For those of you that have ferrets or other creatures as service animals, I would like to inform you of your rights to have service animals. Most people are aware of the dogs for the blind, or assistance dogs for those in wheel chairs. However, the public is completely unaware and misinformed of other animals and other service animal tasks. I speak from experience, and as a trainer/handler of service animals. The U.S government is considering a proposal that can alter the use of non-canine service animals. This debate has been in and out of courts for as long as I can remember and at least 10 years. Anyhow, the ADA or Americans With Disabilities Act was finalized in 1990 and requires service animals to be allowed in all PUBLIC places. The disadvantage to this is that the public is very ignorant, especially in smaller towns. Anyhow, each state has specific laws that all service animals have to adhere to. For an example, In the state of Virginia, all service animals that are considered "signal or hearing" animals must wear some sort of orange collar and leash. Seizure responders wear red, therapy animals can wear either blue and yellow or green bandanas (of course other identification is also required, such as vet record, cgc etc), assistance animals wear blue. The ADA and the Department of Justice says that "service animals do not require an ID or other paperwork (where they are trained, how long, etc). My 2 girls that I use personally as a service dog, both wear vests, and id cards. They are also registered under the United States Service Dog Registry. Both id badges have their information, the handler's info, id numbers that were presented by the US, AKC car numbers, AKC numbers, and their pictures. Anyhow, the most important information I can give is this, check out the state laws. Find out what the requirements are to having a service animal. I also advise (even though you are not required by law) to have some sort of identification on the animal. Because it is a lot easier to explain to the ignorant public. Service animals in most states are not required to pay taxes (dog tax in some states/counties), owners do not need to pay a pet deposit in hotels, apartments, rental properties etc. Owners/handlers are not required to pay for an extra seat in buses, airplanes, trains and other forms of public transportation. However, some guidelines maybe different in some states. Over all, for those of you who want to use their ferrets in some line of service animal work, please be advised that you may need to have some sort of documentation of your disability. Yes, according to HIPPA, you shouldn't have to "prove" you are disabled, but the public doesn't see it that way. For an example, on my drivers license and licenses plates it says I am deaf/ hard of hearing. Most people who approach me think that I am full of s*?t when I inform them of this. The reason is that I speak like a normal person. But to be honest I can't hear a damn thing. I attended the Virginia School for the Deaf and Blind growing up and I had to go through 7 years of speech therapy, along with sign language. My father is also deaf and all of my sisters are as well. To make a long story short, check out your state regulations regarding service animals, get some sort of documentation for the animal (i.e. badge with animals picture, name, address, handler info, and what service they provide), and have a back up info for yourself (handicap sticker, license, or doctor's request) and contact information to the ADA and Department of Justice (if you need this, please email me and I can give you the correct information and department). I know not all of this is required, but it truly helps when the public doesn't see eye to eye with you. I have had to go to court in the past and this helped my case. If any of you have any questions, let me know. I have some information about certain state requirements as well. Just remember, not all animals make great service animals. Some animals are better within the "home setting" than in public. Sincerely, Kris Church LVT Co-Director Richmond Ferret Rescue League [log in to unmask] http://www.RichmondFerretRescueLeague.org [Posted in FML 6498]