Earlier this summer, our family took a mini-vacation to the beach for a little rest and relaxation. Although this was only a 4-day trip, it was special because we took the whole family… including our 18-month-old Maltese. We rarely get to take him on trips, so we thought he’d love new surroundings at the condo and beach. When we arrived, one of the FIRST places we decided to hit was the swimming pool. With excitement gleaming, my wife and daughter decided to go out and scout the resort and report back, while I unwound from the long drive.
One of the first things they said, when they got back, was our dog couldn’t go to the pool. They had a “No Pets Allowed” sign posted in the pool area. This meant we couldn’t even have him on the deck around the pool. Bummer! He was NOT happy, and cried as we left him behind in a strange and unfamiliar place. All I could think about, while at the pool, was how I wished he could join us in the sun.
My wife mentioned if he were certified as a service dog, he would be allowed in the pool area. She said she knew someone who certified their cat as a service animal, to relieve their social anxiety disorder. After arrivinghome from our trip, I began to research registering our dog as a service animal. I found out, that for $70-$140, we could have him certified. Seemingly easy – but odd – since nothing required any proof of a disability. In good conscience, I was unable to go through with it, since no one in our family has an “official diagnosis” of a listed disability for an emotional support dog.
Let’s fast forward to today. Coincidentally, one of my clients just happened to send me a text message asking if service dogs were allowed in the Dental operatory. Based on my earlier personal research into service dog certification, I informed them they had to allow it. Because the Dental office, including the operatory, is “a place of public accommodation” they have to permit the use of a service animals for people with disabilities.
The American Disabilities Act (ADA) says it is against federal law for anyone to ask for proof of an animal’s certification, training or licensing. Even if the office has a “no pets allowed” policy, a service animal is STILL allowed, unless the doctor can show why permitting the service animal in that area would pose “a significant health risk.” Only service animals displaying vicious behavior toward or posing a direct threat to the health and safety of patients, patrons or employees, may be excluded from the facility.
Their question made me think back to our little trip andthe dilemma we had with our dog earlier this summer. I thought to myself, he’ll just have to be happy with our trips to Home Depot! Now let me see, what’s next on my “honey do’ list?
Will McGowan
(Americans with Disabilities Act Title III Technical Assistance Manual, 4.2300)