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It has been the law of the land for years that animals are not allowed in restaurants or other establishments that prepare and serve foods (like supermarkets) unless they are a service animal, as defined by the ADA.
The ADA has ruled that only dogs may be treated as ADA service animals. No miniature horses, no trained pigs, no parrots. Just dogs.
The owner of a restaurant may legally ask two questions to determine whether a dog is entitled to the legal protections of a service animal:
1. Is this animal trained to perform specific tasks for a person with a disability?
2. What tasks is this animal trained to perform?
And finally, even if a dog is a bona fide service animal, such as a Guide dog for the Blind, the owner of a restaurant may refuse service without penalty if in their opinion the service animal poses a health hazard. So there is absolutely no impediment to refusing service to people with "comfort animals," and in fact there is actually a legal obligation to do so.
The only places pets may be legally accomodated is in open air locations like patios, when state laws permit it, and then there must be signs advising the public of the fact.
People who don't want to have to eat in a restaurant with my dog, should pick another restaurant.
How would you feel if I chose to bring in 4 pet rats to eat at your favorite restaurant? How about a small monkey in a diaper? Unless your dog is a service dog it has no place in a restaurant.
In addition to not eating at that restaurant again I would call the health department.
How would you feel if I chose to bring in 4 pet rats to eat at your favorite restaurant? How about a small monkey in a diaper? Unless your dog is a service dog it has no place in a restaurant.
In addition to not eating at that restaurant again I would call the health department.
I would feel free to choose a different restaurant. Call away to the health department.
A dog is less likely to destroy the sanitary environment of a restaurant than the cute baby or toddler seated nearby. Your average diapered baby is a greater source of e-coli and bacteria than a dog. Not to mention little lids who go to the restrooms and don't wash their hands. Are you doing to leave every establishment that has a toddler or baby in it?
Google the findings about the bacteria levels and e-coli commonly found in the play areas of McDonalds, or the seat portions of shopping carts. Even the sand at popular beaches.
I can understand the concerns of folks who are allergic to do dander but as for dogs being dirty, it's us humans who are filthy, dogs less so.
Millions of people every day are eating and preparing food with pets in their homes, and no one seems to be dying from it. I think some of you are blowing this out of proportion.
Babies and kids have nothing to do with this conversation! Tired of people comparing dogs to kids. Yes people cook and eat with their pets daily in their home. That's their prerogative. However, to subject the whole world to it is just wrong. When I go to a restaurant I expect to eat my meal without worrying if there has been or if there is a dog present. Real guide dogs are rare. These comfort dogs are everywhere! It's out of control. It's not cute to those of us that have life threatening allergies. As far as sanitary conditions dogs marking their territory or sitting in seats in restaurants is disgusting. I have a hard time eating out because yes people can be disgusting too. I check my food for hair, I check my silverware to make sure it's clean. Everyone thinks their pet is so special but even clean dogs can have fleas. Enjoy your pets at home. Don't subject others to your pet just because think you have the right to do so.
Babies and kids have nothing to do with this conversation! Tired of people comparing dogs to kids. Yes people cook and eat with their pets daily in their home. That's their prerogative. However, to subject the whole world to it is just wrong. When I go to a restaurant I expect to eat my meal without worrying if there has been or if there is a dog present. Real guide dogs are rare. These comfort dogs are everywhere! It's out of control. It's not cute to those of us that have life threatening allergies. As far as sanitary conditions dogs marking their territory or sitting in seats in restaurants is disgusting. I have a hard time eating out because yes people can be disgusting too. I check my food for hair, I check my silverware to make sure it's clean. Everyone thinks their pet is so special but even clean dogs can have fleas. Enjoy your pets at home. Don't subject others to your pet just because think you have the right to do so.
No federal law compels a restaurant or retail establishment to accommodate an owner's "comfort pet."
Perhaps it's a state or municipal law in your area or the choice of the business owner to do so.
As a matter of fact, FDA regulations prohibit animals other than bon fide ADA service dogs from any restaurant, anywhere in the country.
No, not at all. FDA doesn't allow it, as a matter of public health. There is simply no slack on this. It's totally not legal to do so.
Sheesh, forty-some odd pages later, people still don't get it. It's the law, ladies and germs. It's the law.
Thanks for the FDA angle which dovetails with the ADA.
I have never seen an animal other than a guide dog inside any restaurant in the USA.
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