Pet or Service Animal? That is the question.

Is your dog your co-pilot like mine is?

Maybe your dog helps you relieve stress, reduce anxiety or even eases the symptoms of your PTSD. In our family, dogs have filled all of those roles. And like you, I recognize the importance of our dogs' roles in completing our family. In fact, I can't imagine our lives--or our stress and anxiety levels-- without the dogs we've loved over the years.

But are our dogs pets? Or are they service animals, protected by law and allowed to travel freely, regardless of pet/animal policies? You may be surprised to learn that having a certification from an online company, or even having a letter from your doctor does not mean that your dog is a legally protected service animal.

Quick quiz to determine if your dog is a legally-protected service animal:​​
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1. Is your dog required as a result of a disability?
2. Did you receive a certificate from an online service for a fee?
3. Is the dog trained to do specific work or perform a specific task?
4. Is the dog's task or work to provide emotional comfort or emotional support?
5. Is your dog's trained work or task for the benefit of an individual with a disability?
6. Is your dog mostly housebroken but sometimes has accidents in new places?
7. Do you always keep your dog by your side and NEVER leave them alone in your accommodation?
8. Do you take your dog most places, but sometimes leave him alone in your accommodation?

Did you answer yes to ALL of the odd numbered questions? Your dog is probably a legally protected service animal.

Did you answered yes to ANY of the even numbered questions? Your dog may not be a legally protected service animal.

At Adventure Refined, we do love animals and we love dogs in particular. My whole family would agree that the vital role of dogs in our lives should not be minimized. A few year's ago, my husband almost died from a rare, sudden spine infection. After he was released from the hospital he was weak and unable to function normally. Our Thor never left his side and provided weeks of protective, doting attention and aide.

For my dad's PTSD, for my son's anxiety, for more than one teenage broken heart, our dogs have provided ready, willing, constant relief. But our dogs are pets.

On the other hand, I have observed legitimate service dogs as they lead the blind, calm panic attacks, aid the paralyzed, signal dangerous blood sugar, alert prior to epileptic seizures. I recognize that persons diagnosed with disabilities and reliant upon the work or task of a true service animal should have the freedom to be with that dog at all times.

I've also observed and experienced what it takes to train a true service animal. I've seen the frustration of trainers who spend years training these individual animals only to have their work minimized by online certifiers looking to make a quick buck -- all the while minimizing the legitimacy of these necessary, highly-trained, professional animals.

For that reason, we take the Americans with Disabilities Act very seriously. We respect the law, just as we respect authentic service animals and the people they aid.

Below is our full service animal and pet policy.

Please note that pets require approval and a fee. You can access a copy of the pet approval form here.

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We comply with ADA requirements regarding Service Animals. A service animal is one which is trained to do specific work or perform a specific task for the benefit of an individual with a disability. Your service animal is welcome at any time but we do need to be notified in advance since some of our spaces (balconies, foyers, garage, etc) are shared and we need to be good neighbors.

Pets which provide emotional support, well being, comfort or companionship are not recognized as service animals under ADA guidance and must be hosted under our pet policy.

House Rules for Pet and Service animals: 

• As per ADA guidance, Service Animals may not be left alone in the condo at any time. Your SA must be under your direct control at all times.
• If you leave your pet in the condo, the pet must be kenneled for their safety, safety of maintenance staff, and to avoid unintentional damage.
• Do not allow your pet on the furniture in any of our homes.
• Be aware of local risks to your pet/SA such as wildlife and pests. All pets and service animals who visit Sonenalp must be treated for fleas and ticks.
• Supervise your pet or SA in common areas including the foyers, garage and shared balcony.
• Clean up the waste of your pet or service animal. Leaving waste, even in bags, can attract bears. Keep our property clean and safe by disposing waste.
• Do not allow your pet to relieve themselves on patios, indoors, or on balconies.
• Be aware of Mammoth Lakes laws, ordinances and rules regarding animals in town, on the mountain and on public transport.
• Pet fee is $200 plus applicable tax.
• Booking guest must accept responsibility for any and all damage to property or persons resulting from a Service Animal or pet hosted under your reservation. Additional cleaning or damage repairs may result in forfeiture of damage deposit. Additional costs above the damage deposit amount will be the responsibility of the booking guest.