In today’s Society, we have learned of the multiple uses for “Service Animals”. However many business owners do not understand the guidelines or laws governing the use and access to these animals. Many businesses still attempt to bar Service Animals from entry or attempt to limit service to individuals with Service Animals.
Recently, we witnessed an individual who was accompanied by a Service Animal (wearing an appropriate identifying vest) being told that he could not bring his animal into the restaurant. After identifying the animal as his service dog the restaurant owner retreated but informed the hostess to seat the individual and his dog way in the back of the restaurant.
Then as the individual was getting his food at the buffet the owner once more appeared and asked if he could leave his dog at the table instead of bringing it to the buffet line. And once again the owner was educated as to the dog being a service animal.
Under Federal Law, Service Animals are not required to have any certified training or paperwork. Once an animal is identified as a service animal all further inquiries by business owners are to stop. You may not ask for what the animal is trained for, nor may you ask for any paperwork identifying the animal as a service worker.
But sadly many business owners are not educated in the laws for service animals until they are faced with the issue.
Many restaurants have begun designating areas within their business as service animal areas for their patrons. This is to ensure that other guests who may have a fear of animals are comfortable as well as their service animal patrons. Many have also added items to their menus for service animals and begun training their staff on how to handle certain situations involving service animals.
As we move forward as a society and more and more individuals acquire service animals we expect more and more education programs to be brought to the public and business sectors on education of service animals and the laws governing them.
It is important to understand that Service Animals are tools or medication for an individual for either mental or even medical issues that an individual may be dealing with.