tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437901534161780164.post7589094825704058064..comments2024-03-26T03:06:15.580-04:00Comments on Dog Law Reporter: Service Dogs Sometimes Belong in Shopping Carts: Justice Department Amends a FAQJohn Ensmingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02840129911400528572noreply@blogger.comBlogger25125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437901534161780164.post-55749677584408491432023-04-11T08:53:27.637-04:002023-04-11T08:53:27.637-04:00So my 8lb service dog Zoey and I go shopping for t...So my 8lb service dog Zoey and I go shopping for the first time at Costco Camillus NY today. I am a Army Combat Veteran that suffers from PTSD and other social issues. We have been shopping together for years at other stores BJs, Wegmans, Tops, Walmart, Price Chopper I can go on and on with no issue. Being so small I always put a blanket in the cart and push her around.<br />The minute I walk into Costco I'm being yelled at about my dog being in the cart. I couldn't figure out why this guy is yelling at me so I walk past him. Next thing I know 4 managers are circling me like I stole something. Right then I feel trapped and start getting dizzy, and my heart is racing I want to snap but I don't because of my dog. They start yelling at me because supposedly Costco has a policy stating small dogs can't ride in the cart do to health issues. At this point I leave the store upset, dizzy and ready to blow. <br />Are you kidding me? People throw their filthy kids in these carts all the time. Some of these kids look and smell like they haven't bathed in days. Costco products are not sterile either. Boxes are filthy, sometimes meat and chicken leak etc. <br />Costco I will be sharing this story with as many people as I can. <br />YOU HAVE EXPLAINING TO DOAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437901534161780164.post-48350372651972457512023-03-30T00:09:14.779-04:002023-03-30T00:09:14.779-04:00I was just told tonight to not have my SD in the c...I was just told tonight to not have my SD in the cart but if she isn't she can't alert me to low blood sugars or help me with my ptsd, I tried to explain this to the person that works there but she ignored meAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437901534161780164.post-27287533555594232402023-03-03T10:47:38.953-05:002023-03-03T10:47:38.953-05:00I've had issues with costco tooI've had issues with costco tooAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437901534161780164.post-74396048941191596812023-02-13T20:08:42.680-05:002023-02-13T20:08:42.680-05:00I had the exact same problem today at Costco in Eu...I had the exact same problem today at Costco in Eugene Oregon. My Service dog is fine walking on the floor however, it defeats the whole purpose of him being close to me to address my psychiatric issues. To make things worse the person at the door continued to complain about me very loudly after I was in the store. It took me over three hours to calm down after this enough that I could have a discussion with the store manager. They apologized, but it really doesn’t help me in the future.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437901534161780164.post-52683216792922093282022-04-07T13:45:35.279-04:002022-04-07T13:45:35.279-04:00It's not about BREATHING better. It's abou...It's not about BREATHING better. It's about the DOG smelling the difference and knowing it's coming on. The SENSE is what they do. I have a Maltese/poodle mix that does the same.He has to be close to sense it, you're lucky you don't have this issue but ignorance is not an excuse for comments you said. I put a coat down in the seat and he lays there right by me as I push the cart. Yes he does not shed which is good. But for those that do they can sanitize it when they leave and keep something in the seat so hair doesn't get all over as you claim. But if it's a service dog they are not moving all over the place with hair getting all over. It's metal carts so a quick wipe with sanitation wipes would do the job. Kids climb all in them and I'm sure they have pets at home and carry hair on their clothes and stand with dirty shoes and I didn't see an issue written about that.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02970993916225625071noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437901534161780164.post-11431882572924360522021-10-05T19:04:30.169-04:002021-10-05T19:04:30.169-04:00I was recently turned away from a WinCo Foods LLC....I was recently turned away from a WinCo Foods LLC. Was told the dog could not be in the cart seat and I was asked if it was a service animal, was asked what it did. When I told them it was for anxiety attacks, They told me it was not a service animal and had to get out. Person was very mean and nasty. She helps to Aleve the severity of the attacks. By licking my face or pawing on my hand and arms. Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01084036677127530707noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437901534161780164.post-45779652017459358832020-08-01T17:20:17.400-04:002020-08-01T17:20:17.400-04:00Correct me if im wrong but we have a lot of accomm...Correct me if im wrong but we have a lot of accommodations made for wheelchairs, do you have an issue with that? They are solid pieces of equipment why don’t those who use them stay home if they cant deal with the real world. Well of course then they wouldnt get all that attention as you suggest those with service dogs are attempting to get. You seem to be such an expert on how and what people can do despite theirr disabilities you must be a doctor right? Because if not that would make you just a sanctimonious, self-righteous know it all who is so desperate to control the world around her that she feels she must spew hate at those who don’t conform to her standards and doesn’t want them in her world. Pathetic. Michellehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05591118372357355779noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437901534161780164.post-70853110531874342522020-01-18T23:30:20.637-05:002020-01-18T23:30:20.637-05:00I have the same issue I have a mini dachshund as m...I have the same issue I have a mini dachshund as my ptsd service animal, I have to carry her for to be able to do pressure therapy on me when I have one of my anxiety attacks or when ppl start to crowd around me. It makes it difficult to shop yes but I make due with it, I could put her on her leash but then she cant do her job effectively. I understand the sanitary laws r there to help other ppl that do not require a service dog but at the same time if we were simply allowed to place a blanket or even keep a small dog breed in a purse and sit them in the child seat of a shopping cart what harm could that do? Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14579764033178258509noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437901534161780164.post-45594876540548516702019-10-14T09:59:08.267-04:002019-10-14T09:59:08.267-04:00I have stopped shopping at Kroger due to the numbe...I have stopped shopping at Kroger due to the number of dogs in the seats of the shopping carts. I refuse to put my groceries where a dog's butt has been sitting. It just isn't sanitary - plus dog hair flies around and lands on things I bring into my home. I have heart problems but I'm sorry - I don't buy the guy's story about having his dog near his face helps him to breathe better. Probably the reason he doesn't breathe well.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437901534161780164.post-61219026929092074682019-05-27T21:34:57.126-04:002019-05-27T21:34:57.126-04:00I have a service dog that I put in the seat of the...I have a service dog that I put in the seat of the cart , where other humans are allowed, he does have a carrier/bag he sits on, as he needs to be near my face to do his job, I can put food right next to him and he will not even sniff it, but it still goes in back as dont know what else has sat in those carts, he is extremely well concentrated and does not distract even though people try to, does not change around other dogs and has been noted as well trained and not distractable,I put my cane in the cart as well while holding on to cart, if have to walk away to get something, take him and cane with me, its common sense I think, he needs to be near my face to do his thing, they wouldnt have a problem with your oxygen tank in cart. I have had no problem with walmart yet, although US postal manager had problem with him walking in once, I do have my disability and his prescription documented at va medical if an issue comes but all stores across country I have been have not had problem yet, maybe its dog, maybe disability obvious or good luck for 9 yrs, but like the previous post the dog is necessary for my disability not comfort just as my cane or walker is.phillyvethttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00558182835078553039noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437901534161780164.post-55559619035813668502019-03-27T10:59:27.404-04:002019-03-27T10:59:27.404-04:00Your "emotional support" dog is not allo...Your "emotional support" dog is not allowed in public - period. In your apartment and on a plane with a letter from a licensed mental health professional. But, your dog is NOT a trained service dog and therefore is not covered by the ADA for public places.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437901534161780164.post-33925723617209149622019-01-08T23:46:49.660-05:002019-01-08T23:46:49.660-05:00There are three types of dogs that help people and...There are three types of dogs that help people and are very beneficial. Service dogs, therapy dogs and emotional support animals. Each one has different roles and rights. A therapy dog helps out people, you see them in hospitals, nursing homes, schools and they provide comfort. They have no public access rights and are normally better trained then your normal pet. Emotional support animals require a doctor's prescription and have some special rights. They are accepted into no pet housing under the fair housing act and allowed on all public transportation planes, trains, and boats due to the air carrier access act. BUT they do not have any public access rights under the Americans with disabilities act. Service Dogs, who are trained to perform tasks that directly mitigate the handlers disabilities, are the only ones that have public access rights. Just because you are disabled does not mean you qualify for a service dog, you must have one or more conditions that severely limit your ability to live and function in all or every daily life task. So I am truly sorry, and I know that your pup helps you tons, but you have no access to public places that don't allow pets. And please keep in mind that presenting your dog as a service dog when it is not is illegal and in some states it's even a felony! Just letting you know because I believe that is the last thing you need to add to your plate. Wishing you a happy new year! Emilyswanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18100259364781430741noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437901534161780164.post-33482348608904182782018-12-03T21:45:01.032-05:002018-12-03T21:45:01.032-05:00dont know if you will read this but I was just kic...dont know if you will read this but I was just kicked out of winco for having my 8 pound chihuahua in the kid seat of a shopping cart.I was told to put him on the floor I asked them if they would take responsibility for any injuries he might sustain I was told absolutely not.been kicked out of Walmart 4 times for the same thing I too live in grants pass also safeway also on Williams highway has turned me away.I will mention I am a disabled Vietnam vet not that it means anything anymore and even less at these three stores. want did you do if anything, I will support any cause that would change this. seems that the only thing I can do is get my own shopping cart.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11590860826679295374noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437901534161780164.post-76601098500147536862018-11-21T20:05:49.230-05:002018-11-21T20:05:49.230-05:00I just had a confrontation with the store manager ...I just had a confrontation with the store manager of a Walmart in the Austin TX area. I have a small pup that goes everywhere with me for emotional support. I suffer from severe anxiety and he helps me tremendously. I basically lost everything 8 years ago with the failure of a spinal fusion. And my little guy helps me to be able to get out of the house. Anyway, due to the back issues, I can't carry him and I won't let him walk on the nasty store floor. So I ALWAYS carry 2 blankets for him to lay on in the seat area of the cart. He doesn't bark, lunge, or paw at anyone. In fact I get many compliments on his calmness. So today, this man comes up to me and says my dog can't be in the cart. He has to be on the floor or carry him. I explained about my back and he said he didn't care that it was their policy. I tried to explain that he was on 2 blankets and also tried to ask if it would be allowed if he was in a car seat. He was very rude and continued to interrupt me and refused to answer. So I told him that I had one thing to get and I would leave. He then threatened to call the cops on me!! I asked what they would arrest me for and he said having a dog in the basket!! I was so upset!! I went to my wife at another part of the store and she confronted him. He told her that he never said anything about calling the cops. She told him off basically and he called the cops and had us kicked out of Walmart!! Is there anything I can do?? Can I take my baby with me in the basket if I have him in a carseat?? Please help!!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07291102587812566681noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437901534161780164.post-87887718788909066162018-07-21T02:47:16.413-04:002018-07-21T02:47:16.413-04:00We were just at Winco in washington State and my d...We were just at Winco in washington State and my dad was told he couldn't have his service dog in the shopping cart. His dog Elle was on a dog bed that is used specifically for shopping carts. I asked what other solutions they could give my dad since she is a very small dog and cannot be walking around also my dad is paralyzed on his left side so holding her and pushing the cart is not an option. They could not give me an answer all they said was that it was a state law that dogs were not allowed in shopping carts. I had to see the state law in writing but they could not find it. Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13059167659409115181noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437901534161780164.post-32628876882484677402018-05-18T17:22:49.130-04:002018-05-18T17:22:49.130-04:00To pet owners who are disabled; somwhere among us ...To pet owners who are disabled; somwhere among us there IS a reasonable happy medium. But for non disabeled pet owners I personally HATE seeing your dog in shopping carts or carried in arms in people public stores or outside. <br /><br />It is offensive to disregard store rules let alone the ADA law and other shoppers not to mention the moral law to willfully deceive when your dog is in a shopping cart.<br /><br />People tend to love their animal/s MORE than we fellow humans. I get that. To pet owners, animals are "their "children" and more times than not, animals behave better than children. But make no mistake about it, IS against the Golden Rule and our human moral law to care more about a souless animal over a human soul. Animals ARE animals. Humans ARE humans even if some humans behave worse than animals. Uufortunately many pet owners TOTALLY DISREGARD AND DISRESPECT fellow humans over their pets...(not to mention their cars and possessions but we won't go there.) <br /><br />My daughter has a poodle. I love that dog so much l call him my grand dog. I treat him with and give him love, love, love, love, love. He is my baby grand dog. BUT the buck stops when he is offensive to others even if it is as simple as getting to close to a fearful person. PEPOLE ARE MORE IMPORTANT THAN MY DOG I LOVE LOVE LOVE.<br /><br />So what's the solution? For starters I propose that ALL public establishments CLEARLY post on their entrance doors and throughout the store, "No pets in carts." AND post ON EACH CART "NO PETS IN CART" <br />Additionally post "Pets must be on floor with leash or in a pet harnass designed to wear on the chest or in an animal container.<br /><br />For animal lovers whose animal is NOT AN OFFICIAL SERVICE DOG, please keep you dog out of public stores and keep peace with your fellow man. <br />PLEASEAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437901534161780164.post-76692668864529252322018-04-20T12:55:34.866-04:002018-04-20T12:55:34.866-04:00As a Service Dog TRAINER, if the dog is easily dis...As a Service Dog TRAINER, if the dog is easily distracted, then the dog cannot do its job well. If the dog has been properly trained, then it should not be easily distracted. As the handler of a properly trained service dog, you should be keeping up its training often so that you are not questioned about it.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437901534161780164.post-20907537059412328872017-06-18T09:36:56.330-04:002017-06-18T09:36:56.330-04:00By your response, I can tell you haven't had t...By your response, I can tell you haven't had to experience what people like Butler and I have. Good for you. No matter how well a dog is trained, they can and will be distracted some times. Also, speaking from experience, it is necessary for a dog trained for certain disabilities to be near it's handlers face or chest area to sense a condition. This has been proven and is common sense. So until you are in their situation, please keep your biased and uneducated opinions to yourself. Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07893988205919110875noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437901534161780164.post-11138345164018692532017-06-18T09:25:54.322-04:002017-06-18T09:25:54.322-04:00By your statments, I'm assuming you do not hav...By your statments, I'm assuming you do not have any experience with disabilities like Butler. I'm happy for you. I having disabilities similar to hers(breathing problems) I understand her situation. A dog, no matter how well trained, needs to be near their owners face and chest to sense certain conditions. I have found this to be true through experience. So please keep your biased uneducated ideas to yourself. I hope you are never in our situation. Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07893988205919110875noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437901534161780164.post-88628654518439833602017-01-08T13:43:01.500-05:002017-01-08T13:43:01.500-05:00If I saw a trained service dog in a cart seat, so ...If I saw a trained service dog in a cart seat, so long as it was on a blanket or some sort of protection, it would not bother me. A blanket or other cover would prevent animal dander from transferring to the cart, and it would also prevent any bacteria from passing on to the dog, which would be a huge concern of mine! I've seen how some people treat cart seats, I wouldn't let a child or pet sit there without disinfecting it first. Additionally, the owner of a service animal can easily wipe the cart down once they are done shopping so that eliminates the risk. <br />I do know FAKE service animals in carts have been a huge problem. People bringing their pets into stores is a problem, I have heard about people who have gone into shock and sopped breathing because they are so terribly allergic to dogs and had to encounter a fake service dog. One licked a child in the face and that child died. I believe this is why so many people have an issue with any dog they see is so many fakes are out there. . . harsher penalties need to be set up for fake service animals, so that stores do not have to be paranoid every time. Ravyn Crescenthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03921151572340848527noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437901534161780164.post-27249258667958030402016-07-25T06:00:39.158-04:002016-07-25T06:00:39.158-04:00If a service dog gets too distracted by people wal...If a service dog gets too distracted by people walking by with shopping carts then it needs more training before it is going out into public as a service dog.<br />People with FAKE small breed service service dogs are fond of putting them in carts because the dog does not heel well and they can get more attention when all the shoppers can see him in the cart.<br />How does a service dog that has to be in a cart for it to do its job for you work out in the world when you are not shopping? And if it does, why would you not have your own cart that is with you at ALL times to not cause any back strain, for your dog to be chest level for proper alerts according to Butler.<br />A service dog is a very solid piece of equipment, small or large there should not be to many special provisions made for the dog to be able to do its job to help it's handler. The DOG should be trained well enough to be able to perform alerts despite MOST distractions like public setting and having to heel on the floor like ALL service dogs, because that is the real world that Butler lives in and that is where she needs her dog to alert her. not find a way to put her dog close enough to her face to pay constant attention to it, if it's in training, then it's IN TRAINING and needs to be doing solid alerts from the floor before being in a cart in public. It has already proven dangerous as Butler has fallen 3 times, when the dog did not alert her from the floor.<br />This is an issue that needs to be taken care of in TRAINING not in a court room.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03014030320222455130noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437901534161780164.post-70271047335520915342016-06-23T21:12:45.465-04:002016-06-23T21:12:45.465-04:00I have a seizure dog and Safeway is being the same...I have a seizure dog and Safeway is being the same way, except they are extremely rude. They made me feel like she was a horrible desease carrier and that I was lucky she was even allowed in the store. The manager made me feel so uncomfortable that I will now travel 17 miles to the next closest grocery store. Because of how they made me feel, I will not ever go there again.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07771494867630119280noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437901534161780164.post-49169193538203458292015-12-04T18:35:56.737-05:002015-12-04T18:35:56.737-05:00I'm having the same problem with Walmart here ...I'm having the same problem with Walmart here in Grants Pass, Oregon. How do we get the DOJ to address this more thoroughly?Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05475685971190358874noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437901534161780164.post-65311075677451482422015-11-21T14:16:17.539-05:002015-11-21T14:16:17.539-05:00Has there been any further development on this cas...Has there been any further development on this case?Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14787558755387459920noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437901534161780164.post-3648612380787444992015-08-24T09:27:19.404-04:002015-08-24T09:27:19.404-04:00I also have a medical alert type service dog. He r...I also have a medical alert type service dog. He rides in all shopping carts so he can work for me undistracted by people walking and other carts getting too close. My service dog weighs 10-12 pounds and is easily not recognized by others when on the floor thus presenting a hazard to him that I am uncomfortable with besides the limitations it places upon him to properly alert me. I read a CDC opinion one time which pointed out that there has never been in all of history record keeping a single service dog to human infectious incident thus declaring service dogs less of a health threat than any other human. Why can't this be a rule?Norman Pickettnoreply@blogger.com