Enforcing the 'No Pet Policy' at MVC locations - petition

[tschwa2]

I'm pretty sure requiring the person with disabilities and their service animal to be present at check-in when other guests need not is an ADA violation.

I agree but a simple form could be included in the check in process.
Are you or any of your guests traveling with a service animal Y N
Is the dog a service animal required because of a disability Y N
What work or task has the dog been trained to perform ____________________________________
Include a quick definition of a service animal and the fact that ESA aren't considered service animals. Mention the fee which will be charged if a non service animal is found, etc. Have them initial in each spot and then sign at the bottom.

 

[tschwa2]

How is that a violation? ADA is not a “just take their word for it” act. It’s entirely within bounds to expect proof is given.

The abuses of pets being brought to no pet resorts is out of control. I applaud any and all attempts to rein in this abuse.

ADA was designed as a take my word for it and requiring proof actually was the only part of the law that could result in a huge fine for the business.

 

[dioxide45]

People who are abusing the policy already know what to say if asked about their animal. The biggest problem is that the resort either doesn't know the animal is there (people sneak them in), the resort doesn't ask the questions or simply doesn't enforce the policy at all. I don't really expect anything to change. Changing the wording in welcome emails won't change anything until people bringing pets are challenged by the resort on if the animal they have is pet or service animal.

People certainly have the things that they get worked up about. For me, pets at the resort don't bother me that much. I see them, I might smile to myself and think about this thread, but move on with my vacation. I saw one walking by the pool when I was talking with @dougp26364 at Ocean Pointe. It was quite clear that it was probably a pet and not a trained service animal. But did it really negatively impact my vacation? Not really. I do understand that some people have bad reactions if a pet has been in a room before them. For me, it would only really bother me if I let it bother me. Thinking about the pot thread, that is something that has negatively impacted multiple timeshare stays we have been on. For other people, they probably don't care about pot smokers around the resort.

 

[tschwa2]

People who are abusing the policy already know what to say if asked about their animal. The biggest problem is that the resort either doesn't know the animal is there (people sneak them in), the resort doesn't ask the questions or simply doesn't enforce the policy at all. I don't really expect anything to change. Changing the wording in welcome emails won't change anything until people bringing pets are challenged by the resort on if the animal they have is pet or service animal.

People certainly have the things that they get worked up about. For me, pets at the resort don't bother me that much. I see them, I might smile to myself and think about this thread, but move on with my vacation. I saw one walking by the pool when I was talking with @dougp26364 at Ocean Pointe. It was quite clear that it was probably a pet and not a trained service animal. But did it really negatively impact my vacation? Not really. It would only really bother me if I let it bother me. Thinking about the pot thread, that is something that has negatively impacted multiple timeshare stays we have been on. For other people, they probably don't care about pot smokers around the resort.

I think the people know what to say but having them sign may make them a little more hesitant. I think most of the time they probably don't have to lie, they just try to hide the pet and only lie if they get caught and confronted which is probably less than 1/3 of the time.

 

[dioxide45]

I think the people know what to say but having them sign may make them a little more hesitant. I think most of the time they probably don't have to lie, they just try to hide the pet and only lie if they get caught and confronted which is probably less than 1/3 of the time.

The problem is, if the pet is sitting in the car while they are checking in they will sign the form and deal with the consequences later, if they are even challenged.

 

[tschwa2]

The problem is, if the pet is sitting in the car while they are checking in they will sign the form and deal with the consequences later, if they are even challenged.

but they will either say no, there is no service dog and if they are challenged later it could come with the $500 cleaning fee automatically added that they would have to fight off or they would have to go on record with a specific task the dog does which may deter the less hard core cheaters.

 

[pedro47]

One clue it is a pet and not a sevice animal. A trained service animal will not bark at a stranger.

 

[VacationForever]

One clue it is a pet and not a sevice animal. A trained service animal will not bark at a stranger.

Is the reverse true if the animal does not bark? If a dog does not bark, sits quietly by the handler, how can we tell if it is a service dog or a pet? Would people be bothered by the presence of such an animal?

 

[bazzap]

Is the reverse true if the animal does not bark? If a dog does not bark, sits quietly by the handler, how can we tell if it is a service dog or a pet? Would people be bothered by the presence of such an animal?

Yes

 

[VacationForever]

Yes

Why? If the dog appears to be service dog and we cannot verify it one way or the other, why should one be bothered? If I have a dog allergy, then service dogs are also going to be a problem for me. My point is that if the animal passes the sniff test, we cannot really challenge the owner as to whether it is a service dog or not.

 

[bazzap]

Why? If the dog appears to be service dog and we cannot verify it one way or the other, why should one be bothered? If I have a dog allergy, then service dogs are also going to be a problem for me. My point is that if the animal passes the sniff test, we cannot really challenge the owner as to whether it is a service dog or not.

Why? Because I bought into a Marriott Vacation Club agreeing to HOPA rules which do not allow pets (or smoking or over occupancy etc)
All very reasonable rules, which I expect to be followed by all of us as owners and enforced if they are not.

 

[Superchief]

Thinking about the pot thread, that is something that has negatively impacted multiple timeshare stays we have been on. For other people, they probably don't care about pot smokers around the resort.

Then you won't mind if I bring my pit to help enforce the no pot smoking rules. She would do a great 'service'!

 

[vail]

The problem is, if the pet is sitting in the car while they are checking in they will sign the form and deal with the consequences later, if they are even challenged.

A real service dog goes and does the check in while the owner waits in the car.

 

[VacationForever]

Why? Because I bought into a Marriott Vacation Club agreeing to HOPA rules which do not allow pets (or smoking or over occupancy etc)
All very reasonable rules, which I expect to be followed by all of us as owners and enforced if they are not.

I am not advocating people bring pets to the resort. It is just that we will never really know whether a well-behaved dog is a service dog or a pet, so why get worked up over it? Now, if it is a barking or out of control dog, I normally get pissed off.

 

[DRH90277]

With respect to Pets - Timeshare users should comply with the same laws that apply to guests at the Marriott "W" brand in a city center. Why would we expect anything less?

I just called a favorite Marriott beach timeshare and was informed that "service animals" are screened and permitted if they pass the screening. If the animal doesn't meet the criteria, they refer them to a local animal boarding facility. The Marriott person was very conversant on the topic and procedures. The answer was no for "emotional support animals."

I question the need for a petition unless there is evidence of a problem and/or non-compliance with resort policy. Did someone see a problem at a Marriott timeshare resort? Perhaps, the resort could spray paint the tail red so we would know it had passed the test.

Watch for the Red tails......


Smoking is either outlawed or severely restricted to certain areas at the resorts.

Use of pot should be absolutely prohibited on the entire resort. That stuff does cause respiratory problems for many.

 

[dioxide45]

With respect to Pets - Timeshare users should comply with the same laws that apply to guests at the Marriott "W" brand in a city center. Why would we expect anything less?

I just called a favorite Marriott beach timeshare and was informed that "service animals" are screened and permitted if they pass the screening. If the animal doesn't meet the criteria, they refer them to a local animal boarding facility. The Marriott person was very conversant on the topic and procedures. The answer was no for "emotional support animals."

I question the need for a petition unless there is evidence of a problem and/or non-compliance with resort policy. Did someone see a problem at a Marriott timeshare resort? Perhaps, the resort could spray paint the tail red so we would know it had passed the test.

Watch for the Red tails......


Smoking is either outlawed or severely restricted to certain areas at the resorts.

Use of pot should be absolutely prohibited on the entire resort. That stuff does cause respiratory problems for many.

What beach resort are you referring to? What type of screening do they do? They are only permitted to ask the owner two questions.

 

[vail]

My tail was spray painted red on my last visit and I had no idea why?

 

[DRH90277]

The resort personnel are better at conveying this than I, so just call a front desk and ask. They did mention two questions - one was about determining whether it was a service animal versus an emotional support animal. I think the second was about what services the animal provided. I also inquired about what animals were permitted and it seems limited to dogs and horses. This was not an exhaustive inquiry but was enough for me.

 

[wjappraise]

From ADA.

“This publication provides guidance on the term “service animal” and the service animal provisions in the Department’s regulations.

Beginning on March 15, 2011, only dogs are recognized as service animals under titles II and III of the ADA.
A service animal is a dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for a person with a disability.
Generally, title II and title III entities must permit service animals to accompany people with disabilities in all areas where members of the public are allowed to go.
How “Service Animal” Is Defined

Service animals are defined as dogs that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities. Examples of such work or tasks include guiding people who are blind, alerting people who are deaf, pulling a wheelchair, alerting and protecting a person who is having a seizure, reminding a person with mental illness to take prescribed medications, calming a person with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) during an anxiety attack, or performing other duties. Service animals are working animals, not pets. The work or task a dog has been trained to provide must be directly related to the person’s disability. Dogs whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals under the ADA.

This definition does not affect or limit the broader definition of “assistance animal” under the Fair Housing Act or the broader definition of “service animal” under the Air Carrier Access Act.

Some State and local laws also define service animal more broadly than the ADA does. Information about such laws can be obtained from the relevant State attorney general’s office.”

Unfortunately I believe those of us opposed to the blatant abuses being foisted on us, are doomed to lose. This past week at a layover at Chicago Midway, I felt like I was at a bus station in a third world country. Dogs everywhere. Barking, growling, fighting, howling, defecating. All while under the care of completely ambulatory, and sighted 20 to 30 year old fliers. That’s the future. Welcome to Cartagena. It’s become a badge of honor for those fliers to game the system and bring the high priced pedigree dog on vacation with them.

I don’t see rational thought coming out victorious here. I feel bad for the truly disabled individual reliant on a dog to “see” or “hear” for them, as they are lumped in with the selfish actions of deluded pet owners.

 

[vail]

. I also inquired about what animals were permitted and it seems limited to dogs and horses.

Next thing you know Secretariat will be staying next door to me?

 

[wjappraise]

Next thing you know Secretariat will be staying next door to me?

The floor above you … clop clop.

 

[vail]

The floor above you … clop clop.

and I always thought those were little children running around?

 

[MrockStar]

Is the reverse true if the animal does not bark? If a dog does not bark, sits quietly by the handler, how can we tell if it is a service dog or a pet? Would people be bothered by the presence of such an animal?

Not as much. I like peace and quiet at night and early morning.

 

[MrockStar]

I also love dogs we have one but would never dream of taking it on vacation to our time share.

 

[DRH90277]

I also love dogs we have one but would never dream of taking it on vacation to our time share.

I only wish I could meet some of you to discuss this more thoroughly. Perhaps, someone could pick a resort and we could bring our horses and red-tailed dogs. We could test the front desk screening process and then get people to sign petitions.