Service Dog denied access at the Post Office

[maggiemoose]

I've recently relocated to TX and was just denied access to the local post office with my service dog. They do have signs up that state 'guide dogs only'. Since this is a federal building and I haven't had my SD for very long I'm wondering if they really are allowed to get away with that and what I can do, if anything? I have severe PTSD and cannot leave my house without her. Before her I couldn't go anywhere alone. I find myself a bit dismayed at the thought of not being allowed to go get stamps or pick up packages sent by family....any ideas? I tried giving the postmaster the ADA handout, but she insisted it didn't apply to the post office...:confused:

[Hockey]

This is outrageous!!!! Contact your congressman, your senator, the postmaster general and the local media and make the biggest stink you can.

[SandyC]

I would also call the cops and ask them what the rules are. All service dogs should be permitted into any federal building. Is your service dog papered or did you train her yourself? Some states have strict rules regarding "what" is a service dog and make you prove it by showing a certificate. Please let us know what you find out.

[tamiloo]

Wow, that is not good. I'm in the process of training my dog to use as a service dog. I have PTSD also. I can't take her everywhere with me yet but when I get home she is glued to me. Keep us up to date on what you find out...:hug:

[maggiemoose]

I would also call the cops and ask them what the rules are. All service dogs should be permitted into any federal building. Is your service dog papered or did you train her yourself? Some states have strict rules regarding "what" is a service dog and make you prove it by showing a certificate. Please let us know what you find out.

Nope, after talking to trainers I found out a servcie dog was going to cost about $40,000 for my specific needs (mobility assist and medical assist), plus the waiting list for a dog that could handle the work was going to be at least two years or more. So I trained her myself, but had the advice from many other trainers to help, and of course she passed her CGC test. (Has nothing to do with service dog training other than it's a way to certify that she's good with other dogs and people.) Make no mistake, she's had hundreds of hours worth of training and does tasks that not even a human assistant can do (like alert me to a pending panic attack before I'm aware that I'm getting upset). The federal law allows people to train their own dogs (no certificates required) for this exact reason..who can afford $40,000 when they're disabled and on a fixed income?!

I thought federal law trumped state law with regards to access for disabled people. Isn't the post office a federal building? I sent emails out to the DOJ, and an advocacy agency in my area. I will let everyone know what I find. I will also call the police, but I bet even they won't know the law.

And to anyone even considering a servcie dog, I would ask if you really are prepared to be challenged or denied access every single day you go out in public until all of your 'regular' businesses are familiar with the law. It's frustrating, heartbreaking on days when you're not emotionally ready, and sometimes angering. I'd even go so far as to take a witness with you when entering a new building if you're in an area that seems to be completely unaware of the access laws, like my portion of TX. :D Not that it will help much, but they can keep you calmer and there is strength in numbers. Good luck to everyone that needs a service dog, and I don't mean to be discouraging about getting one, just prepare yourself in case your area hasn't done a good job with educating the businesses about the access laws!

[maggiemoose]

Wow, that is not good. I'm in the process of training my dog to use as a service dog. I have PTSD also. I can't take her everywhere with me yet but when I get home she is glued to me. Keep us up to date on what you find out...:hug:

Oh, and I forgot to say that you should check the access laws for your state. Many states have or are going to pass laws that allow you to take your SDIT (service dog in training) almost everywhere so that you can actually train him/her in public. Otherwise, it's a bit hard to expose them to elevators, (never use escalators, their pads can get pinched and will bleed), stairs, crowds, etc. Good luck training your dog!

[maggiemoose]

Just got off the phone with the police. They admitted they have no clue what the access laws are, and apparently neither did the lady's sergeant, since she asked him at my request. They have no idea where I would go to for help on this, but suggested the 'postal police' and gave a phone number. I wasn't aware the postal service had it's own police. Who knew?! So, I'm off to go bang my head against another wall...

[dahlek]

First - the Post Office is FEDERAL property. Access cannot be denied, if you've a certified service dog. Call one of your US senators or your US reprepresentative. THIS type of issue is why they have staffs! Ask for the info you need to allow the dog access w/o any problems in the future.
Second - IF your dog was just only a leash, HOW is anyone gonna KNOW it's a service dog? Here is a site to help you:
http://www.servicedogsamerica.org/certification/index.html And:
http://www.servicedogsamerica.org/faq.html
It's not a big site? But a 'jacket' or the like sure can squelch problems before they occur. They also have some very good links to other resources.
I'll bet tho? IF you have that post offices' postmaster's name, and the post offices' phone # when [go the the US post office web site and you should get names from there...] talking to your congressmen or senators [hey call 'em all!] that that ENTIRE post office staff will be very quickly educated to this aspect of the ADA act!
Yes, this all mite take some time and local phone calls or e-mails? But, I'll bet that you have NO problems in the future!
Do let us know what all happens, please. - j