Howe Caverns Calls Out Fake Service Dog Vests, And Guests Agree

A popular Upstate, New York tourist attraction is taking a stand when it comes to service dogs visiting their establishment.

And it's not a the controversial take you might think it would be.

Howe Caverns Release Statement Regarding Service Dogs

Howe Caverns, in Schoharie County, is a popular tourist destination as it is the largest show cave in the northeast.

So of course, thousands of guests visit every year and some of the guest require the use of a service dog.

Howe Caverns recently released a statement regarding service dogs, more specifically to owners with online purchased "Service Dog" vests. In the statement Howe Caverns states At Howe Caverns, we love animals. We truly do. Huge animal lovers over here. The good boys, the good girls - we’re here for it!"

Can you tell there is a big "but" coming?

They continue:

BUT let’s get real for a second. STOP bringing us your “official” service dog cards and vests you bought online. They do not fool us. We know better.

You can read the full statement below:

If you do have a service animal and plan to visit Howe Caverns, they ask that you call ahead to schedule as "Service dogs need a seat on the boat and must be included in the tour count."

Guests React to Howe Caverns "Service Dog" Stance

While the conversation about Service Dogs can be twisted into a controversial topic, many Howe Caverns fans seemed to agree with what their team was saying.

One guest commented on the Facebook post writing: "Thank you for educating the public while supporting the ADA and service dogs and their handlers!!!"

Another commenter added:

As a service dog handler, thank you for not only calling out/standing up to the fakes but also for being an educated business on the topic!

The comment went on to add:

 at the end of the day, the ADA says that even legitimate service dogs can be asked to leave if they are being disruptive or acting inappropriately (which shouldn’t happen, but dogs aren’t robots).

Others had some fun and asked if they could bring their "emotional support alligators" to the caves.

New York State Service Animal Laws: What You Should Know

The New York Attorney General's Office has laws in place regarding service animals across the state.

On the AG's website they explain "A service animal is a working animal, not a pet." They go on to explain that The Americans with Disabilities Act "defines a service animal as any dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability."

These dogs are trained to assist individuals that have disabilities which include physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual and other mental disabilities.

The AG's office adds:

"Dogs that satisfy this definition are considered service animals under the ADA regardless of whether they have been licensed or certified by a state or local government, or any other entity.

If someone with a service dog walks into a public place of business, the business "cannot ask about the nature or extend of a person's disability and my not demand proof that the animal is certified" according to the AG's Office.

The Attorney Generals office states that if it's not "readily apparent that a dog is a service animal" the business may ask the following:

1. if the animal is required because of a disability
2. what work the animal has been trained to perform.

Additionally, the AG's office says that there are many online businesses that sell fake dog certifications, licenses, tags and harnesses that "identify service dogs in exchange for a fee."

Read the full brochure at ag.ny.gov.