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How to Handle a Service Dog Access Challenge from Start to Finish

Federal law stipulates that a Service Animal is “any dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability” and that a Service Dog teams are allowed to enter areas where the public is normally allowed to go. However, a Service Dog team’s civil rights may be occasionally challenged by well-meaning people trying to keep pets out of the establishment. While stressful, these challenges are typically easy to handle. Sometimes, though, a little more work is required.

There is a wealth of information concerning Service Dog rights, access and disputes at www.ada.gov. It is easy to get lost or bogged down in all of the laws and documentation, though, and it can take a lot time and patience to get through it all. That being said, one of the best places to begin is the ADA’s 2010 revision of how a Service Animal is defined. Often, a simple meet-and-greet with the on–site authority of said establishment or entity (like the manager of a restaurant) is enough to settle the access challenge and allow the team access. Sometimes, the dispute doesn’t end there and it has to be taken further.

 

Be polite, professional, knowledgeable and calm

The first step of an access dispute is often the hardest. Remain calm and logical. Most of the time, those who try to deny you and your Service Dog access aren’t trying to be malicious. They simply don’t know the law or think they or their establishment is exempt. It is likely nothing personal. Remember that if you are in public, you are likely being recorded on video — and your actions and those of your dog can help your case — or hurt it. Leave nothing but an excellent impression.

 

Be a Public Educator if you are able, but don’t feel bad if you can’t

Anyone who’s used a Service Dog for any length of time can tell you first hand, that there are many ways Service Dogs do not make life easier. You often feel judged (“but you don’t look disabled!”) or questioned (“your dog is too small/too big/not the right breed”) or worse, encounter those who have appointed themselves as a kind of gatekeeper (“I saw a report on the news about fake Service Dogs so now I question all Service Dogs!”). But just because you have a Service Dog does not also mean you must play the role of Public Educator. However, if you have the time, it’s important to take even a small step to stand up for your rights.

If you don’t have the verbal ability, time or energy to educate, your best option is to at least carry a a folded copy of the the ADA Requirements for Service Dogs — and leave it with whomever is questioning you.  It will help not only clear your path, but also lessen the chances of an access issue for future Service Dog teams. Whether you want to think so or not, you are representing not only yourself, but every Service Dog team to follow.

 

If you choose to educate, do it the right way

If you choose to educate, try not to “talk down” to the person that you are working with. The individual stopping you is often not a manager, so giving them printed copy of the ADA Requirements for Service Dogs to show to their boss or team leader can assist you in explaining the law and allow them to accurately re-explain the law to their manager if necessary. Always remain calm and professional.

If that fails, consider other factors that may be inhibiting communication. Sometimes a language barrier is the issue. If you can, attempt to find a bilingual person that can bridge the gap. Another patron of the business or another staff member may be able to help. Examine the words you’re using to try to explain the law and your rights. Remember, under the law people have rights, not dogs. If you haven’t yet explained that a Service Dog isn’t a pet and that they have legal status under the law, ensure that is understood before covering the actual facts of the law again.

 

Do not blame an entire brand, company or organization for the actions of a few

Address each incident on an individual basis. Just as you wouldn’t like someone to judge the entire Service Dog community based on an encounter with one poorly trained Service Dog team, don’t launch an attack against an entire brand, company or organization based on an access challenge with one store or individual. Many brands, companies and organizations have excellent Service Dog policies, but it’s up to each manager to share that information with their team. They may or may not, but you can be certain access challenges occur due to a lack of information. If the manager hasn’t educated their workers, then you have the option to educate them. Feel free to inform the corporate office of a chain of the incident, but be certain you don’t lash out publicly (or on “private” venues like social media) without first trying to solve the problem one-on-one with the people involved. Don’t forget the golden rule: treat others as you wish to be treated.

 

Document your access challenge

Document everything that transpires by whatever method works best for you. Use your cell phone to video or record the encounter in real time. It may be useful later. The recording or video can provide a look at yourself to show you how you can be a better teacher and help to build your self confidence when handling a high stress situation. If you need to take further action after the fact, having an accurate recording will prevent “he-said-she-said” types of situations.

If you have gotten to the point where the on–site authority (gatekeeper) is still denying you and your Service Dog access, try contacting the the ADA Information Line at 1.800.514.0301 (voice) or 1.800.514.0383 (TTY). ADA Specialists are available on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. or on Thursday from 12:30 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. (Eastern Time).

 

The last resort in a Service Dog access challenge is to call the police

The police have special training programs that teach them how to deal with conflicts and denial of rights. The officer or officers should be trained in defusing these highly emotionally charged encounters, informing both parties of Federal, State and Local laws, and enforcing the laws applicable in any given situation.

After all of the in-person work has been done, if no solution has been reached, then Title II that covers State and local governments and Title III that covers the majority of other places that access challenges can crop up. These are the sections of the ADA that specifically cover access rights for individuals with a disability. These sections are  likely your next step. Start by reading the Title II Technical Assistance Manual, which is a great resource in understanding what the laws and guidelines for filing suit are, what your rights are and how to proceed with a discrimination complaint.

 

Service Dog access challenges and disputes rarely progress to the point of the government or lawyers involved

If the situation does escalate to this level, having your canine teammate’s tasks documented is really helpful. Videos of successfully completed tasks, upper level training and Public Access Tests become important and detailed training logs are vital. Your documentation of the situation and the police report can be a great help in the event that escalation goes to this extreme. Also, consider involving a disability advocate, someone that is very knowledgeable about the laws, rules and regulations involved, can be a wise choice. They’re a true asset and can help guide and support you through the process.

If your access challenge was at work or was a hiring discrimination as a result of your Service Dog, it’s best to contact the EEOC or Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Employment Discrimination in regards to disabilities happens, but many other types happen as well.

 

The bottom line about access challenges

Regardless of the exact nature of the dispute or access challenge, above all else, remain polite and professional. If you become angry, the gatekeeper will become angry and will want to help you or work with you even less. Simply explain your rights in a calm, professional manner. Practice educating others about Service Dog laws and access rights whenever possible so that when you encounter challenges, you’re prepared to teach gatekeepers with poise and obvious understanding. More often than not, these situations are usually a resolvable misunderstanding of the laws that pertain to civil rights and Service Dog access.

 

 

 

 

USSDR-United-States-Service-Dog-Registry-We-represent-voluntary-community-defined-training-and-behavior-standards-for-handlers-trainers-and-their-Service-Dogs

The United States Service Dog Registry (USSDR) has been helping Service Dog handlers for over 10 years. Learn more >

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Service Dog Standards Profile Page

Often, people who suffer from invisible disabilities have trouble advocating for themselves and their canine partners. Service Dog Standards is here to help. Learn more >

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Comments

  • Educate first, don't be intimidated May 19, 2014

    Know your state and local laws with specific sections for reference. Not all officers are trained in this area (since it’s federal regulated) but if you provide them the code to reference it makes everything a lot easier and no room to argue.

    reply
    • Be Respectful May 24, 2014

      Second this.
      Many officers of the law are either not given the opportunity to learn access laws or were shown a 10 minute training video many years ago that they don’t recall.

      reply
  • BW1921 May 20, 2014

    You need to correct the error in the paragraph immediately under the police video. Title II only covers state and local governments. Title III covers the remaining >90% of locations a person with a service animal is likely to encounter an access challenge.

    reply
  • Katie Barry Rutkowski August 22, 2014

    This video is out dated, only dogs and min. horses are now considered service animals. and also federal law trumps all other laws!! need to update this!!!

    reply
  • Sarrah July 16, 2015

    I went to a bowing alley with my service dog, who is trained for migraines and anxiety. The business owner begrudgingly allowed access to his establishment after arguing with me about my rights. He stated that he fully knew and understood the laws around service dogs but that he felt he didn’t need to follow that because he served food in his establishment. Due to this argument I actually had a panic attack and had to leave the business any way. Is there any way for me to file a complaint against this business owner?

    reply
    • Anything Pawsable Staff July 16, 2015

      Hi Sarrah! Your best option is to print out a copy of the ADA Business Brief (contained in the article above) and give it to the business owner. It clearly states, “Businesses that sell or prepare food must allow service animals in public areas even if state or local health codes prohibit animals on the premises.”

      Of course, you need to make sure that your dog is fully trained and his or her behavior is impeccable. Be polite and be informative.

      reply
      • Anonymous April 1, 2023

        Fully trained? The dog could also be in training, correct?

        reply
  • Bobbie widner August 11, 2017

    Very informative

    reply

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