EXTRA Restaurant accommodations for Service Dogs

[Bekeart]

I know that some Drive-Thurs have "treats" available for any dog arriving at the window.

I know that ADA requires restaurants to allow Service Dogs in.

My question is:

Do ANY make special accommodations for the Service Dog??

Water Bowl ?

Treat ?

Food offering ? e.g. Fido Fries ? I understand dogs should not eat people food.

Your dog might like to lie at this table. It has one missing chair.
Same table would be handy for diner in a wheel chair.
Same table would be handy for diner needing a high chair.

Just a few ideas about being a "canine friendly" environment.

Bekeart

I do know of one McDonald's has a table with a "missing" chair.
Their customers who need it are happy to have it.

 

[F4phantom]

Be weary of letting your dog drink out of a public water bowl. How may other dogs have used the water bowl and you don't know the diseases they may have. Same goes with dog parks. Too much to catch from other sick dogs. IMHO

 

[WardenRoss]

Here is a summary of the ADA table standard...

Fixed Seating and Tables

If tables are provided, such as in restaurants and snack bars, and the tables are attached to the wall or floor (fixed), then 5% of the tables or at least one (if less than 20 are provided) must be accessible, if doing so is readily achievable. Accessible seating must be provided, if doing so is readily achievable, at each accessible table to accommodate people using wheelchairs. Movable chairs can be used for these tables and the movable chairs can be removed when customers using wheelchairs use the table(s).

The same requirements apply to fixed tables in outdoor areas such as picnic areas, playgrounds or patios.




That said, service dogs are trained to be somewhat invisible when they are working. They are not to be played with or petted. They are not to receive any treats or food from anyone but their master. They are to ignore all activity that doesn't pertain to their immediate job.

Service/Working dogs understand and are trained to know the difference between Work Time, Training Time and Play Time. One of the most difficult things to accomplish in training is for the dog to completely ignore so-called dog lovers that want to interfere with their mission while they are in Work Time mode.

Only the handler/master should provide water. They should carry a collapsible bowl and a container of water for the dog. If they are unable the dog will just have to wait until such a time as they return home or to their base.

In training, a treat is only offered by the handler, as a silent reward to remind the dog that they are a Guardian Angel and All Is Right In The World. The treat is a powerful bond between the two.

,

 

[Rammer Jammer]

A well trained and legitimate service dog should require very few extra accommodations. Maybe pull a chair out so there is space for the dog to go under the table but that's about it.

My mother fostered service dog puppies in training. 25 dogs in 10 years. Her job was to have 8 month to a year old service dogs in training live with her and to maintain their initial training for about 6 months and to take the dogs out in public for socializing. Not meeting the public and getting petted but to be out at grocery stores, movies etc while being as unobtrusive as possible. The sign of a well trained service dog is for other guests at a restaurant to be surprised that there was a dog under the table that they never noticed until you get up to leave.

Last thing desired for a service dog is extra attention. No petting, special treatment, water bowls etc. They are working dogs, not pets.

As for water bowls, I don't even want them out for my dog (just a pet). Your dog ain't gonna die of thirst on an outing and much more likely to pick up all illness from shared water bowls.