Why Can’t Service Dogs Come In? The ADA Says They Can

Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: the recent story of a business not allowing a service dog into a public establishment. You would think by now everyone would know about service dogs and the need for them, but some just don’t want them in their establishment.

Keaton, a little boy, was so excited to go skating with his peers at a Springfield, Ohio skating rink. Although Keaton has medical issues, they don’t stop his excitement for participating in activities that others his age do. Keaton is no different from any other person, with one small exception: he must bring his service dog to assist him on outings.

In many cases, if a person living with a disability doesn’t have what they need, they can’t go out. I need my cute little red scooter when I’m out on the town. Others may need: glasses, an oxygen tank, an inhaler, wheelchair, walker, etc. Hang in there with me, I’m going somewhere with this.

Keaton needed his service dog to go skating. As I heard on the news, his dog goes everywhere with him and alerts him when his blood sugar is low. The dog is Keaton’s life alert and keeps a medical condition from going from bad to worse.

Unfortunately, when Keaton’s family and his service dog arrived at the skating rink, the owner denied the dog access to enter. The owner never gave a reason, she just didn’t want the “certified” service dog to come in.

The truth is, if you don’t like dogs, that’s your prerogative. It’s ok for you deny them from coming inside your house because that’s your personal space. But if you’re running an establishment that’s open to the public, the law says that service animals can come in. I’m here to let you know: whether you are comfortable with it or not? It is the law.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a law that allows people with disabilities access to public establishments and includes the right to have service dogs accompany you. Other provisions under this law include accessible restrooms, ramps to get inside establishments, and many more accessibility factors. You can learn more about the ADA’s Title III laws about public accommodations by visiting this link:  Americans with Disabilities Act Title III Regulations | ADA.gov

The ADA provides specific guidelines for service animals. Here are four helpful points for the public to know:

1. Under the ADA, a service animal is defined as a dog that has been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability.  The task(s) performed by the dog must be directly related to the person’s disability.
2. Under the ADA, service-animals-in-training are generally NOT considered service animals and do not get the same access. The dog must already be trained before it can be taken into public places. However, some State or local laws cover animals that are still in training.
3. The ADA does NOT require that service animals be “certified” as service animals? Covered entities may not require documentation, such as proof that the animal has been certified, trained, or licensed as a service animal, as a condition for entry.
4. There are SOME instances when a service animal can be excluded. The ADA does not require covered entities to modify policies, practices, or procedures if it would “fundamentally alter” the nature of the goods, services, programs, or activities provided to the public.  Nor does it overrule legitimate safety requirements.  If admitting service animals would fundamentally alter the nature of a service or program, service animals may be prohibited.  In addition, if a particular service animal is out of control and the handler does not take effective action to control it, or if it is not housebroken, that animal may be excluded.

The ADA knows that every situation is unique and attempts to make public spaces accessible to everyone. To learn more about the specific guidelines for service animals, please visit the link below:

Frequently Asked Questions about Service Animals and the ADA | ADA.gov

I wish I could say, “I can’t believe I’m talking about public access for people with disabilities here in the year 2025.” But I am not. Access, prejudices, and assumptions continue to linger over the community of people with disabilities. Is it getting better? Yes, but we will have to continue to educate and fight for our rights.

As far as Keaton is concerned, he was very sad because his service dog was not allowed access inside the skating rink and therefore wasn’t able to hang out with his friends. He was treated unfairly, and my heart goes out to him. I hope this situation doesn’t discourage him from living life to the fullest. The law is on Keaton’s side, along with an army of advocates who will continue to bring awareness to unjust treatment. We will stand/sit beside him, fighting the good fight until fair treatment is upkept. I encourage Keaton and his family to keep going out to places and taking the service dog. Their rights are validated and their accommodations deserve to be met.