Are some dog owners cheating the service dog system?

I believe you are correct in that many people are attempting to pass of their average family pet as a service dog. There are sites online where, for a certain amount of money, one can procure a "service" vest for their animals. Not right, but it's there.

There are also dogs that are certified as "therapy" dogs. This is a less intensive certification than for a service dog. It's usually for dogs taken into say, retirement homes or children's hospitals as "therapy". Then must be well behaved, friendly to all and again under control when in those environments. Some claim they need their dog with them at all times as "therapy"...for example on a plane the dog would be allowed to sit in the owners lap as opposed in a crate on the floor because the owner needs it for comfort to fly.

That being said, getting these vests without proper certifications does demean the integrity of the real thing. Many people these days, like with their children, feel that their pets should be allowed everywhere the owner goes just because they want them there. They are expecting everyone to accept their animal, regardless of behavior because they feel entitled. Just as there are places that are inappropriate for children or require children be behaved, so there are for animals as well. The world is not your living room or backyard, respect those around you when in public.

And for the record I am an animal lover and do take my dog into the pet store or somewhere such as Home Depot. But he is well trained, polite and I do not let him run up to strangers assuming everyone loves my dog as I do. If someone asks to pet him I will allow it. And he has never defecated in doors.