Pit Bull Service Dogs

Published

You are assigned a patient who brings two pit bulls with him to the ER claiming that they are service dogs. While it is illegal to falsely claim that a dog is a service dog, we are not allowed to challenge the claim or ask for proof. The patients complains of abdominal pain, but he has wounds on his hands he states are from separating the dogs when they got in a fight. He has no one else with him to help with the dogs, and they are on long leashes which allow them free access to the majority of his room. When you prepare to draw his blood they jump onto the stretcher, standing on either side of him. What would you do?

Specializes in ICU/community health/school nursing.
1 minute ago, JKL33 said:

In the spirit of staying out of trouble (not nitpickiness... ?)

We cannot ask about the nature of the disability.

These are the two questions I referred to earlier. ^

You're right - I mis-worded. We can ask what the dog does.

5
Up Vote Up Vote ×

I appreciate pit bulls, I have one. If those pits fight with each other, they are aggressive.

Providing care in that situation could be dangerous. Take the issue straight to the big boys.

If they want to kiss up with that service dog nonsense, they can come and draw the blood.

8
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med-surg, home care.

I have a pit and think they are great but the ones in this scenario seem aggressive. I wouldn't deal with it service dogs or not.

3
Up Vote Up Vote ×

Ask for the dogs to be removed. A trained service animal will not do that and you won't see anyone with TWO service animals. Unless you have thousands and thousands of dollars, even charity organizations will only provide you with one.

We need to have a database of service animals. We do this with handicap stickers through the DMV. While the nature of a patient's disability is not anyone's business, whether or not the service animal is TRAINED, vaccinated, and safe is everyone's business regardless of breed.

Fake service animals in public places is the biggest scam we have going on.

13
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Psych, Corrections, Med-Surg, Ambulatory.

I saw someone in the grocery store with their "service" beagle. Having previously owned a beagle I knew exactly what service it provided. Those people obviously needed their groceries to be pre-sampled. ?

3
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Pediatrics.

Also, regardless of their level of training, service dogs need to be on a leash while in public and working. Most pretend service dogs are off of a leash, as their owners think "service dog" means "I can do what I want, when I want with my dog."

4
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Oncology.
11 hours ago, Jory said:

A trained service animal will not do that and you won't see anyone with TWO service animals.

My thoughts exactly! The fact that this pt is not in control of his dogs speaks volumes to me. A service animal while "working" will be with their person and will not be off exploring the room.

I am a total dog lover. I am that stupid neighbor that will stop you and ask about your dog if you happen to be walking by me. Heck, I know some of my neighbors only by their dog's name. But I would not enter a pt room with 2 uncontrolled dogs with an obvious history of aggression. Nope. Security and Management can deal with this.

4
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in CCU, SICU, CVSICU, Precepting & Teaching.
On 2/19/2019 at 10:43 PM, Emergent said:

I had a homeless patient with his 'service' dog recently. His dog was a good sized, medium dog, laying quietly on the gurney with this man, who also had physical disabilities.

The hospital was going to accommodate this well behaved dog as best we could, since he would be admitted. The patient was humble, sweet, and appreciative.

Fortunately, I hadn't taken my dog food out of my car after shopping so was able to give a bunch, since the fellow didn't have any.

The law clearly states that service dogs need to be safe.the dogs described obviously weren't, so don't need to be accommodated.

AWWWW! You gave them dog food! Good for you!

2
Up Vote Up Vote ×

It sounds like a "Ruff" situaton to be in. The patient needs to fire one of the pitbulls. I am not sure why two is needed.

2
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER.

In the real life inspiration for this post, a second nurse who owned large dogs offered to draw the patients blood when the first nurse felt threatened. The second nurse also backed down when the dogs acted aggressively. A third RN who owns a bit bull announced, "You guys just don't understand pit bulls," and she finished the patient's care. No one was bitten. The dogs' strong odor permeated the air three doors down throughout the two hour stay.

Nearly everything that is regulated requires a license -- even owning a dog in our county. But somehow this law places service dog owners on the honor system. So who will be liable when someone gets attacked? The owner, the hospital, the states for passing a stupid law, or all the above? Or, will we find a new way to blame the nurse?

4
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Travel, Home Health, Med-Surg.
11 minutes ago, RobbiRN said:

In the real life inspiration for this post, a second nurse who owned large dogs offered to draw the patients blood when the first nurse felt threatened. The second nurse also backed down when the dogs acted aggressively. A third RN who owns a bit bull announced, "You guys just don't understand pit bulls," and she finished the patient's care. No one was bitten. The dogs' strong odor permeated the air three doors down throughout the two hour stay.

Nearly everything that is regulated requires a license -- even owning a dog in our county. But somehow this law places service dog owners on the honor system. So who will be liable when someone gets attacked? The owner, the hospital, the states for passing a stupid law, or all the above? Or, will we find a new way to blame the nurse?

I am going to Vegas with the bet that the nurse will definitely be blamed!! I can hear it now, oh but you should have known how to be like the dog wisperer. You know patients have service a animals dont you?

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×

Yes you may ask the 2 questions listed however your safety is also allowed. ADA gives hospitals and other public entities to deny safety animals if they are possibly showing aggression and/or safety concerns for employees. Real safety animals are very well trained they will not react to you or come toward you. Also you should not attempt to pet or interact with a safety animal. The patient also should be able to care for the animal 100%, walk, feed etc so while the patient may have been their for stomach pain if she/he was unable to care for the animals they should call someone to come to care for the animals.

5
Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion