| Many do not know the difference between a pet and | | | | The situation can get difficult, though, when an |
| a service animal. Some might think that while a service | | | | employee of a public establishment doesn't believe an |
| animal provides a service it is also a pet. That is not | | | | animal is really a service animal. They may not believe |
| the case. No matter how cute a service animal might | | | | the type of animal could really provide a service (e.g. |
| be and how tempting it is, the animal is not to be | | | | duck) or may not want that type of animal in their |
| petted by strangers. It is there to provide a service, | | | | establishment. It is important to remember that the |
| whether to help guide the blind, sense a seizure, or | | | | person who claims the animal is a service animal |
| even help calm someone. Just as they provide a | | | | should not be given a hard time. If it turns out the |
| variety of types of support, there is an assortment of | | | | animal is a service animal and their rights were violated |
| animals that provide these services: dogs, monkeys, | | | | under the ADA, the establishment is going to be the |
| miniature horses, cats, ducks, goats, and more. The | | | | one in trouble, which could result in a fine. Instead, the |
| owners and their service animals are protected under | | | | proper approach would be to ask if the animal is a |
| the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). While a | | | | service animal and what service is provides. If they still |
| restaurant, for example, may have a sign saying no | | | | doubt the sincerity of the person, they should report it |
| pets allowed, the ADA says that a service animal can | | | | to the U.S. Department of Justice but still allow the |
| still enter the establishment. In fact, they are permitted | | | | person and their animal to enter the establishment. |
| into any establishment that serves the public because | | | | The only way an employee can force someone to |
| a service animal is not a pet. Though it might make | | | | take their service animal out of the establishment is if |
| some uncomfortable to have an animal in a restaurant | | | | the animal is causing a ruckus and won't settle down, |
| or other public building, they are allowed to be there. | | | | or if the animal is a threat to others. However, both of |
| Under federal law, disabled people with service animals | | | | these scenarios are very unlikely because these |
| are to be treated the same as everyone else. This | | | | animals are very well trained. Additionally, they cannot |
| means if someone enters an establishment with a | | | | be forced to leave just because someone is allergic, |
| service animal they cannot be directed away from the | | | | afraid, or doesn't like that certain type of animal. In |
| other patrons nor restricted from going where other | | | | conclusion, it is important to remember that there is a |
| customers are allowed. The only allowance given to | | | | distinct difference between a pet and a service animal. |
| question people with service animals is to ask if the | | | | And, it is crucial to remember that service animals are |
| animal is, indeed, a service animal, and what service | | | | a necessity, and shouldn't limit the activities (going to |
| the animal provides. It is illegal to question the validity of | | | | the movies, eating at a restaurant, etc.) someone |
| a service animal or insist the person show some sort | | | | requiring a service animal can do. A little tolerance and |
| of proof. | | | | understanding can go a long way. |