Poorly Behaved Service Animals

What If The Animal Is Bad?

• Quietly ask the manager to speak to the handler to remove the animal

for:

• growling at patrons
• lifting its leg, urinating or marking
• barking inappropriately
• eating off the floor or tables
• unwanted approaching of other patrons
• lunging at patrons or other animals
• disruptive behavior or the animal is requiring excessive efforts from the handler to control the animal’s behavior

• If the dog or miniature horse is not clearly identified as a service animal, through vest, harness, or other equipment, then staff may ask only the following questions:

1.   “Is this a service animal?”

2.   “What tasks does this animal provide for you?”

• The Department of Justice does ask the business staff/manager to determine if the handler needs assistance in completing the tasks without the service animal on the premises.

• The business staff/manager is encouraged to document the incident clearly and thoroughly.  Suspected fraudulent use of a service animal can be reported to local, state, or federal law enforcement agencies.

• These guidelines are also available on the website: 

http://www.ada.gov