HINTS FROM HELOISE: Service animals and emotional support animals are different.
Dear Heloise:
I don’t like to see all these animals IN THE GROCERY STORE. One time I said something, and the person said, “I couldn’t leave the animal at home.”
I am allergic to animal fur and cannot find a store that doesn’t have people bringing their dogs. — Roland D., Colorado Springs, Colo.
Roland, this subject is bound to get folks’ ire up. You may be describing an emotional support animal. ESAs provide comfort in a general sense, but because they don’t perform one designated task, they aren’t endorsed by the Americans with Disabilities Act, and they can be denied admittance to food stores, restaurants and other establishments.
Service animals are protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act. A service animal is trained to help someone with a medical condition. These animals are allowed in food stores, restaurants, etc. Check out www.ADA.gov for more information. — Heloise