Poorly Behaved Service Dogs

 

What If The Dog 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 dog is requiring excessive efforts from the handler to control the dog’s behavior

 

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

 

1.   “Is this a service dog?”

 

2.   “What tasks does this dog 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 dog on the premises.

 

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

 

  • These guidelines are also available on the website: 

http://www.ada.gov