I am trying to understand why I am seeing such an increase in animals, namely dogs, in stores. Why do some people feel that just because their animal is small (although I did see a regular-sized animal in Walmart the other day) enough to fit in a bag, purse, or shopping cart, the “no animals allowed other than service animals” rule doesn’t apply to them? The sign does not say animals no larger than XYZ are allowed. I’m confused.
Fact #1: Since March 15, 2011, service animals are defined as dogs that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities.
Fact #2: Dogs whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals under the ADA (Americans with Disability Act).
Fact #3: Under the ADA, state and local governments, businesses, and nonprofit organizations that serve the public generally must allow service animals to accompany people with disabilities in all areas of the facility where the public is normally allowed to go. – https://www.ada.gov/service_animals_2010.htm
I have only seen one true service animal in recent memory. The dog was large, but well-behaved, on a leash, and stayed under the table near its owner. I was at a restaurant, and I nearly forgot the dog was there.
On the other end of the spectrum, I was in Kroger the other day and saw a man half-heartedly trying to keep his jacket closed to keep Toto from (I assume) jumping into the fruit display. I guess Toto wanted to help with the selection.
Some people are severely allergic to animals. Why should they have to be concerned with whether they can safely walk into a grocery store? While I am sympathetic to those who need a comfort animal, my sympathy quickly wanes as I start coughing, sneezing, and my throat starts itching. If my eyes start watering and I’m not in PetSmart, I’m ready to fight.
Service animals are trained to handle public situations while still focus on their owners. Non-service animals not only cause problems for humans, but they can interfere with actual service animals. And do you expect Ryan the retail employee to clean up a mess your precious Bitsy may have while in the store? Not in my job description – I’d have a real problem with that.
Are we, as a society, becoming so afraid of confrontation that managers of retail establishments feel it is better to look the other way than refuse Peter Pet Owner entry? Or make them leave? No matter how much you may love Bitsy or Toto, the dog is not a child who cannot be left at home when you have public errands to run.
Please be considerate.