@Zaira Bernal Thank you for answering. Here is what I have seen and done to help.
The dog I trained for the client was homeless. The client rescued the dog off the streets. So the dog didn't know how to act in a "home" environment. If you can imagine how the dog was when both the client and dog went into public housing, the issues the dog was presenting. It was not aggressive, but it was destructive. That was all it knew. I wish there were more cases like this one that could have had a positive outcome but, there are not. I have seen too many dogs snatched by rescues from the homeless without thinking about the person the dog belongs to, homeless or not.
Yes, Service animals are to be task trained and bomb proof if you will. I have come across "service dogs" that alert owners to medical conditions naturally without any training at all. (the human-animal bond in play) Without some kind of formal training the dog doesn't know how to act properly otherwise I see an ESA.
I have a personal dog who detects diabetes naturally. No, I don't have that. He alerts people in public. He is a registered Therapy Canine. I am giving this information because there are dogs like this that are said to be "Service Dogs" who don't know how to act in public because they don't have any training what so ever.
Some times it is not good to be a dog trainer.
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Kim Jackson
Dog Trainer
For The Puppies Foundation Inc
MS
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Original Message:
Sent: 12-10-2024 11:15 AM
From: Zaira Bernal
Subject: Community Conversations - 12/09/24 - Power and Pushback: Addressing Housing Provider Resistance to Emotional Support Animal Protections
Thank you for posing this question and for following @Kim Jackson!
Under the Fair Housing Act (FHA), there is no specific training requirement for emotional support animals (ESAs). Unlike service animals, which are trained to perform specific tasks, ESAs provide support through their presence and do not need formal training. However, the animal (both ESAs and service animals) must not pose a direct threat to the safety of others or cause significant damage to property.
If the animal does require training-for example, to address behavioral issues-a tenant may offer training as a solution to the landlord, such as enrolling the dog in training and implementing measures like leashing or using a soft muzzle in common areas during the training period. This demonstrates good faith and a commitment to resolving concerns while maintaining the tenant's right to keep their assistance animal.
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Zaira Bernal
Paralegal
HOUSING EQUALITY & ADVOCACY RESOURCE TEAM
CA
Original Message:
Sent: 12-09-2024 04:54 PM
From: Maddie's Pet Forum Admin
Subject: Community Conversations - 12/09/24 - Power and Pushback: Addressing Housing Provider Resistance to Emotional Support Animal Protections
Unanswered question from the chat:
"What is the requirement for training for support dogs? What if the dog does need training?" - Stefanie Holzman
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Maddie's Pet Forum Admin
Maddie's Fund
Original Message:
Sent: 12-03-2024 09:32 AM
From: Maddie's Pet Forum Admin
Subject: Community Conversations - 12/09/24 - Power and Pushback: Addressing Housing Provider Resistance to Emotional Support Animal Protections
Updated 12/9/24 at 4:02 pm PT: Recording now available to watch on-demand!
We hope to see you on the next Community Conversation on Monday, 12/09/24 at 11am PT for "Power and Pushback: Addressing Housing Provider Resistance to Emotional Support Animal Protections," a presentation by @Diana Cruz and @Zaira Bernal from HEART LA (Housing Equity & Advocacy Resource Team).
In this follow-up presentation to the Community Conversation on 10/28/24, we shift the focus from individual barriers to the systemic challenges presented by housing providers, particularly small property owners, in ensuring the legal protections afforded to tenants with Emotional Support Animals (ESAs). Despite clear state and federal laws, housing providers often disregard these protections, leading to ongoing harassment, pushback, and, in some cases, the denial of rightful accommodations for individuals with disabilities. This presentation will explore how tenants frequently report resistance even after informing them of their rights, highlighting the critical role larger organizations play in advocating on their behalf.
The presentation will conclude by offering strategies for intervention that our organization has found effective. These include drafting reasonable accommodation requests on behalf of our clients, involving governmental agencies, and partnering with animal welfare organizations to identify solutions that benefit all parties. By acknowledging housing providers as actors in the housing ecosystem and uplifting tenant power, this presentation aims to foster a more equitable approach to ESA-related housing issues, ensuring that legal protections are upheld for vulnerable individuals in our community.
Maddie's Fund will also be announcing the November grant giveaway winners!
Register for Community Conversations hosted via Zoom: https://maddies.fund/CommunityConvoRegistration2024
Make sure you are using the latest version of Zoom when you join us!
If you are unable to make it live on Monday, this thread will be updated with the recording and resources so you can watch and share whenever you'd like. After you watch the recording on-demand or attend the call live, be sure to complete this new December 2024 entry form to enter to win up to a $5,000 grant: https://www.maddiesfund.org/weekly-community-conversations-dec24-giveaway.htm
#AccesstoCare
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Maddie's Pet Forum Admin
Maddie's Fund
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