07/10/2021
More on service dogs!
We've talked about the rights of SDs (service dogs) and ESAs (emotional support animals). Next, we'll cover business management and owner rights.
What can an associate or manager ask a service dog handler?
The only questions legally allowed under the ADA are:
1. Is that a service dog?
2.What tasks do they perform for you?
This is where a little knowledge from the previous posts comes in handy. If they say "They help keep me calm, " that isn't a trained behavior. You can ask in follow up "How do they do that?" Answers such as "Staying close to me" or "Letting me pet them" indicate the dog is an ESA, not an SD. Answers such as "they keep people at a distance", "they'll lick my hand if I start to get anxious", or "lead me to the nearest exit if I get overwhelmed" are all trained tasks.
What if the dog is an SD, but is being disruptive or you have a safety concern?
If the dog is clearly not under the handler's control (yanking them everywhere, constantly straining hard on the leash to sniff things, jumping on other customers, urinate or defecate in store, or any aggressive behavior) you can ask them to leave--service dog or not.
Shouldn't they have an ID or something?
As discussed previously, registration and ID are not required for SDs and you can't legally deny them access for not having one. They also do not need to marked with vests or harnesses.
Shouldn't they be wearing a leash?
Legally, if a leash would inhibit the dog's assistance, no. They can be off leash to perform tasks that mitigate their handler's disability. But remember the second question we covered. If the off leash dog is not under the handler's control, you can ask them to leave.
Have any questions? Feel free to ask!
