Imagine deciding to go to the store or booking an Uber ride, just to be told by someone at the store or the Uber driver that you can’t be there because you have your service dog with you. These access issues unfortunately are not uncommon for service dog handlers to experience when going about their day.
Allie Cardwell, a 29-year-old service dog handler with Cerebral Palsy, says that she has had multiple experiences being denied access to an Uber ride because of her service dog, Kenji.
In one instance, Cardwell was going out to dinner with her fiance when they decided to Uber to try it out with Cardwell’s service dog.
“I think it took us three times to find someone to pick us up, they would see the dog and drive away,” Cardwell said.
To combat this issue, even though she is not legally obligated to do so, Cardwell began notifying Uber drivers of her service dog prior to being picked up. After notifying the driver, Cardwell screenshots the driver’s name so that if they cancel their ride, she can report it to Uber.
Access issues with service dogs can happen in any environment, even ones where dogs are much less likely to be present.
21-year-old Madison Vieira says she has experienced access issues bringing her service dog in training to Universal Studios in Orlando due to Team Members being misinformed about what they can and cannot ask service dog handlers.
Under Florida law, “Any trainer of a service animal, while engaged in the training of such an animal, has the same rights and privileges with respect to access to public facilities and the same liability for damages provided for persons described in subsection (3) accompanied by service animals.”
With this law in mind, Riviera knew her rights as a handler of her service dog in training and consulted someone higher up to ensure she would be able to enjoy her day at Universal.
“Definitely have patience and educate nicely. Most the time if the first person isn’t budging, ask for the next person in charge,” Riviera said.
“Try to keep as calm and level headed as possible,” she added.