I have a personal policy to never even mention this organization’s name, but I’m gonna make an exception this one time because I want everyone to be very clear on what PETA’s position is on service dogs – they’re against them.
Read this excerpt from their “Doing What’s Best for Our Companion Animals” fact sheet – note especially the last sentence (my emphasis):
Working Dogs
Relationships of mutual respect and benefit are truly wonderful between dogs and humans; however, working dogs are instead often used as a substitute for innovative non-animal programs that intelligently address human needs. Sometimes working dogs are used in situations that are considered too dangerous for human beings—and therefore too dangerous for animals. They may be treated cruelly in preparation for and during their lives of servitude. Some people love their working dogs, but others don’t, which means that working dogs cannot count on having a home where they will be treated well. Also, some working-dog training programs contribute to overpopulation by breeding their dogs (with the notable exception of programs for the deaf, which rescue dogs from shelters).
When working dogs become too old to work, they may be separated from their human companions and either “retired” to another family, returned to the training center, or even killed. Optimally, humans should be relied upon for support of the disabled rather than working dogs and other animals—it is too common for animals to be exploited and abused.
Not clear enough for you? Just in case, if nothing else, read that last sentence again:
Optimally, humans should be relied upon for support of the disabled rather than working dogs and other animals—it is too common for animals to be exploited and abused.
Not only is that an absurd comment, it’s a ridiculous accusation with no factual basis as well as an insult to the vast majority of people with service dogs and the organizations that train and support them.
It’s very disappointing to me when I see anyone supporting this organization, but especially so when it’s a service dog organization volunteer or, worse, an employee.
No one should support this organization – NO ONE. Don’t you support them and tell everyone you know not to support them, particularly celebrities – I’ve long said that if we can get them to stop dropping the large sums they do into this place, it will go away.
Which can’t happen soon enough.





I'm very active with Canine Companions for Independence as a volunteer, to include being a past member of the Veterans Task Force and puppy raiser. Retired US Air Force Chief Master Sergeant with my last assignments at the Air Force Academy as the Fourth Group Sergeant Major and Dean of Faculty Superintendent.
Jan 16, 2011 @ 17:54:22
Thank you!!!!! Wonderfully written commentary about this organization that claims to do so much good, but actually is known to bully disabled persons into giving up; or flat out stealing their service dogs from them.
It is of note that their president and founder is an insulin dependent diabetic, whose very live has been saved because of a certain amount of humane animal testing…but of course, they don’t tell you that.
Jan 17, 2011 @ 00:20:59
I believe my handler would gladly replace me with a couple of properly trained volunteers from PETA who could provide the 24/7 monitoring he needs. That would give us more time for chasing geese and other fun stuff.
Jan 17, 2011 @ 12:44:30
“When working dogs become too old to work, they may be separated from their human companions and either “retired” to another family, returned to the training center, or even killed.”
That is so stupid and untrue. Retired SDs are not euthanised upon retirement. My retired SD is blind, deaf, incontinent, arthritic and grumpy. But he loves us and we love him. We spend money to medicate him, buy him special food, carry him up and downstairs to go potty, etc. We would not euthanize him unless he was in lots of pain and there was no other way to give him relief.
PETA again has shown that they do not do their research.
Feb 28, 2011 @ 12:53:42
I think Peta should mind their own business