Service Dogs in Theaters
Service Dogs in Theaters
#1Service Dogs in Theaters
Posted: 9/12/21 at 11:07pm
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
Sutton Ross
Broadway Legend Joined: 7/20/13
#2Service Dogs in Theaters
Posted: 9/12/21 at 11:19pm
People generally don't have a problem with them in theaters. I don't like dogs in any capacity but a well trained dog there for a purpose? I would not have an issue with. The only problem I ever heard was when a woman complained during Big Fish (goddamn what a flop) when two rows ahead of me a woman said that someone's service dog appeared "dirty and smelled bad".
So, just make sure you have a clean, freshly washed dog and hopefully you will be just fine. 
Den20
Swing Joined: 9/12/21
#3Service Dogs in Theaters
Posted: 9/12/21 at 11:20pm
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."
#4Service Dogs in Theaters
Posted: 9/12/21 at 11:27pmI’ve sat next to service dogs before and they’ve been wonderful. When the people walk to their seat the entire audience all of a sudden looks like the most beloved celebrity just walked in, they get so happy to see a dog. People love dogs.
Hairspray0901
Broadway Legend Joined: 12/29/08
#5Service Dogs in Theaters
Posted: 9/12/21 at 11:42pmI’ve seen a service dog at the theatre a few times. Every time they were well behaved and you wouldn’t even know they were there; didn’t make a peep. Just laid down the entire show in front of the owner, being a good doggo.
#6Service Dogs in Theaters
Posted: 9/12/21 at 11:59pmI went to a show in 2019 at the Beacon with my friend and her roommate and the roommate’s service dog. The dog was very quiet and just sat on her person’s lap (she’s a chihuahua mix and about the size of a small corgi). All was well!
"This thread reads like a series of White House memos." — Mister Matt
#7Service Dogs in Theaters
Posted: 9/13/21 at 12:12am
You and your dog will be fine. Don't give it another thought.
Fosse76
Broadway Legend Joined: 3/21/05
#8Service Dogs in Theaters
Posted: 9/13/21 at 12:22am
HogansHero said: "You and your dog will be fine. Don't give it another thought."
This. Service dogs are generally well-trained. I've seen them at all types of shows and have never witnessed a problem.
VintageSnarker
Broadway Legend Joined: 1/30/15
#9Service Dogs in Theaters
Posted: 9/13/21 at 12:28am
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.
Sutton Ross
Broadway Legend Joined: 7/20/13
#10Service Dogs in Theaters
Posted: 9/13/21 at 12:32am
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.
Gross. Probably a person trying to sneak their dog in for "emotional support". Because, people NEED EMOTIONAL SUPPORT when seeing a Broadway show. It's called "get a job and hire a dog sitter".
Actual service dogs (I hear) are well taken care of.
#11Service Dogs in Theaters
Posted: 9/13/21 at 1:16am
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:
#12Service Dogs in Theaters
Posted: 9/13/21 at 11:25am
Sutton Ross said: "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.
Gross. Probably a person trying to sneak their dog in for "emotional support". Because, peopleNEED EMOTIONAL SUPPORT when seeing a Broadway show. It's called "get a job and hire a dog sitter".
Actual service dogs (I hear) are well taken care of."
Yes, exactly. Service dogs are actually legally not allowed to have any odor or visible dirt, and can be turned away at the door for it. Most atypical breeds like beagles are not service dogs, and just people using the ADA to bring their dog everywhere. Very frustrating for people with actual, trained service dogs because those people give them a bad rep.
#13Service Dogs in Theaters
Posted: 9/13/21 at 11:29am
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.
#14Service Dogs in Theaters
Posted: 9/13/21 at 11:53am
I remember I had a client with a service dog that was going to see Hadestown and a few other shows, I emailed Jujamcyn and another owner they were very kind and offered to help with any questions. Really, as long as you have legitimate papers with you, you should be fine.
"Hey little girls, look at all the men in shiny shirts and no wives!" - Jackie Hoffman, Xanadu, 19 Feb 2008
bway0
Stand-by Joined: 5/8/21
#15Service Dogs in Theaters
Posted: 9/13/21 at 12:00pm
I forget the show but an audience member had a service dog. Had no idea until the dog shook and it’s vest clanked!
I will say though I went to a conference in SC and one my classmates had a service dog. It’s for law enforcement so a lot of shooting guns and loud noises. I think the dog got started and started barking at the video. Otherwise, dog slept the entire time and didn’t make a sound.
#16Service Dogs in Theaters
Posted: 9/13/21 at 12:21pm
I saw Burn This at the Hudson once and their was a golden retriever service dog that was in my seat area. Since I'm allergic to dogs I asked the usher to be reseated because I didn't want to inconvenience the owner or the people around me during the show. Wasn't the owner's fault so I made the decision try to move which the theatre was accommodating.
Sutton Ross
Broadway Legend Joined: 7/20/13
#17Service Dogs in Theaters
Posted: 9/13/21 at 12:30pm
^ That was incredibly kind of you.
"Yes, exactly. Service dogs are actually legally not allowed to have any odor or visible dirt, and can be turned away at the door for it."
I didn't know that, that's good to hear for all involved.
#18Service Dogs in Theaters
Posted: 9/13/21 at 3:53pm
Megsamegatron said: "I saw Burn Thisat the Hudson once and their was a golden retriever service dog that was in my seat area. Since I'm allergic to dogs I asked the usher to be reseated because I didn't want to inconvenience the owner or the people around me during the show. Wasn't the owner's fault so I made the decision try to move which the theatre was accommodating."
As someone who is going to have one, I appreciate your kindness and consideration to people like that
#19Service Dogs in Theaters
Posted: 9/13/21 at 8:25pm
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.
ArtMan
Broadway Legend Joined: 9/10/08
#20Service Dogs in Theaters
Posted: 9/13/21 at 11:13pm
If given a choice, I would prefer to sit next to a dog, cat or some other type of animal, then some of the humans I've been forced to sit next to.
Fosse76
Broadway Legend Joined: 3/21/05
#21Service Dogs in Theaters
Posted: 9/14/21 at 7:47am
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.
#22Service Dogs in Theaters
Posted: 9/14/21 at 8:27am^ 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.
Fosse76
Broadway Legend Joined: 3/21/05
#23Service Dogs in Theaters
Posted: 9/14/21 at 10:39am
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.
Videos