Service Animals In California Restaurants

This federal law applies to all businesses open to the public including restaurants hotels taxis and shuttles grocery and department stores hospitals and medical offices theaters health clubs parks and zoos.

Service animals in california restaurants. Animals which meet this definition are considered service animals whether or not they have been licensed or certified by a state or local government. Laws forbid service animals from certain premises typically where food is processed manufactured or sold. The exception for service animals is made to be consistent with the Federal Americans with Disabilities Act ADA.

The ADA supersedes any local health department regulations banning animals. People with disabilities who use service animals cannot be isolated from other patrons treated less favorably than other patrons or charged fees that are not charged to other patrons without animals. Service animals such as guide dogs signal dogs or other animals individually trained to provide assistance to an individual with a disability are allowed to be present MC Health Code.

California State Law CSL Service Animals are allowed in dining and sales areas not used for food preparation only and employees with service animals must wash their hands after handling the animal. Accordingly restaurants must allow individuals with disabilities to bring their service dogs onto the business premise in all areas customers are generally allowed or the public is invited even if the restaurant has a no pets policy or animals are prohibited by state or local health codes. The simple answer is that it depends.

Although service dogs are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act ADA similar protections do not apply to Psychiatric Service or Emotional Support Dogs unless you live in San Francisco. Any person who intentionally interferes with the use of a guide signal or service dog or mobility aid by harassing or obstructing is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment in a county jail up to 6 months or fine of not less than 1500 nor more than 2500 or both. Miniature horses are also recognized as a service animal in California as long as it is being used for a disability-related task.

Service animals usually dogs of any breed or size are working animals and are not considered pets. ADA 2010 Revised Requirements. Service animals must be allowed to accompany their handlers to and through self-service food lines.

This new guideline does not affect the service. Similarly service animals may not be prohibited from communal food preparation areas such as are commonly found in shelters or dormitories. Penal Code 3656.