Company Sponsorship Or Paid CDL Training W/Pet-FRIENDLY Policy?

UPDATE: I found two options yesterday morning. These will not apply to everyone in all circumstances, and I also have not completed the thorough process of applications to know of further companies, as I think I've found my option to start on Oct. 12.

1. Titan Transfer was very helpful. After going through literally dozens of applications and literally being denied for ONE DIFFERENT REASON EACH TIME THAT LITERALLY VARIED FROM COMPANY TO COMPANY. Titan Transfer offers paid CDL training at minimum wage during training, does not cover the cost of transportation or hotel stay, BUT verbally confirmed my pet can come with, which most companies turned me down for. I'm not sure if this is for all dogs or just my service dog, but I'm under the impression it's all dogs because the recruiter seemed very accommodating with allowing me to bring my dog, go through the trouble of matching me with a trainer that has a dog, verbally confirming that me, the trainer and both our dogs would be fine during training 2-3 weeks out provided the dogs got along, and even revealed to me that most drivers/trainers had what we would consider "aggressive breeds". The pitfalls here is that you are responsible for your transportation there, and need enough money to pay the hotel stay for the first two weeks (or sleep in your vehicle if you have one) before you get your first min. wage training check. Also, if you do not have a highly trained dog that doesn't feed into other dog behavior like mine you'll be fine with the breeds of dogs you'll be matched with with a trainer. If your dog isn't well behaved and doesn't know how to ignore other dogs, you might have a problem.

2. Pam Transport. I've decided on Pam Transport as my first option, and Titan Transfer as my 2nd. Here's why: Pam Transport has an open Pet Policy. The contract with Driver Solutions for Company Sponsorship. You have to get your own transportation there just like Titan Transport, BUT your hotel stay is completely covered and you get $50 a week. Yes, that's a lot less cash in your pocket than Titan Transport, but it's much more financially beneficial overall because the hotel stay is covered unlike with Titan Transfer. While Driver Solutions will not allow you to bring your pet to the hotel, the hotel itself does alloe pets for $10 a day, but the hotel stay is double occupancy, so there might be a little leeway you can finagle with HR and matching with a roommate that likes dogs and doesn't have allergies, provided you pay the hotel the daily pet fee. In the instance of a registered Service Dog under Federal Law, or in Illinois (and other states with similar laws) an ESA Registered with the State that Driver Solutions was very accommodating over the phone in allowing me to bring my service dog into a double-occupancy hotel-room for the Pam Transport Company Sponsorship.

I was trying to get in by this coming Monday, and I'll see if they can go out of there way for that soon, if not it was implied to me the following Monday. Without a Vehicle, Amtrak goes down to Bloomington for a bus transfer for under $60 total, I think it's $40 something. They do have public transportation from the hotel to the school, but most people ride-share. If you can't find someone with a vehicle, and miss the really early bus, you'll be walking 8 miles to school, so be fully prepared.

To reiterate the above, I'm sure there are probably a couple more companies in the US that have acceptable pet policies or will waive them due to a LEGITIMATE service dog or esa dog, but I have two companies that verbally said I'm good to go, so no more need to keep applying and find out.

I see that you are waiting on 4 companies to respond and a dozen more to try. Don't wait for the 4, just flood them all because just 1 of them might be the one that will solve your problem. As for the school bus, you are probably right about allowing your dog and you wouldn't be allowed to "live in the bus". Don't forget all the vast resources here on TT. Read, test, contact every recruiter and company thru this forum. Good luck

I found two companies this morning, I just made an update post awaiting approval with the specifics of both companies. Thank you for the post!

When is the last time you checked about boarding, such as petsmart? In Iowa petsmart has been allowing boarding for about 2 months now. We've taken our dog there a couple times and they called us to let us know they're back open. Granted, Iowa's Covid response has been far more relaxed than nearly every other state so it may vary. I'm not sure where in Illinois you are but for reference I just looked at boarding at the Chicago (south loop) store online and there's no mention of not being open. I'm not sure when you last looked but it may be worth looking into. That particular store is $40 a night so its spendy but it'd only be a few weeks atleast.

Would it be possible to transfer residency to another state since you're planning on living in the truck? When moneys been tight in the past I've donated plasma. I've used BioLife which usually amounts to $280 a month if you donate twice a week. They're constantly running promotions for $600 your first month with twice a week donations if you're a new donor. There are certain medical conditions and prescriptions that disqualify donating but I just wanted to throw it out there as an option to help financially.

I did mention PetSmart briefly in a previous post. That was the first place I checked. Albeit I don't politically agree with them providing me a letter telling me they'll be using my money I give them as a customer for the whole "BLM debacle", but at least they have a TV and let me video chat when I need to. When I called last week, I was informed that the Joliet location and most others were closed until further notice.

As for Plasma I understand the morality behind it, and I wouldn't mind giving once or twice in my life that good cause, but I'm not open to doing it as an income like some people I know who do it every week. Needles make me uncomfortable and uneasy, and they like to spend 45 minutes digging around in my flesh Everytime.

I did find two companies this morning though that sounds one will work out. I'm expecting to start on Oct. 12th at the latest, I made an update post about it awaiting approval. Thank you for your post!

You got this verbally confirmed and not in writing. Recruiters will promise the moon to get the commission yo get you there. I would request it via email. Both regarding the trainer and the room mate. A pet of any size is a huge liability issue and in today's litigious society, bringing your dog could cost the company millions of dollars.

I have been following this thread as a trainer. I find it hard to fathom a trainer would risk their own pet or truck with someone else's. Not to mention your intact male dog will be sexually abusing the other dog and perhaps the trainer, as well as marking his territory all over the truck. I would never allow it. All pet owners think their dogs are well behaved and wonderful. The pup is absolutely adorable as he is chewing on the steering wheel. But it doesnt mean he should be on a truck with a new driver. Not all animals get along with all people....and just where are 2 dogs sleeping??? Where will their food and bowls be kept? The trucks are small enough with 2 people... But if someone thought his dog was going to sleep on my bed when my 100pound dalmatian never did....i would kick him and the dog to the curb.

Also, when I tried to board my cat during training they limited it to 30 days because animals can go nuts in pens. They also wanted $750 for the month I fostered dogs for years and trained dozens. And even i wouldnt do this.

Good luck.

I also am worried that you seriously believe team training is a few days out. At most companies, after you get the CDL you will be OTR making deliveries for weeks on end... Not days. I also find it interesting that you need the emotional support animal but were willing to house it in the hotel during class or at pet sitters. I never heard of this as it seems to defeat the purpose. Not to mention if you need emotional support, the stress and culture shock of life on the road could cause you to digress into whatever disability you have.

Please consider carefully what you are contemplating. Because after reading this, I have deduced you need to analyze tour expectations. Just because your friend said something that happened years ago doesnt mean it would happen now.

Have you tried normal dog boarding places? They are still open in most states. A few weeks ago I had to fly from Nashville Tn to Cleveland Oh to pick up a car I bought. The airlines wouldnt let my dog on the plane...even in baggage because of covid19. I called the nearest boarding company and she stayed the night with them, even had a bath before I got back. It will be difficult to find a company willing to let you take a dog to training, even harder to find a trainer willing to let a dog on their truck for several weeks as that is their home away from home or as in my case my fulltime home. Even if the trainer is not allergic to dogs, they have a new trainee every few weeks that might be. Your best bet is to put doggy in a kennel until you get your own truck and you may have more luck with a non chain brand kennel. If your state doesn't allow kennels to be open, check with the state you will be going to for training. I dont crate my dog, she rides in the passenger seat. She's 48.8lbs.

As for the customer property issue. It is extremely unreasonable and unrealistic for you to expect your employer to find you runs based on if they let you walk your dog on their property. I've had some that allow it and others that dont. What you should do is drop that requirement and learn to stop and walk your dog within an hour of arrival. Most of the time you are on their property less than 2 hours and it's just that...THEIR property. No different than not allowing guns on their property. If you are walking your dog and for some unknown reason it bites another driver or employee they are now on the hook. Most have no problem with a quick pee but if they allow it carry poop bags and pick up your dogs poop...even at truckstops and rest areas, don't be "that guy" and dispose of it properly. General Mills in Buffalo NY made me unhook and bobtail off property through the hood at midnight to walk my dog once. I was kind of peeved since it took them 11.5 hours to load me but it's their property, their rules. Personally I think the breed restrictions are stupid as hell. Me and my dog live fulltime in the truck and it is great! You will find your bills being paid off quickly or your bank/investment accounts filling quickly. Good luck with the hunt.

Good points by Mikey. I just delivered to a place that said any passenger would have to be dropped at a truck stop with the dog because they werent even allowed in the gate.

Consider where you will be driving too.... Walking a dog in WY with 60 mph gusts and 2 feet of snow must be a real nightmare.

I can't find paid CDL training that has an acceptable pet policy. My dog is not neutered, he is 46 lbs, and I am not willing to crate him during travel. I'm also not interested in a mandatory "no pets on customer property" rule; I am open to companies that allow it on a case-to-case basis upon requesting from the customer location though. I also live in Illinois which is a closed state to get my CDL, I do have my CLP though. My dog is also a registered and certified service dog for emotional support complying with ADA.

There are individuals and organizations that sell service animal certification or registration documents online. These documents do not convey any rights under the ADA and the Department of Justice does not recognize them as proof that the dog is a service animal.

I can't get into paid CDL training with my dog anywhere for some reason or another. I'm even losing hope for company sponsorships with an acceptable pet policy for my baby. I'm always denied for one reason or another, some because I'm an Illinois resident, some because my dog is a few pounds over their anerexic dog weight limits, some because team training requires several days out and can't have the dog with the trainer, some because I won't crate him during travel, some because he's not neutered, some because I won't be allowed to ask the customer location if it's okay to take my dog out for a few minutes, some who outright discriminate against me for having my service dog instead of taking anti-depressant prescriptions because they don't want dogs in the truck, some that only do paid CDL training for current CDL holders, some that don't have lodging to their training centers and don't provide travel from where I at. It's always something for one reason or another.

Can someone please help? Does anyone know of a trucking company doing paid CDL training or company sponsorship that will take an Illinois resident, that has lodging, and has an acceptable pet-FRIENDLY policy or will be willing to waive the pet policy due to being a licensed service dog and doesn't require 2-3 weeks out in team driving during training? I've now gone through literally dozens of trucking companies! PLEASE HELP!

I finally had time to review the ADA's regs to see if there had been any recent changes.

Throughout most of your original post you talk about your "baby" as a pet and the different pet policies you've run up against. A couple times you state your "baby" is a certified service dog.

Here's my take: 1. You are desperate to drive and use a truck as your home because you are homeless and winter is coming.

2. Because of this situation, you are using your dog as a "Licenced and Certified Service Dog"

Q17. Does the ADA require that service animals be certified as service animals? A. No. Covered entities may not require documentation, such as proof that the animal has been certified, trained, or licensed as a service animal, as a condition for entry. There are individuals and organizations that sell service animal certification or registration documents online. These documents do not convey any rights under the ADA and the Department of Justice does not recognize them as proof that the dog is a service animal.

3. You really don't know the ADA's rules regarding Service Dogs and what is allowed.

A. People are allowed to ask you 2 questions only: 1) is your dog a Service Dog that helps with your disability?

2) What tasks does your dog do to help you with your disability? (You CANNOT be asked what your disability is).

Q3. Are emotional support, therapy, comfort, or companion animals considered service animals under the ADA? A. No. These terms are used to describe animals that provide comfort just by being with a person. Because they have not been trained to perform a specific job or task, they do not qualify as service animals under the ADA.

The ADA makes a distinction between psychiatric service animals and emotional support animals. If the dog has been trained to sense that an anxiety attack is about to happen and takes a specific action to help avoid the attack, that would qualify as a service animal. However, if the dog's mere presence provides comfort, that would not be considered a service animal under the ADA.

EXCLUSION OF SERVICE ANIMALS Q25. When can service animals be excluded? A. The ADA does not require covered entities to modify policies, practices, or procedures if it would “fundamentally alter” the nature of the goods, services, programs, or activities provided to the public. Nor does it overrule legitimate safety requirements. If admitting service animals would fundamentally alter the nature of a service or program, service animals may be prohibited. In addition, if a particular service animal is out of control and the handler does not take effective action to control it, or if it is not housebroken, that animal may be excluded.

Q29. Are hotel guests allowed to leave their service animals in their hotel room when they leave the hotel? A. No, the dog must be under the handler's control at all times.

some who outright discriminate against me for having my service dog instead of taking anti-depressant prescriptions

If you are suffering anxiety attacks that warrants taking anti-depressants or having an Emotional Support Animal (ESA), you may be denied training until the attacks are under control as an ESA is not a Service Dog.

If these companies know the rules of the ADA and find that you are passing an ESA off as a Service Dog, they may consider that lying and could release you before training you.

Laura

I can't find paid CDL training that has an acceptable pet policy. My dog is not neutered, he is 46 lbs, and I am not willing to crate him during travel. I'm also not interested in a mandatory "no pets on customer property" rule; I am open to companies that allow it on a case-to-case basis upon requesting from the customer location though. I also live in Illinois which is a closed state to get my CDL, I do have my CLP though. My dog is also a registered and certified service dog for emotional support complying with ADA.

There are individuals and organizations that sell service animal certification or registration documents online. These documents do not convey any rights under the ADA and the Department of Justice does not recognize them as proof that the dog is a service animal.

I can't get into paid CDL training with my dog anywhere for some reason or another. I'm even losing hope for company sponsorships with an acceptable pet policy for my baby. I'm always denied for one reason or another, some because I'm an Illinois resident, some because my dog is a few pounds over their anerexic dog weight limits, some because team training requires several days out and can't have the dog with the trainer, some because I won't crate him during travel, some because he's not neutered, some because I won't be allowed to ask the customer location if it's okay to take my dog out for a few minutes, some who outright discriminate against me for having my service dog instead of taking anti-depressant prescriptions because they don't want dogs in the truck, some that only do paid CDL training for current CDL holders, some that don't have lodging to their training centers and don't provide travel from where I at. It's always something for one reason or another.

Can someone please help? Does anyone know of a trucking company doing paid CDL training or company sponsorship that will take an Illinois resident, that has lodging, and has an acceptable pet-FRIENDLY policy or will be willing to waive the pet policy due to being a licensed service dog and doesn't require 2-3 weeks out in team driving during training? I've now gone through literally dozens of trucking companies! PLEASE HELP!

I finally had time to review the ADA's regs to see if there had been any recent changes.

Throughout most of your original post you talk about your "baby" as a pet and the different pet policies you've run up against. A couple times you state your "baby" is a certified service dog.

Here's my take: 1. You are desperate to drive and use a truck as your home because you are homeless and winter is coming.

2. Because of this situation, you are using your dog as a "Licenced and Certified Service Dog"

Q17. Does the ADA require that service animals be certified as service animals? A. No. Covered entities may not require documentation, such as proof that the animal has been certified, trained, or licensed as a service animal, as a condition for entry. There are individuals and organizations that sell service animal certification or registration documents online. These documents do not convey any rights under the ADA and the Department of Justice does not recognize them as proof that the dog is a service animal.

3. You really don't know the ADA's rules regarding Service Dogs and what is allowed.

A. People are allowed to ask you 2 questions only: 1) is your dog a Service Dog that helps with your disability?

2) What tasks does your dog do to help you with your disability? (You CANNOT be asked what your disability is).

Q3. Are emotional support, therapy, comfort, or companion animals considered service animals under the ADA? A. No. These terms are used to describe animals that provide comfort just by being with a person. Because they have not been trained to perform a specific job or task, they do not qualify as service animals under the ADA.

The ADA makes a distinction between psychiatric service animals and emotional support animals. If the dog has been trained to sense that an anxiety attack is about to happen and takes a specific action to help avoid the attack, that would qualify as a service animal. However, if the dog's mere presence provides comfort, that would not be considered No Sir. You are mistaken. It's not wise to jump to conclusions and make false accusations. I've been diagnosed with Severe Chronic Depression, and I was a suicide patient for quite sometime. I've been on antidepressants for years, but they always had bad side-effects. I was required to take a group counseling session once, where I learned about emotional support animals. I have a doctor's order as required by Illinois State Law for emotional support animal registry with the state.

You got this verbally confirmed and not in writing. Recruiters will promise the moon to get the commission yo get you there. I would request it via email. Both regarding the trainer and the room mate. A pet of any size is a huge liability issue and in today's litigious society, bringing your dog could cost the company millions of dollars.

I have been following this thread as a trainer. I find it hard to fathom a trainer would risk their own pet or truck with someone else's. Not to mention your intact male dog will be sexually abusing the other dog and perhaps the trainer, as well as marking his territory all over the truck. I would never allow it. All pet owners think their dogs are well behaved and wonderful. The pup is absolutely adorable as he is chewing on the steering wheel. But it doesnt mean he should be on a truck with a new driver. Not all animals get along with all people....and just where are 2 dogs sleeping??? Where will their food and bowls be kept? The trucks are small enough with 2 people... But if someone thought his dog was going to sleep on my bed when my 100pound dalmatian never did....i would kick him and the dog to the curb.

Also, when I tried to board my cat during training they limited it to 30 days because animals can go nuts in pens. They also wanted $750 for the month I fostered dogs for years and trained dozens. And even i wouldnt do this.

Good luck.

I also am worried that you seriously believe team training is a few days out. At most companies, after you get the CDL you will be OTR making deliveries for weeks on end... Not days. I also find it interesting that you need the emotional support animal but were willing to house it in the hotel during class or at pet sitters. I never heard of this as it seems to defeat the purpose. Not to mention if you need emotional support, the stress and culture shock of life on the road could cause you to digress into whatever disability you have.

Please consider carefully what you are contemplating. Because after reading this, I have deduced you need to analyze tour expectations. Just because your friend said something that happened years ago doesnt mean it would happen now.

First of all, your speaking for yourself, not all trainers here. Secondly, my dog is highly trained, and does not behave as you made it out to seem. And quite frankly I'm appalled and offended. Thirdly, to address your accusationally implied comments: I am trying to comply with a company's listed pet policy and not force them because I want to keep the employer happy. If I wanted to, I would force a company to accommodate me, but doing that will strain the employer-company relationship. And that's the last thing I want.

And yes, I understand getting it in writing, but I now have a handful of companies that have verbally confirmed they will take me, and two of them have me on the list to go. So I see no need to tell them all that I don't trust there word, that I need it in writing.