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Home > My county health department has told me that only a "guide dog in harness" has to be admitted to my restaurant. If I follow their advice, am I violating the ADA?

My county health department has told me that only a "guide dog in harness" has to be admitted to my restaurant. If I follow their advice, am I violating the ADA? [1]

Yes.  Any service animal and their owner must be allowed to access those areas of a restaurant where customers are allowed to go.  Whenever a public health ordinance, or other local law, is different from the ADA, the law which is least restrictive for the person with a disability takes priority.  

For additional information, take a look at the following resources:

FAQ: What if a service animal barks or growls at other people, or otherwise acts out of control? [2]

Service Animal Resource Hub [3]

Service Animal Misconceptions [4]

Source URL: https://adata.org/faq/my-county-health-department-has-told-me-only-guide-dog-harness-has-be-admitted-my-restaurant-if

Links:
[1] https://adata.org/faq/my-county-health-department-has-told-me-only-guide-dog-harness-has-be-admitted-my-restaurant-if
[2] https://adata.org/faq/what-if-service-animal-barks-or-growls-other-people-or-otherwise-acts-out-control
[3] https://adata.org/service-animal-resource-hub
[4] https://adata.org/service-animal-resource-hub/misconceptions