Matt I wish I had time to shake your hand today. The way you dealt with the two idiots that brought the only dog I saw in Costco today was a tremendous step in the right direction. I’ve been going to your Costco for years and called local management and corporate about the dogs I’ve seen that were in no way,shape or form service dogs in the store. I thought I was getting no where and just ended up commiserating on r/dogfree about the numerous outlandish incidents I’ve seen with dogs in a store that sells food and has open samples that could easily be dandered or shedded on. It was disgusting and obnoxious behavior that seemed tolerated.

Then last year signs went up that said “service dogs only and no ESA animals” and saw a ray of hope only to be disappointed to still see dogs and eventually a huge triangular shaped turd by checkout.

Today I saw actual progress due to your assertiveness Matt. I tried to lean in and hear the conversation. I noticed the stupid white terror with a knitted sweater on and a woman bending down soothing him because of your assertiveness Matt. I couldn’t hear much because it was busy and I was in a hurry for my kid’s appointment but I did manage to hear the owner saying “but this dog is licensed for my Anxiety “ and you said “but that’s not a service dog” granted it was easily assessed because the dog was small and stupid as well as no identification just a stupid sweater that the two owners were probably hoping would get lots of “oooohs and ahhhs “ but you hung in there arguing . I got out of ear shot and the conversation was still ongoing but I just want to say that this is the first time I’ve seen a worker approach and scold a customer and I really,really appreciate it and I’m sure the majority of shoppers do as well.

Thank you so much Matt. I wish every store had a Matt like you. Happy New Year! You gave me hope for 2026.

I called out a dog nutter at a thrift a few months ago. She ignored the "No pets. Service animals only." sign per usual. She had the filthy mutant in the kart. I informed her that pets aren't allowed and that there's a sign on the door. She then went told a cashier about it came back to me and claimed that the cashier said that there wouldn't be an issue unless someone complained. I told her "No pets, service animals only. People have allergies you codependent weirdo!" and walked away. I was in check out and she came back again and tried to lecture me about how her dog is an "emotional support animal" with the scraggly mutant still in the kart and how she "Has a license for it.". She then accused me of being racist due to our contrasting skin tones and I shot back with, "Racist!? You're the only one with a dog in the store!". "People have allergies and can go into anaphylactic shock!". She actually left out the door after that. She slow walked, then stopped staired at me through the window. I looked at her, waved, and said "Bye!" because what else was I supposed to do?

I had never been able to call out a dog nutter to that existent before. I've only been able to give dirty looks, scoff, and mumble remarks up until now. I'm not usually a confrontational person and was shaking from the adrenaline rush, but damn did it feel good! The euphoric high I got from this is something that cannot be replicated by the best street drugs.

For real though, I don't fault the casher for what they said. The last thing they want to deal with is some salty dog nutter taking their place of employment to court and them losing their job over it. We the shoppers have the power to shame these dog nutters out of stores where the employees cannot. We should use our power more often.

Rider was already over 5: minutes late, so I got a cancellation fee. When she finally came out, a small Yorkie type rat NOT ON A LEASH ran out with her. I told her that was obviously NOT a service dog (didn't even have fake vest) and it wasn't getting in the car. She stuttered a bit and said it was an ESA. I told her ESAs are NOT covered under ADA laws and happily drove away!

Just doing my part to not let this BS ESA crap happen where I can stop it! 💪

I'm so fuckin sick of these dog loving weirdos who have to bring their "emotional support animals" every damn place they go. I'm boarding a flight right now and this broad in front of me has this tiny little mongrel (I think they'd call it a "teacup poodle") with her, not in a box or in her purse, but on a leash and pissing all over the airport. And because she has this tiny evolutionary abomination, of course she gets to pre board. This lady seems totally obsessed with her little rat and I'm sure she'll talk nonstop to her seat neighbor about how wonderful it is the whole flight. I'll be so pissed if I have to sit next to this loony toon.

Just earlier I was boarding a flight when I hear this loud, ear-piercing barking coming from nearby. I look up and see this couple walking down the aisle with a basket in their hands, containing a dog. They go to the row almost DIRECTLY BEHIND ME and they sit down. I already knew this would be a terrible flight.

The dog was barking its throat out for a solid five minutes. Just when I couldn't think it could get any worse, it did. Queue a lady boarding the plane with her baby. The lady and her baby sat down in the row behind me. Once the dog saw the baby, it went ballistic. The owners just chuckled as they tried to restrain the dog who was lunging for the baby, all while emitting a nonstop stream of aggressive barking. Of course, the baby got scared and started crying. Normally I dislike loud, crying babies on planes, but who could blame them. I wanted to cry too.

Now here's what I didn't expect. A few minutes later, some flight attendants showed up to question the couple. They told them it was a """service dog""" (yeah right). The flight attendants weren't having it, and demanded to see its papers. That shut them up real quick. "You need to have papers if you want to bring dogs onto flights," they said, and promptly picked up the dog and carried it off the plane.

I was instantly relieved. What ended up happing to the dog? Don't know, don't care. The issue was that other people on the flight began protesting. "It's a dog, that's just what they do!" they cried. Yeah, no shit. I couldn't really understand why they kept defending it, that dog was being a nuisance. And people have the right to feel safe in public spaces. So keep your dogs off the plane, thank you very much.

Long story short, the dog got kicked off the plane and I got to enjoy my flight in peace.

I feel like the whole emotional support animal thing is an excuse for people to bring their dog anywhere with them. What happened to leaving this stuff to doctors? I've seen sites that offer ESA certification, I never looked into it so I'm not sure how legit it is. I worry one day I'm going to run into some untrained dog wearing a custom rainbow vest that's gonna run up to me and not leave me alone while I'm trying to go shopping. Thoughts?

Went to Costco this week and saw two big signs over both entrances saying that dogs were only allowed if in if they are service animals. Here is exactly what the sign says in smaller text beneath a profile of a dog with a line through it.

“Service Animals means any animal trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability. Pets providing emotional support, well being, comfort or companionship are not recognized as servico animals under ADA regulations.”

Man! I was so happy to see this. It made my heart sing!

I’ve seen a rowdy bird dog at this location before. I also saw a Rottweiler with a woman in gym clothes was apparently training the dog to do tricks around people and nobody said a thing! I complained to corporate on that one. Maybe it made a difference?!! I like to think it helped. I really like Costco and was always on alert for dog hi jinx but apparently it will be better going forward. Such a relief that I may even start buying perishables there again. That Springer Spaniel running around the meat section plus the dog shit on the floor by checkout last month really made me weary of buying meat and produce there. Now I feel like a weight has been lifted. Just wanted to share the good fortune of something that should have been this way ALL ALONG!

This is the second time I’ve seen a sign like this year. At a garden center these signs recently went up. I was overjoyed. Maybe the tide is changing just a tiny bit but I’ll take it!

At the doctor's office today, a woman came in with her obvious pit-mix. As she was checking in at the front desk, I sensed someone staring at me and it wasn't another patient, it was her dog. It was the most uncomfortable feeling. I would look away but whenever I looked back, it was still staring at me. Fixedly. It was frankly frightening.

The owner, who look like she came from the "People of Walmart" page," did not have a vest or harness on the dog. I can't believe people are so clueless. A dog in a doctor's office? So unsanitary. I wanted to confront her but she was arguing with the front desk while her pit just kept staring at me. I was braced for an attack. Thank God I was called in before I had any contact with them.

I went to Target yesterday and I saw they had a sign on the door that said "No Pets Allowed". Below it was the caveat "service animals welcome" but it went on to say things like "Service animals don't ride in the cart. Service animals don't go in your purse. Service animals don't bother other guests" etc.

Obviously they're tired of the games too.

(I wish I took a picture)

Last Saturday, I went to a store and saw an older lady with one of those white rat dogs with the eye gunk in her cart. She was of course parading proudly up and down the aisles while her rat was barking at people (so clearly NOT a service dog). I didn’t give her the attention she craved.

Instead I went on the corporate page and found a form to fill out. I explained where I was and about what time of day it was. The dog was in the cart barking at people, very clearly not a service dog. I said the staff needs to step in and say something. Also gross that it was in the cart because this store also sells food. I don’t want to put my food in a cart where a dog’s asshole has been sitting for an hour.

To my surprise, they actually responded to me. They said they’ve alerted the staff at that location that only service animals are allowed, and they also offered me a $25 gift card. I was like sweet. I mean who knows if the Saturday shift workers will give a crap, but it made me feel better to say something. I’m tired of nutters thinking they run the world.

I’m going to an event at the weekend - a castle with jousting and the usual falconry etc. Imagine my delight when I look at their website and I see this! People are wising up to their nonsense - emotional support animals are not real!

Dogs, including emotional support dogs, are NOT permitted due to the presence of horses and birds of prey.

Although I suppose it is a bit sad that it needs saying!

I am not talking about regular dogs with fake ESD vests, though those suck too. I am specifically talking about the ones that are rigorously trained for emotional support. This is probably a controversial opinion, but I've just been feeling this way since I was a teen.

When I researched how professional ESDs are trained, I learned that the trainer commands the dog to do something 'comforting,' such as snuggle up to the human or rest on their lap, and then they get a treat every time they do this.

In other words, they are only comforting you for food. They don't actually give a shit what's going on or how you're feeling. They just want the damn milkbone. The fact that the dog is being bribed to 'care' just makes me wonder why so many people don't see anything wrong with this. Why do people get so emotionally attached to animals that will only be sweet if a snack is involved? It's like an AI model that will only chat with you if you pay.

A warm teddybear is the exact same as an ESD, just without the manipulation. If you're feeling stressed or sad, just squeeze the teddy. Or, if you must have a living, breathing animal, get a pet that doesn't come to you in exchange for treats.

Here is the link https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/couple-whose-airbnb-host-canceled-170236301.html

Basically someone rented an Airbnb then the host found out they were bringing a service dog then cancelled on them. The would be renter offered to leave the dog at home but the host still declined. Others stepped up offering that they could stay with them instead.

Am I the only one who's on the host's side? For one I should be able to only open up my home to the people I choose, especially since I'm not being racist etc but simply saying I don't want pet lovers in MY home. Second, the renter offered to leave their dog at home. I can't imagine someone who really needs their "service" dog making such an offer, it would be a deal breaker. To me that means it's merely a pet and this is more ESA horse manure.

Thoughts?

I'm tired of apartments allowing animals. The poop is never cleaned. The dogs bark all day from boredom. Their units are beyond a deposit in damages. A lot of complexes and landlords hate having to accept dogs due to ESA.

Same with stores. Grocery stores and fast food especially. So gross. The dogs poop and pee inside for the employees to clean up. They want dogs banned from their stores lol.

Even airports now. Thankfully with pet relief inside usually but they poop and pee outside of it and owners ignore it. A pibble that is snarling at a child is allowed on. The flight attendants obviously hate this.

I had to run to Walmart to get something the other evening with my daughter, 5yo.

Two crappy owners had their fucking mutts in the store and they got too close to one another and started barking and growling and howling. One of them was moreso shrieking, honestly.

My daughter is sensitive to noise and also dislikes dogs so she covered her ears and panicked, screaming and crying. The lady with the shrieking dog apologized but I told her that it clearly wasn't a trained service dog and it shouldn't be in the store.

I didn't say it quite so nicely though.

I'm just so tired of these damn things causing chaos. I really wanted to scream at the lady but I don't have that kind of energy.

Just a rant from a stressed mom. Thanks for listening.

I was recently on vacation in San Francisco. We were waiting in line for the cable cars and this woman and her boyfriend were practically making out with their bull dog with its "service dog" vest. Clearly, these two thought the dog was their baby. There was no way this thing was a service dog. The woman was kissing it and baby-talking it to the extent that it was almost obscene. These people are so damn entitled it's disgusting. I took a picture of her and uploaded it to imgur. You can see it here and I hope it conveys the ridiculousness of dog lovers. Would love to hear what you all think.

We went to a nice restaurant yesterday for Valentine's day. In comes a couple with a mangy, dirty white dog and gets seated at the table next to us. Then, they put the dog in a chair at the table! I couldn't believe it. I pretty much ignored them as they asked the server for a bowl of water for the dog.

The food was great, our server was great. When we paid, I asked the server to please mention to the manager that I didn't think dogs should be allowed in restaurants. She says OK. 5 minutes later the manager came over. I told her the same thing. She seemed to agree with me, and said she would tell the district manager.

When we got up to leave, I went up to the table and said, "I don't think dogs should be allowed in restaurants". The man says, "It's a service dog!" I said, "It's a FAKE service dog". I turned around and left.

EDIT: I emailed the corporate office. Thanks for the link, u/TinyEmergencyCake/ on ADA.gov. I sent it as well.

edit: neighbors* fudge autocorrect.

I just called animal control and submitted all the videos we have of them neglecting their dogs. And I used my weapons grade autism (I read the entire county law to find everything to report) to report that the dogs also didn’t have rabies tags or collars on.

I reported the dogs to the community, again. Last time they couldn’t do anything because they were ESA’s.

If the barking doesn’t stop I’m getting a disability rights advocate because the loud nonstop barking hurts my autism.

Thank you guys for being my safe place when the nuts say a dog will help my autism.

Edit for others with autism, cats have been much better at helping me with my social issues, like boundaries far more than a dog ever did.

I didn't know where else to post this. I was dropping someone off at the airport and I kid you not a lady was getting out a car with a kennel in each hand TWO dogs in one kennel, one dog in the other kennel and some poor dog being used as an emotional support (ie service animal) slave on a leash had to be at least 50-60 pounds so 4 fucking dogs total on a plane by a single person lord have mercy

I'm sure she purchased two seats and thats her right, I just found the whole ordeal ridiculous as she seemed to be struggling so bad and that *service dog* was there for absolutely fucking nothing. I'm laughing as I type.

I was travelling in a different state a few days ago and pulled up to a gas station. Did the normal stuff. Went to the bathroom in a stall and next thing I see is a gold retriever with an ESA bandana trying to get a sneaky peak of me. I shooed it and the owner tried to calm it down They did their business, didn't wash their hands and left. I'm frustrated with society. Why can't people leave their nasty creepy dogs in the car/truck/RV when they go to the gas station?

Has anyone seen an instance where an employee got a 'reasonable accommodation' to bring a dog to work? I know many bosses/companies may allow a dog at work. I'm wondering if there's been an instance where they were forced to basically accept the dog at work. I think they may have to if it was a 'bona fide' service dog. I see the fake 'Service Dog, do not pet' vests on dogs in attempts to bring them everywhere.

We have the right to not listen to mutts barking whining, howling and crying at all hours. We have the right not to have mutts sh++ on our property. We have the right not to be assaulted by mutts. We have the right to not have mutt hair on our food. We have the right to not smell your putrid mutt. Fuck your emotional support bullshit. Dognutter's mutts should NEVER EVER be allowed to invade our personal space and destroy our peace of mind because because of their human dognutter emotional problems.
Our mental health is way MORE important than them imposing their FAKE ESA mutt on us.

So I am on LinkedIn pretty often for my work. I've noticed more and more integrations with nutters wanting to share their mutt stories. This first one was posted by someone in my network about sitting next to a (fake) service dog. The photo shows the mutt laying on the floor across this guys floor space. Of course, he didn't mind, he was all too happy to have no leg space so someone could bring their mutt (for free) as a service dog.

"Yesterday, on a flight home from Dallas, I had the pleasure of sitting next to this sweet girl. She was there for her owner and his family but honestly, she gave me comfort also.
Her paws laid across and pushed against my feet for over an hour. Her space hogging didn’t bother me but instead gave me a sense of calm, love, and companionship….. and we just met. Before we parted ways she gave me some sugar and said goodbye.
In saying this, I reflect on the industry I stumbled into over a decade ago and am so thankful I did. In our home ….love has 4 legs and we wouldn’t have it any other way."

Now here is one of the comments on the post that of course you would expect. "As an animal health person who stumbled into the business side, we welcome you with open arms  we don't deserve these perfect little creatures."

We don't deserve these perfect little creatures. Really? There's no place that's a safe space anymore without dogs infiltrating. So very sad.