As you may be aware, service dogs are permitted to travel on all public transportation with their owners, but it is against the law for all other dogs, including therapy dogs, to do so. On occasion I have received requests to take my therapy dog to visit facilities in Philadelphia, but the prospect of driving into the city and the expense of parking have dissuaded me from doing so. There are other therapy dog handlers, including some who do not drive, who would volunteer to do therapy work at various locations if they could take their dog on public transportation.
PA State Senator, Andy Dinniman (who owns a standard poodle named Henry), has introduced legislation to change the laws in Pennsylvania to allow certified Therapy Dogs to ride on public transportation. On 6/11 Senate Bill 862 was voted on favorably by the State Government committee, and the bill has been sent for consideration on the full Senate floor. Click HERE to see the text of Senate Bill 862.
Please help to get this legislation passed!
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First, Senate Majority Leader Pileggi needs to allow the bill to be voted on by the full Senate. Please contact Senator Pileggi to ask him to please bring Senate Bill 862 for therapy dogs and their handlers up for a vote.
You can phone his office (888-984-3478) or send an email, by clicking HERE.
Find out what's happening in Tredyffrin-Easttownfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Second, contact the PA Senator who represents your own district.
If you are not sure who your Senator is, click HERE and search with your address to find out your Senator’s name.
If you know your Senator’s name, click HERE.
A webpage will appear that will provide you with the Senator’s phone number and a way to send an email.
Whichever means you choose, please ask your Senator to support Senate Bill 862 for therapy dogs and their handlers.
