By Nancy Kennedy Chronicle Reporter
Not every dog wearing a vest is a service dog – and only trained service animals are allowed in places like grocery stores and restaurants.
This past August, Publix put up large signs at the entrance to their stores reminding customers that non-service animals are not allowed in stores.
The sign reads: "Under federal law, service animals are dogs or miniature horses trained to perform tasks for people with disabilities. Non-service animals are not allowed in grocery stores by the FDA.
"Dogs, pets and other animals whose sole function is to provide comfort, companionship, or emotional support do not qualify as service animals and are not permitted in Publix, even with a doctor's note."
New Life Medical Service Dogs Inc. (NLMSD), together with Service Dog Alliance of Florida (SDAF), recently announced the kickoff of the 2024 public awareness campaign to combat misrepresenting the use of a service animal.
The groups' collaborative effort came up with a campaign tool kit that will be used throughout Citrus County.
The kit focuses on the rights and responsibilities provided by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Florida Statutes 413.08 and 413.081.
It contains a door decal, information cards, staff reference guide, and access resources, including local training.
"What's truly unique is that Citrus County played a primary role in State of Florida legislation that codified the federal laws that make it a crime to misrepresent a service dog." said Lindsay Tozer, NLMSD advisory member and SDAF campaign chairwoman.
"We are excited about our public awareness campaign and partnership with Citrus County County Administrator Steve Howard and several other community partners to ensure that Citrus County is in compliance and that our business owners have resources available to them," Tozer said.
"We are really in the empowerment business. Service Dog Alliance of Florida empowers businesses and staff by helping them understand their rights and responsibilities and encouraging them," she added. "We also empower people with disabilities by helping them understand the rights and responsibilities of using a service dog, and how to self-advocate."
"New Life Medical Service Dogs empower individuals with disabilities, as well. We are not in the dog business; that's just a tangible product. We are in the empowerment business, helping people improve their circumstances."
Above all, this campaign is to help the community understand that keeping animals out of places where pets are not permitted and ensuring service animals are under control when in public "ensures Citrus County is safe and accessible for all."
To reserve a kit, email: sdafcampaign@gmail.com. Supplies are limited.
Service Dog Alliance of Florida is an all-volunteer, Citrus County based nonprofit that is registered with the State of Florida.
www.chronicleonline.com
Not every dog wearing a vest is a service dog – and only trained service animals are allowed in places like grocery stores and restaurants.
This past August, Publix put up large signs at the entrance to their stores reminding customers that non-service animals are not allowed in stores.
The sign reads: "Under federal law, service animals are dogs or miniature horses trained to perform tasks for people with disabilities. Non-service animals are not allowed in grocery stores by the FDA.
"Dogs, pets and other animals whose sole function is to provide comfort, companionship, or emotional support do not qualify as service animals and are not permitted in Publix, even with a doctor's note."
New Life Medical Service Dogs Inc. (NLMSD), together with Service Dog Alliance of Florida (SDAF), recently announced the kickoff of the 2024 public awareness campaign to combat misrepresenting the use of a service animal.
The groups' collaborative effort came up with a campaign tool kit that will be used throughout Citrus County.
The kit focuses on the rights and responsibilities provided by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Florida Statutes 413.08 and 413.081.
It contains a door decal, information cards, staff reference guide, and access resources, including local training.
"What's truly unique is that Citrus County played a primary role in State of Florida legislation that codified the federal laws that make it a crime to misrepresent a service dog." said Lindsay Tozer, NLMSD advisory member and SDAF campaign chairwoman.
"We are excited about our public awareness campaign and partnership with Citrus County County Administrator Steve Howard and several other community partners to ensure that Citrus County is in compliance and that our business owners have resources available to them," Tozer said.
"We are really in the empowerment business. Service Dog Alliance of Florida empowers businesses and staff by helping them understand their rights and responsibilities and encouraging them," she added. "We also empower people with disabilities by helping them understand the rights and responsibilities of using a service dog, and how to self-advocate."
"New Life Medical Service Dogs empower individuals with disabilities, as well. We are not in the dog business; that's just a tangible product. We are in the empowerment business, helping people improve their circumstances."
Above all, this campaign is to help the community understand that keeping animals out of places where pets are not permitted and ensuring service animals are under control when in public "ensures Citrus County is safe and accessible for all."
To reserve a kit, email: sdafcampaign@gmail.com. Supplies are limited.
Service Dog Alliance of Florida is an all-volunteer, Citrus County based nonprofit that is registered with the State of Florida.
New campaign to combat misrepresenting the use of service animals
Not every dog wearing a vest is a service dog – and only trained service animals are allowed in places like grocery stores and restaurants.
