Every month or so when I’d run out of coffee, instead of taking my dog Trixie for her usual morning walk through Volunteer Park, we’d head down 15th Ave to Cafe Ladro where I’d order an Americano to go and a pound of beans. The staff was welcoming, and even gave Trixie treats on occasion. People waiting in line would fuss over her and initiate the usual dog conversations – what’s her name, what breed, how old, etc. It was a nice routine.
On Monday, we set off once again on our coffee run, but this time we were greeted by a sign on the door featuring a dejected looking dog with a note from the Ladro staff politely informing us unless Trixie was a service dog, she was no longer welcome.
Desperately in need of caffeine, I considered my options. Past attempts to leave her outside while I went into a store had been a catastrophe. Unlike those noble dogs content to plunk down on the sidewalk and gaze indifferently at passers by, Trixie would howl and whine and tug on her leash and create a big embarrassing scene. Leaving her outside was out of the question. Could I take her into Victrola, or would I have to endure stink eye from the staff and patrons, or worse, suffer the humiliation of being asked to leave? I didn’t know.
Then I remembered seeing the dog of the month picture outside the not-a-Starbucks down the street, and set off to give my money to “the man”. The people there made the usual fuss over her, one of the workers suggested she should be dog of the month, the barista complimented me on my vintage Blues For Allah T-shirt, the coffee was hot and good, and the price was several dollars less than at Ladro.
I don’t know why Cafe Ladro decided to ban dogs. Perhaps someone was bit, or more likely, they made a business decision to pander to Seattle’s noisy dog-hating mob. I understand how bringing in a dog for an extended period of time could cause problems. Some people are allergic, some dogs have accidents, and some dogs aren’t very friendly. But I can’t bring my dog in for a couple minutes for a to-go order? Really?
OK, so be it.
I’d rather have the dogs inside the cafe and quiet rather than tied up outside and barking while the owners are sipping their tall skinny’s and ignoring the din.
Cafe Ladro on upper Queen Anne has a sign on the door that “un-welcomes” the pooches. So much for dog-friendly businesses. The faux-Bux will likely see more dog owners in the future.
Dogs (unless they are service animals) are not allowed in any food establishments, as per the city’s health codes (as well as the FDA Food Code). I wish more places would adhere to this law.
Pretty sure only service dogs are allowed inside restaurants. I doubt Cafe Ladro wants to be shut down by the health department, and I don’t blame them.
Unless the law has changed recently, you can still take your dog to Cafe Ladro. To make an animal a “service animal”, just tell people that it is. You do not have to say why you need it (e.g., emotional or psychiatric support), and they cannot require you to provide any proof of the animal’s status.
It’s an odd loophole in the law. I know someone who regularly brings his “service dog” to restaurants, and they have never been turned away.
I’m a dog owner and I think it’s great that establishments are finally recognizing that it’s illegal for people to bring in their pets. Dogs are not people, despite those who need to treat their dogs like children. My dog always stays outside when I go into a restaurant, cafe, store, etc. And if he barked or howled about it, I would just leave him home.
No one should blame the business. It is state law, not just city law.
I am a dog owner and lover. And I don’t bring my dog into cafes. You know why? Because a) it’s illegal, b) it’s disrespectful of people who don’t want dogs there and c) if every dog owner flouted the laws, then the cafes would be full of dogs.
You’re a free rider. You take advantage of the fact that other people respect rules so you don’t have to.
I don’t mean to sound preachy (and I am sure I do, but, whatever). I’m sure you’re a great person. But this is a pet peeve of mine. I resent that I follow the rules and others don’t and think that they shouldn’t have to because “hey, it’s not a problem”. You know why it’s not a problem? Because people like me actually respect the rules.
That’s a dick move.
If it was ‘against the law’ places like Norms wouldn’t exist.
If the health board catches on, they’ll put a stop to it. It makes no sense, but there it is.
If not all of their food/beverage is behind the counter it’s against the law/health code to let animals in unless it’s a service animal. If they have self serve sugar, creamer or snacks they can not let them in.
Sure, break the law so you can selfishly bring your dog wherever you want. Lie about having a disability so no one will question whether the dog you can’t be separate from for two minutes is a service animal. Pathetic, not to mention that it’s a pretense that is a disservice to those who really have service animals. The sense of entitlement people have about their pets is ridiculous. Why should your dog have to be allowed wherever you want it allowed? Oh, right, there is no good reason other than what serves only you.
Noisy dogs should not be tied up outside then, but that’s not a justification for bringing them in. It’s an excuse.
It kills me – all the fuss over dogs in restaurants or stores. Most dogs in the city are good around people and other animals. Europeans take dogs to eat out all the time. If it’s so unhealthy, how come they haven’t run into all kinds of issues from it – them or any other culture that allows this. I forget sometimes how incredibly uptight Seattle is. Sigh.
that’s horrible. you’re just giving real service animals a bad name.
this is just like all the moron potheads in the medical marijuana movement ruining our chances for actually legalizing it by making shady and transparently false health claims to get high.
it’s not only selfish, it’s short-sighted
They also leave dog shit all over the sidewalk in most of Europe, too.
I absolutely agree. On the other hand, if enough people do this, then maybe they’ll finally close this loophole. Anyone remember the media coverage last year of the guy in Shelton and his self-appointed “service boa constrictor”?
I’ll second that. A completely dick move.
Move to Europe then.
well there you go then – if they do it in europe….
i’m all for re-examining laws and ordinances, but until that happens i’ll be annoyed that some people feel like they are entitled to do whatever the heck they want because they just wuv their dog
I ran into the same thing. I bring my little Pom in there quickly to grab coffee at the end of our morning walk, pre-work. It has messed up my whole routine. I asked around, and it turns out Ladro was bummed about it too, but a couple of people were making a lot of noise about how it’s a HUGE NO NO to have a dog in a restaurant. Rumor has it, threats were made and the sign went up. I’ve actually been thinking about trying out the ‘Dog of the Month’ place as well! Thanks for the tip!
Well sure, but come on, this rule/law is on par with jaywalking and going 5 mph over the speed limit. It’s one of those situations where the state has regulated in a way that a sizable portion of people disagree with, and so most people don’t think twice about breaking that rule/law. So let’s not make it sound like it’s some heinous crime and say he’s a “free rider.” If that’s true then we’re all probably free riders in one way or another.
But what is the health risk? And if it is an actual, measurable health issue, then why are service dogs allowed in restaurants? That’s like saying I’m allowed to bring in ecoli cultures or an aerosol can of salmonella, but only if there’s a handicapped person in the restaurant.
This seems like “health code” was used as an excuse to legislate social policy. If legislators are going to legislate social policy, fine, but don’t do it under the guise of “health code” unless there is proof and example cases of a health risk here. Further if there is a health risk here, there should be no exceptions – ADA protections do not extend to putting other people’s lives or health at risk.
jdavin – i never said it was a “heinous crime”. I think I used the term “pet peeve”. :)
agree that we all free-ride in different ways. as i said – this one is just a pet peeve of mine.
How do you know that a sizeable portion agree with this? Does a sizeable portion of the population have dogs that they treat like children and you are inferring it from that?
Couldn’t you stick your Pom in one of the newspaper machines out front while you went inside for coffee?
I was aware that the health code prohibited dogs from restaurants, but I didn’t know the prohibition included walk up coffee counters as well. So thanks for filling in that information.
That said, it’s unclear what if any health risks are entailed by having my dog stand in line with me at a coffee shop. I believe the health code is far too aggressive in this case and runs contrary to the spirit of urban living.
For those who hate dogs and their “entitled” owners, you are certainly welcome to your opinion. However, that attitude has no business being codified as law. Personally, I don’t care for smooth jazz, but if someone proposed prohibiting it from coffee shops, I would oppose the ban and simply avoid the coffee shops that played it.
Why don’t you, oh I don’t know, take steps to turn your dog into a well behaved pet rather than a spoilt child? Obedience classes are a wonderful place to further develop healthy bonds with your dog.
And the added benefit of helping them learn to stay quiet while you hop inside for 5 measly minutes. All kinds of people love my lab, and often compliment me (and her) on how well behaved she is.
It’s actually a regulation that unless the dog is a service dog it’s not supposed to be in any place that serves food.
Bad parents? I’m guessing my dog gets more compliments than yours for her good behavior. Smart as whip, great with mobs of young kids, calm disposition, loves affection, doesn’t jump on people, doesn’t crap in the house, doesn’t beg for food at the table, comes when she’s called, and knows all the usual commands (sit, stay, down) along with some unusual ones (close the door, sit pretty). She’s also a certified therapy dog, meaning she can be present in therapy sessions if a patient wants that. She’s been through dog training classes, and we’ve watched every episode of the Dog Whisperer (until we decided we were done with satellite TV). Unlike your lab, she has hypoallergenic, non-shedding fur.
If she wasn’t a well behaved dog, I’d never bring her into a coffee shop. I’m far too self-conscious of opinions like yours.
Despite our training efforts, she still doesn’t like being left alone in unfamiliar places. Go figure.
It’s people like you, Sean, that make other people upset about your dog.
NOT EVERYONE LOVES YOUR DOG. And yeah, it’s a dick move to call it a therapy dog. I personally think therapy dogs should have to be registered and have a special collar/coat. If your dog was really a working dog you wouldn’t mind this.
I bet you walk your dog on one of those retractable leashes and trip other pedestrians too. “But my dog needs freedom!” BS!
Jerk!
‘Cuz for the most part, people suck and dogs are pretty cool. I’ll get my coffee at the fake Bux.
“Because a) it’s illegal”
Yes, but this law, at least when applied to walk-up counters, is completely arbitrary. Think about it – if dogs posed such a health risk, dog owners like you and I would all be dead by now.
“b) it’s disrespectful of people who don’t want dogs there”
Sure, and public kissing is disrespectful to those who don’t like it. It doesn’t follow that it should be banned.
“c) if every dog owner flouted the laws, then the cafes would be full of dogs.”
Some yes, others no, but so what? Just as cafes manage unruly customers, so can they manage unruly pets.
No dog… don’t care for dogs in the city. For the dogs sake.
Coffee shop, OK by me…. but health codes are law.
Dining room – no way. If I saw a dog near, sorry off to another place.
“NOT EVERYONE LOVES YOUR DOG. And yeah, it’s a dick move to call it a therapy dog.”
Calm down and unlock the CAPS button, you are confusing “therapy” dog with “service” dog.
To clarify, a *service dog* accompanies its owner around the city to help with some health condition, whether its blindness, agoraphobia, or something else. There is no certification process for service dogs. You just have to claim that it is. I’ve never claimed my dog is a service dog.
A *certified therapy dog* is one that is allowed to be present in a therapist’s office during clinical sessions because some patients respond better to psychotherapy with a dog in the room. I believe the Washington Psychological Association manages the certification process. It has nothing to do with going into coffee shops.
Believe me, I’m well aware that you and others absolutely hate me and my dog, but that’s irrelevant.
It sucks being a business owner who also loves dogs. Ladro probably got a health inspection while a dog was in there and as a result had to put the sign up because technically it IS against health codes. I would love to have customers’ dogs in here all the time, but I also like having a business that isn’t shut down by the health department.
My beautiful, intelligent, well-trained and well-behaved dog also happens to have separation anxiety problems in any place that isn’t our home. This means I can’t tie her up somewhere and go inside. So, I don’t take her anyplace she can’t go in, obviously. I resent, however, the implication that I’m a BAD DOG OWNER because my very well-behaved, obedience-trained, rescue dog is terrified of being abandoned again. If I ever see your child trip and fall and start crying, I’ll be sure to yell BAD PARENT as loudly as possible.
You as a parent must have done something wrong to cause your dog to have seperation anxiety.
Hey genius: if you’d read my post you’d see she’s a rescue dog who has been abandoned several times. She came to me 18 months ago as damaged goods, and I’ve done a pretty solid job of making her a respectable member of doggie society.
Drugs like cocaine are against the law but they exist.
So you take responsibility for all of the good things about your dog but not the bad things. Now that is genius.
seandr – you’re the only one who’s (repeatedly) talking about hating dogs. everyone else is just telling you to suck it up and respect the rules. if you don’t like the rules, then go ahead and break them and expect people to call you on it or try to change the rules. that’s really all there is to it. :)
“I resent, however, the implication that I’m a BAD DOG OWNER because my very well-behaved, obedience-trained, rescue dog is terrified of being abandoned again”
kerry – nobody said you’re a bad dog owner for having a dog with seperation anxiety. you’re a good dog owner for recognizing that you should not tie your dog up outside a cafe. good dog owner… (pet, pet, pet). goooood dog owner….. :)
My guess is that a dog-in-cafe hater snitched on them.
So, if it’s such an important violation of HEALTH CODES then why are any dogs allowed anyplace at all? They all carry the same health “risks” to humans regardless of designation.
(Don’t have a dog, but I’ll miss all the friendly pups at Ladro)
The health risk isn’t only a problem with bringing in dogs. Several animals can have a potential Salmonella infection, which can be deadly. I know that the vast majority of animals wouldn’t be a problem, but that one person who decides to bring the “Rescue” animal into a restaurant or cafe that may pass a zoonotic disease to the general public. On the street, most people don’t randomly put items in their mouth. In a Cafe they do.
So, lets have only the well behaved and hygienic dogs allowed in food service establishments. Who makes that determination?
You don’t have to be a “dog-hater” to not want dogs in cafes.
That’s like saying someone is a “child-hater” because they don’t want children in bars.
PS. When (irresponsible) dog owners wonder why dogs shouldn’t be allowed in places with food….— well, here’s why.
The other day I was in the grocery store and a dog owner was letting his dog jump up on the deli case and lick the sandwiches!!! NO SH*T! And the owner saw it and acted like it was cute.
THAT, is (one reason)why dogs don’t belong everywhere.
I don’t blame the dog, I blame the owner.
*BAD owner! Baaaaaad owner! Down!
Yeah, I have seen people who are in such love with their dogs that they get a kick out of it when the dog licks all over their face and sometimes gives them a slurp right on the mouth!
Good for them.
But I don’t like your dog that much. If it decides to lick my food before I eat it, I want to make sure that dog stays OUTSIDE.
Who makes that determination? Apparently the people choosing and geting certification for service dogs of all shapes and sizes.
Thank you pffft. You said- “seandr – you’re the only one who’s (repeatedly) talking about hating dogs. everyone else is just telling you to suck it up and respect the rules. if you don’t like the rules, then go ahead and break them and expect people to call you on it or try to change the rules. that’s really all there is to it. :) “
Again, it’s just like the people that tell me I’m a “child-hater” because I don’t have one.
Don’t say I’m a “dog-hater” either because I think you should obey the law and leave your dog on the sidewalk for 5 mins!
Well, Sean, if you insist…
I might hate you then… but I don’t hate your dog. It’s not his fault how you act. Or maybe he should tie you up outside while he gets the coffee?
No, Sean, again… sigh…
You said, “”c) if every dog owner flouted the laws, then the cafes would be full of dogs.”
Some yes, others no, but so what? Just as cafes manage unruly customers, so can they manage unruly pets. “
NO! It’s not their job as a cafe manager to “manage unruly pets!”
Are you serious. So a bartender should break up dog fights all day?
Really?
And if you are “well aware that you and others absolutely hate me and my dog, but that’s irrelevant. ” then why are you posting about it to begin with if it is so irrelevant?
Things that make you go hmmmmmm.
pfft – “”NO! It’s not their job as a cafe manager to “manage unruly pets!””
You’ve misunderstood my point, pffft. I’m not saying cafe’s should be obligated to allow dogs, I’m saying they should be given the choice.
…that sign is both off putting and bitchy. That particular Ladro has a penchant for passive agressive signs (see also the one they have next to the newspapers), so most likely they have a manager or shift leader that gets easily irritated and thinks all their pet peeves can be resolved by whipping up a quick sign on the office printer.
As a dog owner, I personally would never take my rowdy min pin inside a business establishment, but it seems like they could have taken a more tactful approach. Since you can throw a stone and hit at least three other coffee shops in the two block vicinity, if I were Ladro I would take steps to not piss off their customers.
Maybe you are just overly sensitive. Bitching about something being bitchy.
A business owner can’t ask you why you need the animal but they can (and should) ask what the animal does that you can’t do by yourself. There is no such thing as an “emotional support” service animal. That’s what’s known as a pet. Abusing the law by trying to redefine a pet as a service animal hurts those who really need them (i.e., the sight- and hearing-impaired). Hopefully we’ll get some clear legislation on this before much longer. The problem does seem to be getting noticeably worse. Kudos to Cafe Ladro for politely taking a reasonable stand.
Hahahahahaha, right-o.
I don’t know why anyone would think Seattle is anti-dog, or has an anti-dog movement.
There’s an anti-nasty unleashed dog sentiment, but it’s never someone’s well-behaved mutt.
Why doesn’t everyone just take their dogs on walks and, if their dog is content with being outside, have it outside, and if it can’t handle being tied up outside, leave it at home?
I can’t handle seeing a sad lonely looking doggy outside on a lease tied to a street sign or tree, for who knows, maybe minutes, or hours, I can’t handle walking past a dog that is tied up outside and having it bark, growl, and snarl at me, but I can handle dogs being inside of cafes and things…but honestly? Why do you feel the need to take your dog to these places anyway? Just take them on regular walks…Not errand runs, they may not be as excited about coffee as you are.
What happened to the days when service animals all wore a jacket that denoted them as a service animal. In my opinion if a pet is a service animal it should be required to have that jacket and get it from the agency that trained said service animal.
I work in a public city owned building and I see people all the time come in with their dogs and claim them as a service animal. I’m sorry, but what the heck kind of service does your little Pom or Taco Bell dog actually perform that you can’t do yourself? I mean really!!!
I’m not a dog hater, I love them and love it when an owner allows me to play with their pooch a bit, but there’s a place for man’s best friend and it’s not in a restraunt, cafe, or anything like that.
Somebody asked why service dogs are allowed inside if they are a health code violation. Come on, to deny a legitemit service animal would to be discriminatory to a group of people who really need a service animal to get around in life whether it would be a blind person, seizure sufferer.
Who cares what they do in Europe, we’re not them! Like it over there so much then move there already.
As for the 15th ave Ladro staff being rude to people as such or having attitude, then don’t go there, find another coffee shop to get your joe. A lot of places have rude staff and for some reason people still give them business, go figure? Oh yeah, because maybe it’s the trendy place to go to and to be seen at…. who knows.
Right, no one is suggesting that service animals don’t ever constitute a health hazard. They can, and they do. However, our society has made a value judgment that the health risks these animals pose is outweighed by the benefit they bring to people with physical disabilities. It’s an imperfect policy that depends on a fragile consensus. People who play semantic games with the law in order to take their pets into places where food is served can only erode that consensus and invite a backlash against the whole concept of service animals (and by extension, the people who depend on them). If your dog doesn’t like being tied up outside a cafe or restaurant, leave it at home. Problem solved.
I expect somebody either threatened Ladro or they got their scheduled inspection and got in trouble or a dog. It’s their choice to risk their business and not follow health codes.
I’m willing to bet the sign WAS bitchy as previously mentioned. So what? I’ve been in the place twice and got shit for service and shitty attitude from the other side of the counter. I just go elsewhere.
It’s also true if many of these places worked faster, it wouldn’t matter to leave the dog tied up outside for a couple minutes. Or here’s an idea, put a walk-up window at the sidewalk! Then folks can have their dog and their coffee too.
I personally have an adorable little dog and he doesn’t get to go in with me. Coffee and/or donuts are for ME, not him!
As somebody who got bit by a dog at an establishment, I applaud all establishments who enforce the rules.
I am a dog lover, but they are dogs, not people. They don’t belong everywhere.
If you want to take your dog with you to a restaurant move to France.
Isn’t complaining on a blog more bitchy and passive aggressive than the sign posted at Ladro?
.
Tying your dog up outside while you “quickly” get that cup of coffee should be no big deal then.
If there is all this talk of health code, how are establishments like Clever Dunnes, Norms, and Bauhaus able to remain dog friendly?
I will step up my visits to your establishments and make purchasing your 100% shade-grown, organic coffee more frequently. Enforcing health department laws is something i applaud in an establishment–if they are letting dogs in who else knows where they may be bending the rules? The business you will lose because of a few mental queens with their little yappy “children” will be nothing compared to the increase you experience. Let the people go to the fake starbucks, who cares?
There are still plenty of cafes on the Hill that allow dogs. And I’m with you that cafes should be allowed to choose whether to admit dogs or not. I have no problem with places that don’t allow dogs but would rather frequent one that does (and I don’t even have a dog anymore).
I do agree that calling your pet a service animal when it’s not is a serious dick move, though.
Keep your stupid f’n dog at home baby! The world does not revolve around you, you’re parents were lying when they said, “you’re special”. You are just like the rest of us and have to follow the same rules.
Now get your dirty ass dog out of stores/restaurants/home depot/etc. The rest of us don’t want your nasty dog hair all over our stuff. No it’s not cute when he jumps up on me, no it’s not cute when he pisses/shits on the floor/counter/your lap. No I don’t want to meet him/let him smell my crotch.
And no, i’m not a dog hater. I have a black lab that’s probably the worlds coolest dog. I just know not everyone agrees with me so I leave him home where he belongs. And when I’m walking my dog, keep your mangy no shot having dirty ass dog away from mine. My dog is well trained, current on all shots, and unlike your dog is trained.
Remember, just because we’re polite doesn’t mean we like your dog.
And get him a collar, the bandanna is so 1986!
Sadly, it is illegal, as noted herein.
There was a bill a couple of years back ( http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2003540267_d) that would have permitted businesses with liquor licenses, that chose to do so, to permit well behaved dogs that aren’t service animals. Alas, it didn’t go anywhere.
Because they haven’t been caught violating the law.
No there are not plenty that allow dogs. There are plenty that haven’t been caught breaking the law.
Who determines what is well-behaved?
Fuckin’ crybaby. Please keep your dog out of places where I consume food.
I felt I should at least provide some sort of comment from Ladro, though I’ll admit I’m a little nervous about stirring this pot. Mostly I’m sad for any anger this situation has caused. We want to make great coffee and help you all have a good day, and our staff really struggles with having to enforce Seattle municipal codes without upsetting our customers. We love dogs. I’m sitting in our corporate office surrounded by three of them as I type (no food service here, I swear). But unless the rules change, we have to follow them.
I am not against leaving him outside, he is actually super well behaved and would be fine. Sadly, with the smaller dogs like mine, there has been a lot of theft outside of cafe’s. I guess they fetch a high resale price. I got mine at the pound a little while ago and that is the first thing they warned us about. I guess it is a real problem in Seattle. But, it is also an entirely different issue…
Or korea…
Me – “I might hate you then…”
You just called me, your neighbor, a “jerk!” and yelled at me in caps that “NOT EVERYONE LOVES MY DOG”.
That’s hate, plain and simple.
It is obvious that the legal exclusion for real service animals is being widely abused by selfish dog owners who feel entitled to have Fido with them wherever they go. They know that the law is rarely enforced by businesses who fear losing a few dollars if they “offend” the owner. I shop frequently at the Broadway Market QFC, and almost always there are 1-2 dogs in there. I realize that disabilities requiring a real service animal can by invisible, but I doubt very much that this is the case with most of these dogs. I find it kind of sad, but also irritating, that these dog owners can’t get by without Fido for an hour or so while they run some errands.
I agree with others that the law needs to be strengthened to close the loophole that is allowing this problem to get worse. True service animals for those with real disabilities (attested to be a physician or other professional) should be required to wear a brightly colored harness or collar whenever they are out in public, so there would be no question as to that dog’s status, and so that those who are ignoring the law would have to leave Fido at home for a little while. Is this too much to expect?
“Service animals” should be limited to those on disability. If you qualify for a placard in your car, then you qualify for a service animal.
Just because your pet makes you feel better it should not be at the detriment of those around you. I know many people that are terrified of dogs, and the presence of your “service” animal is doing nothing to make them feel better and probably making them feel a whole lot worse.
I grow weary of the selfishness of our society, the me first attitude that is all around us. Everyone thinks they’re special, when in fact there are only a few truly special people walking among us. All aspects of nature are a bell curve, chances are you (and me) fit somewhere in the middle.
Qualifying for a disabled parking permit is quite broad (and widely abused), so qualifying for a true service animal (as opposed to just wanting your pet with you at all times) should be much more difficult. For example, many disabled placards are given to people with varying degrees of arthritis, but most of them would not qualify for a service animal. If the law regarding service animals is ever srengthened, it needs to be written to prevent the kind of abuse/fraud rampant with parking placards.
“If there is all this talk of health code”
Do some research. It exists, posted in the other thread.
I find that in order to bring my dog in for some nice morning wake up coffee, even if its cold out, I need to spend at least 20, and as usual, vanishes quickly right up in the air. All that on treats, hydration and well… yep, thats usually it.
You shouldn’t bring your dog in anywhere. Just because you like your dog doesn’t mean everyone else does.
So many people, and so much passion! But the law is really simple, we have Federal Law, which no State, City, Counties, etc can detract from, only increase your protection. The Federal ADA law is as follows. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), privately owned businesses that serve the public, such as restaurants, hotels, retail stores, taxicabs, theaters, concert halls, and sports facilities, are prohibited from discriminating against individuals with disabilities. The ADA requires these businesses to allow people with disabilities to bring their service animals onto business premises in whatever areas customers are generally allowed.. The ADA defines a service animal as any guide dog, signal dog, or other animal individually trained to provide assistance to an individual with a disability. If they meet this definition, animals are considered service animals under the ADA regardless of whether they have been licensed or certified by a state or local government. Service animals perform some of the functions and tasks that the individual with a disability cannot perform for him or herself. Guide dogs are one type of service animal, used by some individuals who are blind. This is the type of service animal with which most people are familiar. But there are service animals that assist persons with other kinds of disabilities in their day-to-day activities. Some, but not all, service animals wear special collars and harnesses. Some, but not all, are licensed or certified and have identification papers. If you are not certain that an animal is a service animal, you may ask the person who has the animal if it is a service animal required because of a disability. However, an individual who is going to a restaurant or theater is not likely to be carrying documentation of his or her medical condition or disability. Therefore, such documentation generally may not be required as a condition for providing service to an individual accompanied by a service animal. Although a number of states have programs to certify service animals, you may not insist on proof of state certification before permitting the service animal to accompany the person with a disability. This is Federal Law, and is supreme over any and all state and local ordinances, including any health department regulations. This past January the Department of Justice did tighten up the regulations, Now Only Canines and Miniature Horses are considered service animals by the federal Law. on March 15, 2011, the new law went into effect, it is as follows, “Service animal means any dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability. Other species of animals, whether wild or domestic, trained or untrained, are not service animals for the purposes of this definition. The work or tasks performed by a service animal must be directly related to the handler’s disability. Examples of work or tasks include, but are not limited to, assisting individuals who are blind or have low vision with navigation and other tasks, alerting individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing to the presence of people or sounds, providing non-violent protection or rescue work, pulling a wheelchair, assisting an individual during a seizure, alerting individuals to the presence of allergens, retrieving items such as medicine or the telephone, providing physical support and assistance with balance and stability to individuals with mobility disabilities, and helping persons with psychiatric and neurological disabilities by preventing or interrupting impulsive or destructive behaviors. The crime deterrent effects of an animal’s presence and the provision of emotional support, well-being, comfort, or companionship do not constitute work or tasks for the purposes of this definition. Also Washington state has a much looser definition of a service animal, it is as follows, “Service animal” means an animal that is trained for the purpose of assisting or accommodating a disabled person’s sensory, mental, or physical disability. and does not specify a canine or miniature horse. as for emotional support animals, while the federal law excludes them, the city of Seattle and Tacoma for example, and their respective Human rights commissions do not exclude them. I see designer Dogs, little dogs all the time, and while as a disabled person, with a large service animal, I know that these are not trained, I do give the owners the benefit of the doubt. as to Cafe Lardo, This is the only Coffee shop I go to that always asks me to leave, perhaps the owners need to retrain the Baristas to ask the questions that are allowed by law, 1. Is that a service animal?, and 2. What services does it perform? I do not have trouble, as I am a large Native with a Large, clear marked Dog, she’s still a puppy, 11 months old, and 80lbs. and I am very vocal about my rights, I carry the Federal and State regulations with me, and do not hesitate to call the police and get a report, then file a Federal and or state complaint.
No you can’t bring yuor dog in for a stop and go. You are not disabled, your dpg is not trained for public access and a problem in the store with your dog would only bring on more problems with people who have egitimat SDs. Grow up.
Yes, dogs are a man/woman’s best friend – but people have allergies, dogs fight and bight, hairs fly everywhere, you touch the dog then pop your hands into the pot of peanuts, they don’t wear panties (!) and so on. Health rulings decide the fate of dogs in restaurants and cafes. And regarding Europe, yes, dog shit is everywhere. I do think people become paranoid about dogs. They have their place, and it’s not around food.