Service Dog Etiquette in Restaurants

This is an article I wrote for publication, which ended up not getting published.  Which happens sometimes when you are a writer.  So I thought I’d post it here.

Service Dog Etiquette in Restaurants

Service dogs are dogs that assist people with disabilities. They include guide dogs for the visually impaired, signal dogs for the hearing impaired, and dogs that retrieve items and perform other tasks for people with physical disabilities. The Americans with Disabilities Act permits customers that use service dogs to bring their dogs into the dining rooms of restaurants, even though pets are typically not allowed. Health codes prohibit service animals from entering food preparation areas, though, even when they are with their disabled handlers.

I’ve been learning a lot about service dogs lately because I have a disability and hope to be matched with a service dog soon. One thing I’ve learned about is how handlers and their dogs should behave in restaurants.

General Good Manners

Service dogs need to have good manners in any public setting, of course, including restaurants. They should not bark or growl, they should not sniff other patrons, they should not attempt to take food from tables or eat any food that is dropped on the floor. Service dogs should not beg for food. Of course, service animals should be housebroken and not relieve themselves indoors.

Where Should the Dog Sit?

The dog should sit on the floor, under the handler’s chair, under the table or otherwise out of the way. The dog should not sit on a chair or other seat unless absolutely necessary in order to perform a specific task, in which case a towel or blanket should be placed on the seat before the dog sits on it. The dog should never sit on the table or touch the tabletop. Wherever the dog sits, the handler should remain in contact with the dog’s leash at all times.

Feeding/Watering the Dog

The handler should not feed the dog or give the dog water in a restaurant. The dog should be fed and given water outside the restaurant if needed. The handler should bring a bowl for giving the dog food or water if necessary; restaurant dishes should never be used for giving food or water to a dog. The handler should discourage other diners from attempting to feed the service dog, but the dog should also be trained so that he does not accept food even if offered to him by other diners.

Salad Bars and Buffets

The handler should take the service dog to the salad bar or buffet when he goes to get food; the dog should not be left unattended at the table. The dog should be on leash and should be well-behaved at the salad bar or buffet, making no attempt to sniff or eat food on the bar or buffet.

Sources:

U.S Department of Justice. http://www.ada.gov/service_animals_2010.htm. Service Animals.

Service Dog Central. http://www.servicedogcentral.org/content/faq. Frequently Asked Questions.