Thinking Twice About Your Pet-Friendly Business

I know you think you’re being cool. And in many ways you are. How refreshing; an establishment that allows pets. You can shop with your Shitzu or have a beer with your Boxer. It’s kinda great, right?


Here’s why this is a problem. Don’t get me wrong, I love animals. In fact, I prefer them to the rest of you if I’m being honest, but here’s why the luxury of having your lizard at the liquor store sucks for some of us.


There are Service Animals in your city that have a very specific skill set and when faced with the smells and antics of other animals it can be extremely distracting and difficult for them to focus on their task.


Now, I know any asshole can throw a “fresh from e-bay” fake service vest on their designer dachshund and claim emotional support, but most of us can sniff those jokers out in a heartbeat.


I’m talking about the real deal here. The Assistance Dog International Certified, professionally trained Service-Dogs that spent years perfecting their skills before they were even placed with an individual.


I should know. My daughter has one. His name is Oakley, and he’s a National Service Dogs graduate and the most beautiful ninety pounds of Labrador you ever did see.


If you want to know more about how what Oakley does for my daughter you can read this, or this, or even this. But for the purposes of this manifesto you’ll have to take my word that he’s crucial to our family and every time you decide you can’t possible have a cappuccino without your Corgi you might be making life just a little more difficult for someone who struggles to navigate the world in some way.


This is not me calling you out for bad behaviour. Before Oakley joined our family, I thought the idea of bringing my cat every where I went was heaven. I’m just simply letting you know that what might seem like a great idea could very possibly be a barrier for some pretty awesome people.