers. There is AKC the main one however there is CKC I think and one more and I can not think of the of name. However CKC means nothing in the dog world when you are breeding quality dogs. Basically anything other than AKC is considered a mutt according the Purebreds. AND require prospective tenants to have renters insurance with a pet rider. It's great if they bring the dog with them to see the unit. HOWEVER go to their present living arrangement to see how the dog is cared for. Does the place smell from pets. Does the trim and window sills look chewed. There will be some very obvious signs of how they care for the dog and the dogs behavior.

I agree that IF the dog growls or acts aggressive toward you its a NO to that prospect. OR if the dogs are in the top 20 bad breeds according to the insurance industry.

Two of the worst puppy mill states are Pennsylvania and Alabama. What's that mean; well the temperament/behavor/bloodlines are quetionable to say the least. And the breeders are in it for the money. The health of the dog will be an issue in the future and there will be other issues as well.

The CGC is issued by the AKC and these are the requirements:

Accepting a friendly stranger

The dog will allow a friendly stranger to approach it and speak to the handler in a natural, everyday situation.

Sitting Politely for Petting

The dog will allow a friendly stranger to pet it while it is out with its handler.

Appearance and Grooming

The dog will permit someone to check it’s ears and front feet, as a groomer or veterinarian would do.

Out for a Walk (walking on a loose lead)

Following the evaluator’s instructions, the dog will walk on a loose lead (with the handler/owner).

Walking Through a Crowd

This test demonstrates that the dog can move about politely in pedestrian traffic and is under control in public places. The dog and handler walk around and pass close to several people (at least three).

Sit and Down on Command and Staying in Place

The dog must do sit AND down on command, then the owner chooses the position for leaving the dog in the stay.

Coming When Called

This test demonstrates that the dog will come when called by the handler (from 10 feet on a leash).

Reaction to Another Dog

This test demonstrates that the dog can behave politely around other dogs. Two handlers and their dogs approach each other from a distance of about 20 feet, stop, shake hands and exchange pleasantries.

Reaction to Distraction

The evaluator will select and present two distractions such as dropping a chair, etc.

Supervised Separation