TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV)– Emotional support animals are on the rise, not just in the Wabash Valley, but across the country.
But trainer John Holcomb at Vonbernd K9 Training Center has also seen an uptick in a troubling trend– people exploiting the service for their own personal reasons.
“You should be ashamed of yourself,” he said. “Because there’s a lot of people out there who really need these dogs for the right cause.”
Holcomb said many of these cases he’s heard of have to do with wanting animals in certain housing situations, given the laws around ESA’s. But he said it’s important to remember these animals are needed for certain situations.
“There’s a lot of people out there who really need these dogs,” he said. “Kids, older people, Vietnam veterans or veterans in general, all veterans may need these dogs. If you’re the kind of person that’s going to go in there and cheat the system, you’re hurting those people real bad.”
Indiana State student Alexia Huerta-Couch has had her emotional support dog, Richie, for about five years, and she said he has helped her through her stressful years in school.
“He actually helps a lot of people in my dorm rather than just myself. I think having an emotional support animal is a great thing to have on campus,” she said. “Especially being in college, being stressed out alot with classes, he’s always there.”
She also referenced those who don’t get the right certification– like a note from a doctor or therapist, or any training for their pet as well– as people who have a negative impact on others.
“It can definitely ruin it for other people,” she said. “I feel like it actually undermines the hard work and dedication it takes to actually have an emotional support animal.”
Holcomb has seen the benefits firsthand with animals he’s brought in alongside the Vigo County School Corporation– and he hopes to see similar programs grow.
“They’re very helpful,” he said. “I got the Vigo County School dogs, we got six or eight dogs that are Vigo County School dogs. You can talk to any of them, they’re very helpful with the kids.”
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