PHI’s Jan Garrett Shares Insights on Service Animals in Public Spaces

“Billhartz said she is on a mission to educate business owners and the community about common misconceptions surrounding people with disabilities.

Billhartz said a recent visit to Teresa’s Mosaic Cafe turned into a humiliating experience. She said her dog was wearing a vest that read ‘service dog in training’ and was denied entry because the manager didn’t believe it was a real service animal.

“She goes with me everywhere,” Billhartz said. “It’s thanks to her that I’m actually walking.”

For two years, Billhartz relied on a wheelchair. Now, she’s able to walk and drive – thanks to her service dog.

“Like if I’m getting dizzy, she’ll notice that and get me somewhere safe to sit down,” she said.

To celebrate her physical healing, Billhartz met family for brunch at Mosaic Cafe near Grant and Silverbell on May 18.

“I’ve eaten there my entire life. I love that place,” Billhartz said.

She was disappointed when the manager treated her suspiciously.

“He got really close to us and asked, ‘Is that a service dog?’ I said, ‘Yes, it is.’ And he continued to hover over us and asked, ‘Why does she have boots on then?’ I was like, ‘Well, to protect her feet.’ I thought he was joking at first,” Billhartz said.

Billhartz said what happened next left her speechless.

“He looked at us and said, ‘Oh, her vest says in training. She’s not allowed here; you have to leave.’ I tried to educate him as an attorney, that’s not true,” she said.

Billhartz is right.

While the Americans with Disability Act focuses on fully trained service animals, Arizona law extends the same protections to service animals in training.

Pacific ADA Center Deputy Director Jan Garrett said there are very few places service animals are not allowed: food prep areas, zoos, and some healthcare settings.

“And that would be an infection control area of a hospital or medical center,” she said.

Garrett said a business or government entity can only ask two questions: if the dog is a service animal required because of a disability. And what work or task the dog has been trained to perform?

Are they required to have any sort of vest on?

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Originally published by KOLD 13 News