My Cart: 0 item(s)
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQS - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q. What is a Service Dog?
A. According to the ADA as of March 15th 2011, only dogs are recognized as Service Animals under titles II and III of the ADA. By the ADA definition:
Service animals are defined as dogs that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities. Examples of such work or tasks include guiding people who are blind, alerting people who are deaf, pulling a wheelchair, alerting and protecting a person who is having a seizure, reminding a person with mental illness to take prescribed medications, calming a person with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) during an anxiety attack, or performing other duties. Service animals are working animals, not pets. The work or task a dog has been trained to provide must be directly related to the person's disability. Dogs whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals under the ADA. This definition does not affect or limit the broader definition of "assistance animal" under the Fair Housing Act or the broader definition of "service animal" under the Air Carrier Access Act.
Some State and local laws also define service animal more broadly than the ADA does. Information about such laws can be obtained from that State's attorney general's office. Please be aware there are stiff legal penalties for misrepresenting a dog as a Service Dog including large fines, and jail time.
For more information about Service Animal Laws please visit ADA.gov
Q. What about Service Dog Registration?
A. Just to be absolutely clear THERE IS NO FEDERAL OR STATE APPROVED REGISTRATION FOR ANY WORKING DOGS. Many websites will tell you they are official, and will "register" your working dog. These sites are not affiliated with the any government agency, or the ADA in any way. The "official" looking document is just a piece of paper and nothing else. Many have a gold seal, but if you look closely at the seal you will see it is not from the government, or any agency associated with the ADA. It is actually from their own website. The signature is usually from the "President" of the company. Do not be fooled by these websites. Do your research, and choose wisely. We do not offer these products.
Q. What is a Therapy Dog?
A. A Therapy Dog is a dog trained to provide affection and comfort to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, people with learning difficulties, and stressful situations, such as disaster areas. Therapy dogs come in all sizes and breeds. The most important characteristic of a therapy dog is its temperament. A good therapy dog must be friendly, patient, confident, gentle, and at ease in all situations. Therapy dogs must enjoy human contact and be content to be petted and handled, sometimes clumsily. A therapy dog's primary job is to allow unfamiliar people to make physical contact with it and to enjoy that contact. Children in particular enjoy hugging animals; adults usually enjoy simply petting the dog. The dog might need to be lifted onto, or climb onto, an individual's lap or bed and sit or lie comfortably there. Many dogs contribute to the visiting experience by performing small tricks for their audience or by playing carefully structured games.
Therapy dogs are not covered under the same laws as Service Animals.
Q. What is the difference between Nylon Canvas(FORMERLY CALLED CORDURA), and Pack Cloth?
A. Textured Nylon, and Pack Cloth are both Nylon Based fabrics that are very similar to what you would find on modern backpacks. Textured Nylon is a heavier duty fabric that is like what you would find on camping backpacks. Whereas Pack Cloth is slicker to he touch, and a slightly lighter weight fabric like you would find on cinch sack book bags, this fabric helps to "repel" dog hair. Although both fabrics are equally as durable, and long lasting in the long run, some people do have a "preference". Textured Nylon has been the industry standard for years. Recently we have added a Pack Cloth bottom to our Textured Nylon vests for added comfort for the dog, and to help repel the dog hair. Both fabrics come in different colors as well.
Q. I do not see the vest for my organization. How do I order that?
A. We do not offer organization vests on our website visibly. If you are with a particular organization, and have been sent to us to order your vest you may have been given a PDF with instructions. If you did not, or need further assistance please use our CONTACT US link above to send us a message, and we will be more than happy to help!
Q. Can I wash my vest?
A. Yes you can. In order to wash this vest follow the same rules as washing colored fabrics. For drying purposes you can usually dry your vest in a standard dryer. However if your dryer has an extra hot setting be sure to avoid that as nylon can melt or warp under extreme heats.
Q. What if my vest needs to be repaired?
A. We do guarantee most things on our vest including straps, buckles, and stitching. We will even repair chewing damage on the straps themselves. We cannot repair chewing damage to the fabric of the vest itself under this circumstance the vest must be replaced. Most repairs are free, but we do ask for $5.00 return shipping cost. If you have a repair issue please use the CONTACT US link above to explain your issue, or call us at 503-661-2284 to leave a message. All repairs must be mailed to:
The Raspberry Field LLC, PO Box 771, Gresham, OR. 97030
Q. What about Emotional Support Animals?
A. According to the ADA a Dog whose sole purpose is Emotional support is no longer considered a Service Dog. Emotional Support Animals are still covered under the "Travel Act", and the "Fair Housing Act" as per their rules. Faking an Emotional support animal still holds stiff penalties, and the rules should still be followed 100%
Q. I am not in the USA, and I do not see my country on your list of "Ship To" countries. Can I still get a vest from you?
A. Possibly. Due to new rules for International shipping we have had to remove many countries for the time being. Please feel free to use the CONTACT US link at the top of the page to find out if it is possible to ship to you, and the cost, and/or risks involved.