Service Animals In California Restaurants

The California Retail Food Code generally prohibits animals within food facilities with the exception of service animals and law enforcement animals.

Service animals in california restaurants. This new guideline does not affect the service. Service animals such as guide dogs signal dogs or other animals individually trained to provide assistance to an individual with a disability are allowed to be present MC Health Code. Here are the basics of what your staff should know.

The simple answer is that it depends. Any person who intentionally interferes with the use of a guide signal or service dog or mobility aid by harassing or obstructing is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment in a county jail up to 6 months or fine of not less than 1500 nor more than 2500 or both. No snakes no cats no parrots no ferretsonly dogs and mini horses are recognized as service animals under the ADA.

Everywhere in the country customers have a right to bring service animals into restaurants. Service animals must be allowed to accompany their handlers to and through self-service food lines. This federal law applies to all businesses open to the public including restaurants hotels taxis and shuttles grocery and department stores hospitals and medical offices theaters health clubs parks and zoos.

Service animals usually dogs of any breed or size are working animals and are not considered pets. The exception for service animals is made to be consistent with the Federal Americans with Disabilities Act ADA. California State Law CSL Service Animals are allowed in dining and sales areas not used for food preparation only and employees with service animals must wash their hands after handling the animal.

And no person shall allow any animal to enter in any store that sells food except for service animals as provided in RSA 167-D. The California Health and Safety Code remains the same which prohibits live animals inside the food facility except for the service animals or dogs under the control of a uniformed law enforcement officer or of uniformed employees of private patrol operators. Miniature horses are also recognized as a service animal in California as long as it is being used for a disability-related task.

Section 46644 states that. Laws forbid service animals from certain premises typically where food is processed manufactured or sold. The ADA supersedes any local health department regulations banning animals.