Service Dogs in Theaters

I'm just curious if anyone has had any negative/positive experiences with service dogs or dogs that are claimed to be service dogs in theaters during shows. Is there a general consensus about it whether or not they're considered nuisances? I am getting a service dog soon (a real one that is actually trained) and want to know what I am getting myself into when I go into a show with them. If I'm going to get dirty looks I'd rather know now.

Updated On: 9/12/21 at 11:07 PM

Two experiences as an audience member, both very positive. I think most in the audience are happy to see them. The dogs were better behaved than some audience members, though one of them briefly (and quite charmingly) felt compelled to "sing along" to the "Phantom" medley in "The Prince of Broadway."

You and your dog will be fine. Don't give it another thought.

Sutton Ross said: "The only problem I ever heard was when a woman complained during Big Fish (goddamn what a flop) whentwo rows ahead of me a woman saidthat someone's service dog appeared "dirty and smelled bad".

I didn't complain but there was a smelly dog at Oklahoma. I can't remember now but I think it might have been a beagle. I actually felt bad because a city dog should not be giving off a stench like that.

Actual service dogs of golden retriever size that I've encountered at the theater have always been well-behaved and lovely. I don't think normal people would give you dirty looks. Maybe check ahead with the theater about seating to best accommodate the dog so they're not uncomfortable during the show. An aisle seat should probably be fine unless the actors walk through the aisle.

Service dogs are trained for a wide variety of circumstances and scenarios, often including theatre. These are service dogs getting trained in theatre etiquette watching Billy Elliot in Toronto:

Updated On: 9/13/21 at 01:16 AM

imeldasturn said: "Service dogs are trained for a wide variety of circumstances and scenarios, often including theatre. These are service dogs getting trained in theatre etiquette watching Billy Elliot in Toronto:"

Yes, a well trained service dog should not even be noticed during a show! I unfortunately just needed to ask because I'm sure some of the regular theatergoers here have had negative experiences, and wanted to see what I was getting myself into.

soulmistin said: "I'm just curious if anyone has had any negative/positive experiences with service dogs or dogs thatare claimedto be service dogs in theaters during shows. Is there a general consensus about it whether or not they're considered nuisances? I am getting a service dog soon (a real one that is actually trained) and want to know what I am getting myself into when I go into a show with them. If I'm going to get dirty looks I'd rather know now."

There is a difference between a service dog (which the ADA requires be trained for a particular service like a seeing eye dog) and an Emotional Support Animal which does not provide a specific service task. In NY, public places do not have to permit admitting ESA's though theaters have. The link below explains.

True service animals like a seeing eye dog are trained to ignore every distraction until the dog is almost robotic. I know a woman who works with the Southeastern training organization for the blind and disabled vets and does the training much like that seen in the Toronto pix. https://www.guidedogs.org/service-dogs/

The service dog German Shepard at My Fair Lady in Linc Ctr sat at owner's feet without a peep as it is trained to do whereas the ESA yorkie in DEH used the adjacent seat for a toilet. (Owner didn't care.).

https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/new-york-laws-service-dogs-emotional-support-animals.html

Perhaps the above links help.

everythingtaboo said: "Really, as long as you have legitimate papers with you, you should be fine."

They cannot legally ask for proof (the law regarding service animals is very clear). The most they can do is ask if it's a service animal and what task (or work) it is trained to perform.

Jordan Catalano said: "^ Actually, asking what task it’s meant to perform is a violation, as well. They can ask if it IS a service dog and require proof of that but that’s the limit of the information they’re allowed to collect. "

Wrong.

https://www.ada.gov/regs2010/service_animal_qa.html

GENERAL RULES

Q7. What questions can a covered entity's employees ask to determine if a dog is a service animal?

A. In situations where it is not obvious that the dog is a service animal, staff may ask only two specific questions: (1) is the dog a service animal required because of a disability? and (2) what work or task has the dog been trained to perform? Staff are not allowed to request any documentation for the dog, require that the dog demonstrate its task, or inquire about the nature of the person's disability.