No More Dogs in Grocery Stores!
A couple weekends ago, I was surprised to see a man bringing a puppy into the Safeway on 15th. He was entering the store right behind me, so I turned around and asked, “Are you bringing that dog into the store?” This of course led to a confrontation, with me pointing out the sign on the door indicating that only service animals are allowed in the store, and him claiming that the dog was a therapy dog and putting it in the grocery cart, you know, where customers after him would put their food.
A few things: First off, that’s bullshit (which I told him in those exact words), and the kind of bullshit that hearkens back to this CHS post, where someone in the comments suggested that dog owners lie and say they have a service animal in order to bring dogs into food establishments. It’s a dick move and an utter abuse of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Besides that, even if a dog is a “therapy dog,” that’s still a step below a service animal as the ADA defines it: “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.” (And of course, they’re going by the legal definition of “disability” as well.) Sorry, but just being there for “emotional support” doesn’t count as a service as per federal law. Further delineation of this distinction can be found in the ADA FAQ and this edition of the USDA Animal Information Welfare Center newsletter. It’s pretty clear that a seeing-eye dog or a hearing-ear dog or a walking-leg dog counts as a service animal, while a feeling-fine dog does not.
A bigger problem: When I tried to get a Safeway employee to back me up, he shrugged and said that they generally turn a blind eye. So I took my complaint to the store manager, who stated that he wasn’t able to ask what the dog was for, because they could be sued.
Which is wrong. Again, from CHS:
We spoke to Hilary Karasz, an Information Officer with Seattle & King County Public Health, who confirmed that per state statute, animals are not allowed in eating and/or drinking establishments (nor grocery stores), with the exception of service animals. Karasz advised that employees are able to inquire as to what functions a service animal serves but cannot ask for proof of disability and/or that a pet is indeed a service animal, per federal statute (the Americans with Disabilities Act).
In this case, he wouldn’t have even needed to ask if it was a service animal, because it was an off-leash puppy in a shopping cart and obviously not a working dog. Stop being scared of lawsuits and grow some balls, Safeway. Enforce the law and keep non-service animals out of the store. I can’t do all the work for you.
(No more dogs in restaurants or bars either, but we’ll leave that for another time.)
24 thoughts on “No More Dogs in Grocery Stores!”
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Holy crap. You might need to find a nice, quiet, relaxing hobby. Maybe some regular meditation would help you?
Meh. What’s the dog gonna do, run through the heads of lettuce, peeing along the way? The items in grocery stores pass through so many unsanitary conditions already — I don’t think someone’s Golden Retriever is really going to change things.
I agree with the author completely. Bringing pets into eating establishments willy nilly not only is a threat to public health and the well-being of other patrons, it’s an affront to the ADA, and it reflects poorly on the pussified pansies in charge of those establishments.
To Seriously?, I think that too much meditation, crystal-gazing, and other forms of harness-the-positive-energy-in-the-universe attitudes are the root of the wishy-washy, out-of-touchy mentality that sadly permeates much of Seattle. It’s time to sack up and follow the rules.
To sdb, yes, the little pup might run through and piss on items. It might rip open bags of food and strew them on the floor. It might startle patrons, or run amok in the deli section, or take a frightened shit in aisle five. Much food does come from unsanitary conditions, but adding a loose canine to the mix not only ups the ante, it makes shopping there downright disgusting. Leave your dogs at home.
I have a regsterd service dog she two pound eight oz she staes in my shirt she is my lifeline she lets me know befor a ssigus cume on so i can get meds befor im laying on the floor shaking and off to the hosptil so just think about that not only that u are right the ones ho fake it fucks thing up for the peppel with real service anamals
I don’t have a dog. Even if I did, I’d never take him to a grocery store. But I don’t really care if other people do. I’ve seen plenty of dogs in stores but never have I seen them shitting and pissing in them. And you’re adding in the “loose dog” bit as a scare tactic. When was the last time you saw a loose dog running through a store? This dog was in a cart (the same cart people put the asses of their kid’s soiled diapers), and other dogs I’ve seen indoors are leashed.
Relax.
Thanks for the comments, sdb. What really gets me about the whole thing is the mindset: people who think their widdle pumpkin is so precious that they couldn’t possibly leave it outside or at home, that they’re somehow so special they can opt out of federal, state, and local laws. These aren’t my rules, these are The Rules, and they exist for a reason. Welcome to Society.
Jesus, dog hater. Get over yourself. They’re cleaner than children, now THOSE mongrels need to be kept hidden. Children the reason there is feces all over grocery store shopping carts- not dogs.
I agree that it’s perverting the ADA law.
That being said, I don’t give a flying squirrel if someone brings a dog, cat or bird into any establishment (with or without food). Is the animal well behaved? Then it’s cool.
Hell, let’s be honest. Most of the dogs I see at bars are more behaved than the humans in there. And I figure if I’m paying for shit and my dog isn’t humping your leg at check out or walking on the lettuce, then I got a right.
Moreover, my dog’s paws are probably cleaner than that kids’ hands.
And I’m not going to entertain the “society” argument. I don’t think my dog is too cute or precious to be left outside. I just don’t give a fuck. Some rules are stupid. And no, I don’t have to follow them. So I won’t. Like jay-walking. I love jay-walking.
I don’t mind people bringing any well-behaved animals into a store. I’ve seen plenty of babies and children meaner and nastier than even the worst dog.
Even if it’s breaking the rules. Which, by the way, is also society.
You’re right on the money. I have invisible disabilities and have used a service dog for 15 years. Guide Dog only signs are wrong. The ADA is fabulous protection for people with disabilities and allows us to lead more productive and satisfying lives. Remember that most of us will become disabled at one point in our lives – in other words, we’re all “temporarily abled”. I personally believe that any well-behaved dog should be allowed anywhere, but that’s not what the law says or the public expects. And any dog, service dog or not, can be legally asked to be removed from the premises if s/he is disruptive.
The picture that says, “No Dogs except Guide Dogs” is waaay out of line. Service dogs do much more than guide the blind. I have a medical alert, medical response and mobility service dog. I don’t look disabled, but I am and my dog is a genuine service dog, just not a guide dog.
Troy…Yes, you do have to follow the law. It’s a crime to say your dog is a service dog when it is not. You can go to jail, face heavy fines, and lose your rights to social security when you would otherwise be eligible. It also makes you a world class jerk. Pets don’t go through the 2 years of training our dogs do and are not as well behaved. If your pet dog decides he doesn’t like my service dog and attacks, you are liable for the damage to my dog (which is valued at about $60,000) and any medical damage done to me as a result. Pets attacking service dogs DOES happen and has resulted in more than one service dog having to be retired.
No, the law isn’t stupid.
I believe that sign is British, and they got their own rules. Your service animal, being a true service animal, is fine by me and well within the scope of the law.
Jason said: “First of all a therapy dog could be used for mental disporders and/or emotional disorders.”
FIRST OF ALL, you are incorrect. Therapy dogs live with a handler, pass rigorous tests and are insured to visit OTHER PEOPLE to make them feel better.
SERVICE DOGS live with a disabled person (whether that disability is mental or physical) and serve ONLY THAT PERSON. There are psychiatric service dogs that live with people and interrupt their flashbacks, anxiety, etc. My SD is a medical alert and mobility assist dog. My disability is invisible, so I get “the look” from people wondering what’s wrong with that girl? Why does she have a dog with her all the time? It’s none of their business; she does her job and behaves like a model citizen. I love leaving a restaurant to a chorus of other diners saying as we pass “She is better behaved than most children!” or “We didn’t realize she was even here.” That is how a SD is supposed to act in public.
What concerns me is that others, who do NOT have well-behaved, model-citizen dogs think it’s their inalienable right to take that dog everywhere with them. It puts my dog in danger, which puts me in danger.
SD Handler– I want to be absolutely clear here: I completely agree that claiming an animal is a service animal when it is not is wrong. I do not do that. I do not condone that. At all.
The law that I think is stupid and refuse to adhere to just because it is written is in outlawing non-service animals who are well behaved. And I refuse to lie about it.
That being said, I now see the potential in certain confined areas that other pets attack service dogs (which would be incredibly horrible– I won’t even go on a rant about crappy pet owners). Thank you for presenting that to me.
If I’m not going to follow a law because I don’t believe in it, I’m going to be honest about it. Otherwise, I’m just trying to get away with breaking the law and not making a point.
Geez, Audry, lighten up. First of all a therapy dog could be used for mental disporders and/or emotional disorders. Secondly, lighten up. heck, even the non-dog owners are telling you to lighten up. That just makes it embarrassing for you.
As long as the animal was well behaved, it’s okay by me. In fact, the owner might have been training the dog as a therapy/service animal and therefore needed to socialize him in places with lots of sights, sounds and smells. But I’m guessing there.
Either way, take the stick out, you’ll sleep better.
Geez, Jasn, feel free to comment *after* you’ve read the post.
I’m happy to see so many opposed to this article. Sorry Audrey, Seattle is a city where there are roughly 45% more dogs than children. Get used to it.
Suggesting someone leave a dog outside is ignorant and insensitive. Dogs in this city are stolen and poisoned that way. It infuriates me when I see a dog tied up outside a store or restaurant.
As long as the dog is well behaved (and they are typically better behaved than children), I could give a tiny rat’s ass if there is one in a store or bar.
Have any of you over-entitled dog lickers ever thought of the other store patrons who may have medical allergies to dogs? Or a philosophical fear of dogs? Or theological objections to handling merchandise that has just been pawed over by somebody right after they’ve gotten dog slobber all over their hands? Or who just plain have the unrealistic Kantian expectation that
idiotsgood citizens will at least try to not egregiously flout the law and will attempt to hold up their end of the social contract, yes yes, huge senses of entitlement notwithstanding?I’m not suggesting you leave your dog outside; rather, I’m suggesting you leave your dog inside your flea-addled house because your dog does not need to come with you when you shop for freaking groceries.
Actually, it’s not the dogs I’m hating on. I like dogs. It is the small minority of entitled, jerkbag dog owners that I hate. For the record, yeah, dogs are frequently more well- behaved than small children… probably because people are even worse at parenting their children than their dogs.
First of all I do agree with some of what you said.
Keeping the rights of both parties in mind. Those that have fears or allergies and those that need a service dog. What is to be done per the Dept of Justice is keep the ones with allergies as far apart as possible as fears and allergies are not legal reasons to bar a service animal from the building
Wow, ever wander into a piece of the Internet that is bat-shit crazy?
Not saying that applies here. Just thought I’d ask.
First world problems*.
* ok, all of my problems are first world problems too. just saying – if your biggest problem is that a dog has perhaps at one point sat in your grocery cart, you have a good life. Leave the poor grocery store employee alone.
First off, with all due respect…you went just far enough to seem like an antagonist. This issue is one that I have made my life goal. I have a medical-alert animal and encounter ALL sorts of adversity on a day to day basis. My solution…Kindly Educate. It is even more difficult when my service dog just happens to be the cutest thing around town. The fact remains, I need him, and I need the people around me to respect the fact that I am doing my very best to live a normal, fulfilling life.
There is a simple solution to all the access problems, it’s just a matter of getting more advocates. The public needs to stop waisting their efforts on complaining about the need for special vests, id cards, the fear of being sued, etc. Instead, these efforts should be put towards educating the public on how to identify SD’s and the proper etiquette when encountering a team.
While I hate it, I do have a special vest for my dog that we use ONLY when traveling in the airport – who wants even MORE problems with TSA? I absolutely hate strapping a “SD” vest on him when going places, and many other Handlers feel the same way. Because there is no law governing the necessity of a identification vest, there are far too many companies selling fake vests online with no verification of whether the animal is specifically task trained or not. “Here, give us your 200 bucks and we’ll send you this SD vest”….This is horrible. I’ve met multiple people who do this and it breaks my heart. They do not understand the repercussions this has on ACTUAL SD teams. Someone bringing in their pet to a grocery store poses risks to everyone around if they are untrained, sick, aggressive, etc. You are very right when you say the management needs to stand up and stop being afraid of law suits. This is so easy if they would take a moment to understand and train their staff! Forget identification vests…that one has already been tainted…OBSERVE. When encountering a person in a store, it should take you no more than 10 seconds to observe if the dog is not a service dog. An SD is not going to behave like a pet. If you notice no misbehaving but are still not sure, kindly ask (with a darn smile on your face, please) “Is that a SD?” If the response is no, ask them to remove the animal. If the answer is yes…well there you have it. Here is where people seem to get confused: Just because they say yes, does not mean anyone can get away with it. If you doubt the validity of their statement, DO NOT BE COMBATIVE….continue to observe the behavior and demeanor of the dog. Visibly unhygienic, jumping, barking, playing, and wandering are all key indicators that the animal is NOT an SD. At this point, you can kindly address the handler and let them know that due to the observed behavior of the dog, the company policy requires you to inquire further the validity of their claim. DO NOT ASK what the SD is for. You can only ask, what functions does your SD perform to mitigate your condition? How does your SD serve your needs? Or you can even say that you noticed some unfitting behaviors of that of an SD and if they need to take a moment to manage the situation. It is also possible that other employees or customers are unknowingly being inappropriate in trying to get the SD’s attention, and the best SD can still get distracted when surrounded by uneducated people. This would be your responsibility to respectfully ask the other patrons to cease their behavior.
Really, it is simple. Remember that people with a real need for their SD’s have no desire to make their lives any more difficult than they already are…so PLEASE be kind. We deal with this day to day and our SD’s are just another part of us…If I could leave my diabetes at home before going out to dinner…Heck! Sign me up! Respect that we are just trying to live as normal of a life as you are blessed with. If you have any questions, please feel free to email me at nkreiner88 at gmail. Thanks for reading :)
I agree that non-service animals should stay home. Dog owners, please show some consideration for your fellow shoppers. You wouldn’t take your dog into a clothing store or boutique, would you? Because it is rude to get dog hair on the merchandise. Well it is rude to do the same in the grocery store. True service animals are an exception, obviously.
I am disabled and I have a service dog for mobility assistance. Several weeks ago we were in the local Safeway when we ran into what looked like another service dog team coming down the aisle. Wrong, it was an untrained and unfriendly dog. Store staff just turned their heads. The other dog lunged at Pique grabbing her by the ear then the throat. There was a lot of blood and the resulting vet bill ran over $1000. Worse Pique has stopped working for me and is now afraid of other dogs. I now have to retrain or retire her and get another service dog. Keep you damn dogs out of stores and away from us. You’re untrained dogs pose a health risk and hazard to our service dogs. By the way if you don’t know it costs about $25,000 to put a service dog on the street to work.
Just the other day I was at a deli and a woman came in with ‘Scruffy’ in her arms, medium sized dog, long hair, ring-around-the-piehole face…you get the picture. I explained I was allergic and she said she would take the dog out. Did she? No. So, first off, she’s a liar! Next, she stood next to me and my sandwich, while I waited to get the rest of my order, ‘Scruffy’ was sniffing at my food, I had to move over. She did not identify her dog as a service animal. I repeated my request for her to take the dog out. She said “Why don’t YOU leave the store?” Her mate/hubby/partner began to yell at me to “Chill out, relax, get a life!”. The deli clerks refused to get involved. So Mr. Bullyman continued on with his ranting. Until Scruffy growled at another patron going by. Still, they did not leave the store!
So who is at fault here? Could the woman have waited outside? Why should I have to be bothered by a dog sniffing my food in a store where clearly it did NOT need to be? What if that animal were to bite someone? Should we have to worry about that? I’m NOT talking trained service dogs here. I’m talking pets and attention cravers who can’t leave them at home!