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What if I am discriminated against because I have a service dog?

service dog discrimination

What should you do if you are discriminated against because you have a service dog?

Public perception and the law don’t necessarily agree in this area. If you believe you have been prevented from accessing a businesses products or services because you are disabled and happen to have a service dog, the first step is to document the incident and present your complaint to the business.  The next step is to file a complaint with the appropriate federal and state agencies (often this is the Human Rights Commission). Finally, take your experience to the web. Filing a report on sites like ripoffreport.com and trustpilot.com will often catch the attention of the senior management of the store.

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About the Author: The writing team at Service Dog Certifications is made up of folks who really know their stuff when it comes to disability laws and assistance animals. Many of our writers and editors have service dogs themselves and share insights from their own experiences. All of us have a passion for disability rights and animals.

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  1. Amy Scarella says: June 18, 2023

    I was just grilled by the host of a local restaurant about my service dog and put on the spot. I told him he is a psychiatric service dog and was asked what service he provides. I told him he quells panic attacks. And he asked again what service he provides. I told him i just had brain surgery and he is psychiatric. Do i need to tell any more? I felt targeted and violated. I told him i have a Dr letter and tag and he said that doesn’t matter and that he didn’t need to see them. Am i just better off stating that I’m now deaf in my left ear from the surgery and he is an alert dog? I’ve never had an issue until today but i haven’t gone out since my surgery theee months ago.

    Reply
    • SDC says: June 19, 2023

      You do not have to reply to any questions that delve into your specific condition or medical history. You only need to answer two questions: 1. Is the dog a service dog required for a disability? and 2. What work or task has the dog been trained to perform?

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