Bummer

Service animals have been exploited for a long time.  I knew people who'd put a vest that said "Service Animal" on their dog so they could take it into stores with them.  You can buy a vest on Amazon for under $30.  I bought a body harness for my dog that said "Search and Rescue" on it.  Granted, that's what I do and what I'm training her for, but there was no verification when I made the order.

You are confusing service animals with support animals. Service animals are animals that have been trained to work with one individual and assist those individuals with their disability.  Service animals are limited to dogs, and in some cases miniature horses.  

I haven't seen anything "legitimate' YET and I'm in California. 

Our Community Board has briefly discussed this topic, but unless the animal is something very large (horse, cow, etc) or unruly (ferret, mice?), it wouldn't likely affect our Community too much. Pets are already 'here' so generally no special consideration would need to be provided.

I've not heard of others in this area doing anything yet...

The problem with any rule or restriction is enforcement. 

Hope this helps.
Bruce

I have not encountered that with the HOA (yet).

If I followed what all the HOA's in our area did, that would be a full-time job in and of itself. Have always lived in an HOA community and have yet to really come across this as being a major issue.

Also, don't confuse emotional support animals with service animals. I believe that service animals are quite restricted as to type.

As in all things, service animals have become an abused category. There are always people who push the envelope and think they are entitled. Time to rethink our stance!

Some already have these rules in place.  How rules are tough to change

There are people out there that will take advantage of any situation.

Yes, we have most buildings with HOA/management  regulations for pets.

I've not run across any HOA issues so far nor anyone challenging the pet restrictions because of a service animal.

Very interesting question.  Many of the HOA rules I read clearly define what kind of pets and animals can be kept on a property, I’m sure the day is coming when a homeowner in a subdivision on a 5,000 SF lot will ask that their horse can be in the back yard because it is a service animal.

I have experienced no issues with HOAs and service animals to date, William.

If the critter comes with a blue leash, accompanied by a well crafted letter from an attorney, the HOA is sidelined, but as always, if those on the board are struggling to find relevance in this life, they still can create difficulty for others.

HOA's have made emotional support animals the poster child of nefarious intent.  I've actually been with buyers making an offer in a no pets community with every intent of egregious 'support animal' litigation in mind. "I know how to get around no pets," they say.

They should be though. Too many are taking advantage. Recently flying a lady had a cat on a leash on her lap. I sneezed the whole flight from allergies

They have to draw the line on cows in coach on planes...too hard to squeeze up and down the aisle with the drink cart, trips back and forth to the bathroom...  IMHO .02.

Interesting question. I haven't encountered any conflicts with HOAs.

Not that I have heard yet 

I think the use of the term service animal is overused. The Feds recognize service dogs and the owner should have the papers showing evidence from the proper gov agency the dog is a bonafide service dog.

Not that I know of. They tread pretty gently on this.

I have a service phiranha.

There are so few HOA's here William Feela I could not tell you.

Not in my area

No idea.

it is just out of control

common sense has been thrown out the door

What hoa's do has nothing to do with me since I will not be investing there.

HOA's in our area mostly all have rules regarding size, type and number of pets. Service dogs would be included without being specifically mentioned, I would think.

I am with Richard Weeks - service vs support.  

Either way, I have not encountered any issues with HOAs in my area.

Property managers need to be prepared for unusual requests.

And then there's the story of the woman with an emotional-support peacock tries to board a United flight. She was rightfully denied! 

There are some condo communities that will not allow any pets whatsoever. People can purchase elsewhere instead of trying to buck the system or make themselves the exception!

I know of no HOAs that do that, but insurance companies are restricting their policies based on certain dogs.

Service cat, service snake, service monkey.....

Not really

HOA's do it all the time here in AZ.  But back to the airlines - I heard the other day a 'support animal' could be a mini horse. Now how that heck would that be sitting next to somebody with a miniature horse.  You've got to be kidding me - but no - supposedly it's true. Gone WAY TOO FAR.....

I have not encountered any issues -

I suppose that is coming and it should be. There are just too many dumb asses in the World!

HOA?  I don't know....but condo complexes often limit the number of pets and the types of pets allowed...

Yes, sometimes service animals are very unusual. 

Dogs and cats. Nothing else. :)

They sure are.

I have seen HOA put a limit on the size of the dog now.

True service animals are a wonderful support to those who really need it. Many people are abusing the system claiming their pets are service animals to take them to places they should never be.

Be consistent in your marketing efforts.  Once you realize what works in your market,  keep doing it on a regular basis. 

William,

Agree with Michael Jacobs .