Unsuck DC Metro: Do these Look Like Service Dogs?

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Do these Look Like Service Dogs?

Via @RebeccaREvans This service dog on #DC @wmata got up to alert owner her stop was next. Trained to know # of stops. Impressive. http://yfrog.com/h0um1roj

Via @sirmoose @unsuckdcmetro apparently #wmata is now allowing dogs on the red line...I'm sure its a service dog...doubtful! twitpic.com/465h0z

Via @cj_atc I wonder what kind of service dog rides in a dufflebag? #wmata cc: @unsuckdcmetro http://plixi.com/p/81751125

Other items:
SHOCKER: Metro workers break rules, crash trains (WaPo)

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+16 Vote up Vote down

Matt · 731 weeks ago

The devil's advocate in me says that some less-typical breeds can be service dogs (epilepsy, for example). However, service dogs are supposed to wear special vests designating them as such.

4 replies · active less than 1 minute ago

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VeggieTart · 731 weeks ago

Matt, you're absolutely right. I have seen people with small "seizure" dogs, but each wore a vest identifying him/her as a service animal. The dog in the first picture clearly is not.

That said, I'm glad I can bring animals in a carrier aboard a bus, although I once got yelled at when my cat meowed from inside her carrier (I was getting off at the next stop anyway). I normally take a taxi with my boyfriend, but on that day, I was going alone, it was raining, and there was no way I could hold a carrier and an umbrella and hail a cab.

-1 Vote up Vote down

anon · 731 weeks ago

Who cares! Station Managers are to blame. They know who to let in and out. These riders must not have seen any SIGNS posted!
That is part of Metro's problem; failure to post signs.

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Nope · 731 weeks ago

Why should station managers care when seeing something and saying something would expose them to lawsuits? Lawyers are a penny a dozen in this town, better to stay away from them.

+3 Vote up Vote down

Fido · 731 weeks ago

Woof?
Woof woof woof.
Woof!

-1 Vote up Vote down

F'n JD · 731 weeks ago

I've called Metro Police when someone surreptiously boarded Metro with a lapdog in a bag. Their response was less than serviceable.

+32 Vote up Vote down

Ever and Anon · 731 weeks ago

That dog in a duffle bag seems to be a nicer rider to be around than most humans I experience.

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Anonymouse · 731 weeks ago

I know it's going out on a limb here, but I don't think any of them are service dogs. The last two, definitely not and the first one is not marked and that leash is not right for a service dog.

+18 Vote up Vote down

amy421 · 731 weeks ago

It's not just service dogs that are allowed on metro. Dogs in a secure container are also allowed. There's no excuse for the 1st picture, but a case could be made that the other two are at least contained.
http://www.wmata.com/about_metro/faqs.cfm#pets

1 reply · active less than 1 minute ago

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GlenmontGirl · 731 weeks ago

That's really interesting. I saw a woman bring her cat on the train, in a carrier, and thought it was against the rules. But since it was in a secure container, I guess that would be okay.

I felt bad for the cat, though, as it was clearly scared of the train.

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Dan · 731 weeks ago

Any dog can technically be properly trained to be a service dog, And Matt is correct if it is indeed a service dog it should be wearing a vest or harness stating as such and the owner should be carrying some paper wrk proving such dog is indeed a service dog or a dog in training.

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Sam · 731 weeks ago

Awww look at the little fellers. They like Metro!!

+2 Vote up Vote down

No Money for You · 731 weeks ago

Visually determining a service dog is just as easy as visually determining someone's handicap. In other words it can't be done. Small breed service animals are possible for those that have anxiety issues such as claustrophobia (easily triggered on Metro).

4 replies · active less than 1 minute ago

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James · 731 weeks ago

Service dogs are identifiable by their vests.

+4 Vote up Vote down

Steve · 731 weeks ago

No, thats not true. A person with a disability that uses a service animal does not need to have a vest or any identifying item on it.

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VeggieTart · 730 weeks ago

I'm pretty sure they do--because you are not supposed to interact with service animals, as they need to be completely dependent on their owners.

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Etoile · 729 weeks ago

No, it is not required by law for service animals to be designated as service animals. Most partners of genuine service animals do have theirs wear vests or other ID, but it's not required by law.

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Orange Line Rider · 731 weeks ago

No they don't, but they're adorable. Provided they're not making a mess on the Metro (or bringing anything like fleas with them), I'm all for making my commutes more enjoyable. :)

+27 Vote up Vote down

no one · 731 weeks ago

Here's a Metro...for me to poop on!

+25 Vote up Vote down

Dogman · 731 weeks ago

Has anyone at Metro looked into having service dogs (real ones) operate the trains. Based on the article below and the jerky ride I had this morning, I am pretty sure a good Lab could operated a train as least as well as most Metro operators.

3 replies · active less than 1 minute ago

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Dog · 731 weeks ago

I'm pretty sure I could operate the trains way better than any Metro operator, and my work would come with a smile and a friendly attitude.

+8 Vote up Vote down

Cat · 731 weeks ago

But I would make sure to throw a wrench into your well laid out plans with my dastardly deeds. Because I'm evil!

+3 Vote up Vote down

Dog · 731 weeks ago

LOL. That's cute and you made me laugh, Cat. Thank you for that!

+3 Vote up Vote down

BradK · 731 weeks ago

Don't get me wrong, i totally understand why my 55lb Border Collie can't ride on the train with me... and I am thankful other people can't bring their 50lb animals on to sniff my crotch... BUT... I could care less about a dog in a bag...

I hate toy dogs with a passion, and I feel sorry for those people that feel the need to take their little dogs with them everywhere they go, but as long as that thing fits in a bag, I could care less...

We should outlaw luggage on the metro (bad idea) before we ban dogs that fit in a bag on a rider's lap.

2 replies · active less than 1 minute ago

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Rusty · 731 weeks ago

So I guess we can eliminate the Union Station and DCA Airport stops if we are not allowing luggage on the trains.

+1 Vote up Vote down

BradK · 731 weeks ago

I dont think thats what I said... at all...

I was making the claim that luggage is more annoying than a rat-dog that is contained in a bag that can fit on someone's lap. hence the "(bad idea)"

"(bad idea)" is me acknowledging that it is a dumb idea...

+17 Vote up Vote down

Dogman · 731 weeks ago

While they're at it, the dogs, when done with their shift, can walk through the trains and eat all the food that's been left behind. Metro, you really ought to check this out.

+3 Vote up Vote down

Dog · 731 weeks ago

That first one is so cute, with his little tongue sticking out. Woof Woof. (But it does bug me that riders feel they can break the rules and bring their dogs on board when they should know better!)

1 reply · active less than 1 minute ago

+9 Vote up Vote down

anon · 731 weeks ago

I don't think that the Urine Smell is from dogs!

+23 Vote up Vote down

NULL · 731 weeks ago

I have a service dog for my Metrophobia.

2 replies · active less than 1 minute ago

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unsuckdcmetro 92p · 731 weeks ago

Hahahahha

+3 Vote up Vote down

Dog · 731 weeks ago

haha. You guys, I'm laughing so much today with these cute comments. Thank you.

+12 Vote up Vote down

Rob · 731 weeks ago

Hmm I think Id rather have more dogs on the Metro than most of the people I see.

+6 Vote up Vote down

dan · 731 weeks ago

Another morning on Metro, another 20 minute delay at Archives because of single tracking on the green line between L'Enfant and Anacostia.

Dogs are the least of my worries. It's not fun being 30 minutes late twice in one week because of the same problem.

+12 Vote up Vote down

Gerry · 731 weeks ago

Bringing an innocent, helpless dog on Metro is animal abuse, plain and simple.

+20 Vote up Vote down

KWM · 731 weeks ago

I have no problem with dogs - service or otherwise - on Metro. They can't do any more damage than a bunch of marauding teenagers can. Maybe if I bring my neighbor's 95 lbs pit bull with me one day I won't have as much trouble with harrassment at L'Enfant. He's really a giant teddy bear and would never hurt anybody, but he looks pretty scary.

+4 Vote up Vote down

EMD · 731 weeks ago

What is Metro's policy on bringing animals onto the cars if they're contained? If I'm thinking of moving into DC, and if I don't have a car (the way parking is, it's a very real possibility), I'm not going to want to walk a 12lb cat with carrier all the way to the vet by myself.

2 replies · active less than 1 minute ago

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dcn8v · 731 weeks ago

From the Metro website: "Service animals that assist people with disabilities are the only animals permitted to ride unconfined on Metrorail and Metrobus. However, a pet may be transported on Metrorail and Metrobus, provided it is carried aboard in a secure container from which it cannot escape."

0 Vote up Vote down

EMD · 731 weeks ago

Great, thank you!

+15 Vote up Vote down

Guest · 731 weeks ago

At Fort Totten they have service raccoons!

1 reply · active less than 1 minute ago

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Ever and Anon · 731 weeks ago

Good one!

+3 Vote up Vote down

Roma Tekovi · 731 weeks ago

MTPD's hands are tied as far as "service" dogs being allowed on Metro. MTPD cannot ask for proof of the animal being as service dog -- only whether or not that it *is* a service animal. Requesting proof would put them under sanction from the American with Disabilities Act. So, you can go in with seven ferrets in a basket and say they're service animals and, if challenged by an officer, you do not not have to prove anything...

2 replies · active less than 1 minute ago

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demonfafa 50p · 731 weeks ago

You can even legally claim a dog is a "service dog" if it keeps you from getting depressed or so lonely you kill yourself. They don't allow dogs in my apartment building, but my property manager let me in on that technicality which the ADA provides as "comfort animals."

Frankly, while certain small dogs are cute despite their yappiness, they're not practical or reliable enough as service animals - nor do they have a place on Metro.

+1 Vote up Vote down

Meredith · 729 weeks ago

This is not correct. Feel free to inform your property manager that "comfort animals," also known as Emotional Support Animals, are NOT covered by the ADA. Psychiatric Service Animals, who perform very specific tasks, are the only covered animals for mental illnesses.

More information: http://psychiatricservicedogs.pbworks.com/w/page/...

+1 Vote up Vote down

www.AccessTheDMV.com · 731 weeks ago

The nerve some people have. There are reports that people who NEED service animals can't access some places ALOT more than others, when a service animal is allowed to go ANYWHERE the it's team member can go.

+10 Vote up Vote down

Thruhike98 · 731 weeks ago

This is an example of the "but that law/rule doesn't apply to me" mentality that pervades the area, whether it's the Metro, driving (texting-while-driving, turning from the wrong lane, running red lights, passing on a solid center line), parking (double parking, fire lanes, hazard-lights-trump-posted-signs), ignoring the queue at a store or event, the list goes on...

1 reply · active less than 1 minute ago

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Local Cop · 731 weeks ago

But the law doesn't apply to me! I'm special. Now get out of my way I need a doughnut.

+4 Vote up Vote down

hrh king friday 13 · 731 weeks ago

It's a service dog for deterring Jeter gangs.

+5 Vote up Vote down

Business · 731 weeks ago

I don't see a carrier here from which a dog could not escape...Just sayin'

+3 Vote up Vote down

Metrobitesit · 731 weeks ago

Seriously, cute puppies are your biggest problem with Metro?

+4 Vote up Vote down

@InVinoVeritasBC · 731 weeks ago

PUPPIES!! I'm all for a cute furry puppeh making my commute better. I could care less :)

+9 Vote up Vote down

Geoff · 731 weeks ago

I was consulting the Metro fare table (Vol. II, chapter 8, section 3b), and was unable to find the the peak of the peak fares for canines.

+2 Vote up Vote down

MRH · 731 weeks ago

This brings up something I have been wanting to ask UnsuckMetro.

You see the signs on the buses and trains saying "No Animals"

Yet on their online FAQ, it clearly states that crated pets are allowed: http://www.wmata.com/about_metro/faqs.cfm#pets

Now, this doesn't apply to the furry folks above, but I wanted to find out if anyone knows what the policy is, since the signs and the rules online seem to say two separate things.

8 replies · active 731 weeks ago

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unsuckdcmetro 92p · 731 weeks ago

Well, if you're thinking about transporting an animal, I'd cite the policy on the website. That seems to make more sense than a blanket "no animals" since not all pet owners are car owners and may use Metro to go to the vet, etc.

I'd be prepared, however, for the possibility of encountering a Metro employee who doesn't know the rules.

Perhaps bring a printed copy of the rule with you when/if you transport your pet via Metro.

Neither of the "cases" above appear to be very escape proof.

+10 Vote up Vote down

unsuckdcmetro 92p · 731 weeks ago

But also be prepared to be barked at by a Metro employee. Sorry couldn't resist.

+1 Vote up Vote down

Ever and Anon · 731 weeks ago

And hook the rules to the dog's collar beneath their chin so the Metro guy can be sure to read it.. if they dare.. which they won't.

You are on a roll today Unsuck. :D

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Ugh · 731 weeks ago

"If they dare"? You mean, "if they can"

+2 Vote up Vote down

anon · 731 weeks ago

There are many other rules that need enforcing. I have seen supervisors on personal cell phones and a supervisor I was told crashed a Metro vehical while texting a couple of weeks ago!

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Meredith · 729 weeks ago

I encountered no resistance when bringing a cat on the train in a carrier. I did place a blanket over the carrier, with the hope that it would make her feel more comfortable. I don't think it worked, because she yowled quite a bit, but I think it may have been better than without a cover.

But nobody - WMATA, MTPD, or fellow passengers - stopped me or even asked if that was allowed.

+4 Vote up Vote down

amy421 · 731 weeks ago

I've taken my dog on the metro inside a crate and wasn't given any problems. One metro employee even crouched down to see him in his kennel while we were waiting on the train and said hello. No problems.

+7 Vote up Vote down

MRH · 731 weeks ago

I want to take on a large crated animal, like a pony in a trailer:)

+1 Vote up Vote down

One take · 731 weeks ago

While the first little guy is undeniably cute; proper procedures and regulations need to be followed in as far as service dogs so that an alternative situation does not arise; for example where the govt. subsidized hip hop Jeter Kids start bringing their pit bulls on the METRO. We don't need the already wild animals bringing their own wild animals.

This begin said, unless he’s working, leave Mr. Shaggy at home.

2 replies · active less than 1 minute ago

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abc · 731 weeks ago

Actually most pit bulls aren't violent. The behavior is brought out by bad owners.

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One take · 731 weeks ago

Point taken. I should have been clearer in my earlier post.

Violent Jeter Kids who are obsessed with anything violent will take pride in training a dog to be violent; regardless of breed. I’ve known many a sweet Pit Bull and Rottweiler whose suburban owners aren’t violent thugs.

Cheers.

+1 Vote up Vote down

mike · 731 weeks ago

If Elle Woods lived here, I'm sure she would be taking Bruiser on the Metro with her all the time, proudly poking his head out of Elle's pink designer handbag.

1 reply · active less than 1 minute ago

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@DC_Chickie · 731 weeks ago

*DORK ALERT* According to the film, she does live here. And I don't ever see someone like that taking the metro. Could you really see a Paris Hilton type on a subway train with homeless people?

+2 Vote up Vote down

Steve · 731 weeks ago

The ADA doesnt limit service animals to specific breeds of dogs, and a person is not legally required to have a vest or other "identifier" on their animal. You'd be surprised what a dog can be trained to do.

2 replies · active less than 1 minute ago

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Ugh · 731 weeks ago

I'm starting to understand now.

People in DC think they're above the law because they're all mentally disabled.

+1 Vote up Vote down

Steve · 731 weeks ago

How did you come to that conclusion from what I said? Have you ever actually read the Americans with Disabilities Act?

I'm quite certain the ADA doesnt cover emotional support animals, but only service animals that assist in tasks one needs to live life. So rather than assume everyone who has a service animal considers themselves "above the law," why dont you actually READ the law? Not everyone has a disability that is blatantly obvious...

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@pattonlg · 731 weeks ago

couple thoughts, Metro says you can have an animal on the Metro as long as it is contained, so some of those pics don't apply. YES there are animals that are Service Animals that don't fit the conventional thoughts on service animals. We have a small dog that is a medical alert dog. He does walk on the metro however he also has a vest and a hang tag from his leash. I will also say that our dog is better behaved than most of the children (and adults) I have seen on the metro

+1 Vote up Vote down

Guest · 731 weeks ago

I once saw McGruff in Union Station. He wasn't in a carrier or on a leash!

1 reply · active less than 1 minute ago

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MadAsHeck · 731 weeks ago

Was he being punched by a Metro employee?

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Doc · 731 weeks ago

most metro employees are dogs so whats the issue.they have crap falling apart with no cares in the world other then cashing them big checks.

+3 Vote up Vote down

No one · 731 weeks ago

It thinks it's people.

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abc · 731 weeks ago

I have a problem with metro not allowing animals on at least some trains and buses that can be contained in a carrier. Metro on there own site wants to preach about how you don't need a car and should dump your car and go metro only and supposedly save all this money. Then at the same time they want to tell me that should I need to take my pet to the vet or anywhere else I can't use there service to do that and am stuck paying 20-30 dollars for a cab each way that can take who knows how long to show up at my door. If you want to know why I refuse to get rid of my car this is one of the main reasons.

1 reply · active less than 1 minute ago

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Meredith · 729 weeks ago

Read more closely: You are welcome to bring your pet onto trains and buses at any time, as long as it is in a carrier from which it cannot escape. (eg, a cat carrier with a locking door, not a handbag)

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Kathryn · 731 weeks ago

It's surprising to me that so many pets will ride quietly. I always opt for a taxicab when I have to transport my cat. Mainly because I would not want to subject the other Metro riders to fifteen pounds of wailing orange tabby. What a set of lungs he has! I always tell the cab driver he will get a nice tip for putting up with it.

0 Vote up Vote down

EMS · 731 weeks ago

After the big red line accident, I spotted a girl toting around her dog in her purse -> http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v48...

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sarah · 730 weeks ago

Why wouldn't you want dogs on the metro?!? It's the only spot of sunshine in a rainstorm.

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Michael · 729 weeks ago

I have a friend who has mental illness and does have a very tiny dog as a service animal and he wears one of the DO NOT PET ME service animal vests so it doesnt always have to be a large dog .

+1 Vote up Vote down

TheRedQueen · 728 weeks ago

There is no requirement under the ADA for a SD to wear identification. Most SD handers prefer to have ID (vest, cape, tags, labeled leash, etc), but it is not required.

The DOJ however did change the law, and only dogs (with some mini horses grandfathered in) can be Service Animals now...no more ferrets, iguanas, macaws, etc.