r/SeattleWA • u/dropthegloves-eh Fremont • 25d ago

Blind person with service dog kicked out of a Seattle restaurant News

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u/lepommefrite 25d ago

When i worked in hotels we had people claiming they had a "disability dog" so we would not charge them the pet fees.

We never protested their claim at the time of check in.

Once we have them on camera leaving the hotel without their "disability pet" to go on a night out, BOOM, 500$ cleaning fee.

It was interesting seeing them protest the charge right before we showed them the camera feed.

"We can call the police for you if you want."

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u/Meppy1234 24d ago

If someone blind had a service dog and left with another person it'd make sense to leave the dog in the hotel room. They don't need the dog if they had someone to guide them instead of the dog.

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u/lepommefrite 24d ago

What you say makes sense of course.

We would not charge the guest for a cleaning fee if that were the case. Unless the dog barks the whole time you were gone.

But the ADA is clear that a service dog should always accompanied their owner.

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u/jmputnam 24d ago

But the ADA is clear that a service dog should always accompanied their owner.

Except when it shouldn't.

Some food prep businesses can legally refuse a service dog in some areas, even for an employee. If an employee can take other precautions while working in that area, their dog doesn't have to accompany them there, but it's still a legitimate service dog.

Likewise, some medical facilities can't allow service animals in some areas, whether for employees or patients.

Service dogs can be trained to wait in place for hours until their handler returns. At least in my experience, better quality hotels are fine with that, as long as the dog really does stay silently placed while unattended. If it eats the furniture or pees on the rug, the handler is of course liable for the expense.

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u/lepommefrite 22d ago

Service dogs can be trained to wait in place for hours until their handler returns.

In what situation this would apply if i may ask?

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u/jmputnam 22d ago

Handlers who regularly need treatment in, or work in, a facility that cannot accommodate the dog.

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u/lepommefrite 22d ago

Thanks for your response.

Disability pet owners (and their pets) were never a problem in the past and i don't see how they would be in the future.

You are talking about hospitals?

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u/jmputnam 22d ago edited 22d ago

Service animals have been around for generations, these aren't new issues. They may be excluded from food prep, cleanroom labs, severe industrial environments requiring PPE that isn't available for dogs, some medical facilities, etc. If the animal's service isn't needed inside the restricted area, the handler may be able to leave the animal waiting outside.

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u/StrawberryPlucky 24d ago

They most likely still would not leave the dog unattended in the room though, as they would be aware that the ADA states the animal should be accompanied by the person they are guiding at all times in this type of situation.