Recent Issues and Concerns Regarding Dogs / Animals in Restaurants

[PMK]

Not sure how other parts of the USA are involved in the allowing of folks bringing animals into places of business with them.

I 110% understand training the dogs to help vision impaired folks, needing to be exposed to the conditions and places / situations they will be functioning in.

Lately, it seems anyone and everyone brings their dog into establishments that serve food, or hotels, supermarkets, stores, banks and more.

No doubt some of these dogs are legit service dogs, but most are little yippers that are essentially out of control, and virtually unwatched by their owners.

Adding insult to all this, the past few stays at name brand hotels, we had barking dogs during the night, dogs at the breakfast area, and learned that unless you really push the question, you may be given a room that had dogs or pets in them prior to you.

As clients of these establishments, it is getting out of control, especially if other patrons have allergies induced by these animals, or heaven forbid, a person contracted Lyme Disease from a Tick because the owner let the dog sleep in the bed.

How are you folks contending with this, or any suggestions. Managements seem to turn and run and will allow any and all animals in, likely fearing a lawsuit. Is there a good answer?

 

[GoNoGo]

Yup, it's sad but there's no good answer.

 

[pegasus1300]

I 100% agree. I had to complain several times to my local grocery store to get them to start asking customers not to bring their "comfort" animals into the store. State health depts used to be much more aggressive in this enforcement, I don't know why it has changed. I grew up in the food industry and we had no hesitation about telling guests they could not bring their animals in unless they were registered service animals.

 

[UtahPete]

Yeah, inconsiderate people can make life miserable for others. I try to minimize contact with the general public.

 

[SLICE]

i saw several signs in cedar key FL stating service animal ID required on resturaunt doors.
wondering if staff actually ask for proof or not

 

[Navydad]

Yup, it's sad but there's no good answer.

Yes there is. Owners/managers need to grow a pair and stand behind the NO PETS laws that most states have. A true service dog should be identified as such and the rest are just dogs that "mommy and daddy" can't bear to leave at home while they pick up a few groceries. Tell em to get Fifi out of the establishment and that's that. If motels choose to allow pets is one thing, but places that serve or sell food are another thing and in Ohio are supposed to be off limits. No, I am not a dog hater. We had German Shepherds for forty years and now we have a Boston Terrier that is cuter than a bug. When we go shopping he remains cute at home.

 

[wyliec]

Yes there is. Owners/managers need to grow a pair and stand behind the NO PETS laws that most states have. A true service dog should be identified as such and the rest are just dogs that "mommy and daddy" can't bear to leave at home while they pick up a few groceries. Tell em to get Fifi out of the establishment and that's that. If motels choose to allow pets is one thing, but places that serve or sell food are another thing and in Ohio are supposed to be off limits. No, I am not a dog hater. We had German Shepherds for forty years and now we have a Boston Terrier that is cuter than a bug. When we go shopping he remains cute at home.

I agree, but where I live, I did some checking and it is up to the eatery. Those places that allow it are typically those with outside seating. Say what you want, but there are some restaurant clientele that have no manners, and carry on so others can hear them b/c they think they are so important.

 

[Saluda]

Many pet owners now put their animals above people. Same issues here, we complain and if not addressed we take our business elsewhere. Majority of these pets are not marked in any way. Even if marked that marking is an easy purchase. Constant barking, dog sxxt everywhere, people getting bit, most pet owners now have 1 - 4 dogs.

 

[Pooch]

I have noticed recently in our area signs at entryways that say service animals are welcome - NO pets.
I believe people are respecting that.
Maybe you could ask the city council where you live if they would do something like that. Seems to me its much the same as cities banning smoking indoors in public places… much to many people’s relief.
I have 4 rescue dogs and the only time they leave our home is to go to the vet.

 

[PMK]

The replies so far offer insight as to what some others have experienced similar to what the wife and I endured during recent travels, and several times previously traveling, or locally at establishments.

Likely I was not clear in my initial post. Regarding most dogs, I have no issue and do enjoy them. Known aggressive breeds or small annoying dogs not so much.

As is in so many social interaction skills, people are the root cause of the issue, not the dogs.

Seems people are on three sides, maybe four. Dog owners that insist upon bringing their dog regardless of respecting other folks, shop owners unwilling to uphold ordinances that respect other persons rights, then the folks that support these establishments, especially those that serve or sell food, being disrespected by the other two groups mentioned, and lastly folks that do not own these dogs, do not care or as in so many social issues these days, expect equality regardless of how it may affect others.

The vision impaired person that utilizes a dog as an aid is obviously in need of that dogs help in most cases. Even so, very often, vision impaired folks respect others and will go to these establishments with a non vision impaired person.
Myself, I do volunteer taking vision impaired folks on tandem bicycle rides at nearby parks / events.

Regarding companion animals / dogs, to provide emotional or some type of support for their owners, myself, and it seems others, are ok with this but realize taking these animals into establishments that can pose issues for others can hopefully be addressed either by the owners respecting others, management or the company drafting and adopting rules that are enforced, or maybe simply the existing rules / laws need to be enforced.

No doubt in some ways a difficult issue to contend with. For the wife and I, it seems, since she has allergies that can become very severe quickly from exposure to animals, we shall contend with each situation as we see viable at the time.

Thanks to those that posted, was enlightening to see we are certainly not alone regarding this, and accept others here and no doubt everywhere have similar points of view.

 

[2dogs]

Regarding companion animals / dogs, to provide emotional or some type of support for their owners, ....

I never could understand this. I recently heard of a woman who was refused service because she tried to bring her miniature support pony on board a commercial aircraft with her. What's with these people?

 

[Raven]

I never could understand this. I recently heard of a woman who was refused service because she tried to bring her miniature support pony on board a commercial aircraft with her. What's with these people?

Thats horse****. LOL:shemademe_smilie:
Sorry I just couldn't help myself.:lecturef_smilie:

 

[Lew L]

Thats horse****. LOL:shemademe_smilie:
Sorry I just couldn't help myself.:lecturef_smilie:

>

Please note the picture to the left. Thats Kaos, our last Great Dane. And not the biggest we've had by 30 or 40 pounds. We seldom took them [we've had 6 Danes) to a place of business. Home Depot welcomed them. They were greeted with either " that's a horse" or " that's the biggest firehouse dog I've ever seen." Now that we travel on the Spyder, it's too much to board a "horse" for 2 or three weeks. I would love to have another Dane......

Lew L