Dog Days of Work ? A Business Owner ’ s Guide to Employee Service Animals
by Patrick Appolonia
With a growing number of pet-friendly supermarkets and restaurants to speciallythemed businesses such as Good Times Dog Bar in Flagler Beach that caters specifically to dog owners and their four-legged friends , it goes without saying that a growing number of businesses have adapted to modern times – times when pet owners may be enticed to frequent businesses that allow them to bring their pets with them , whether they are shopping , dining or visiting a resort on vacation . This may be considered a sharp contrast to several years ago when service animals for individuals with disabilities would be the only animals seen in a private business establishment . As the lines between what defines a pet vs . a service animal have been blurred with new allowances for pets by specific businesses , it is important for business owners to understand the differences , in scenarios that pertain not only to clients and customers but also to a group that often isn ’ t considered in the conversation – their employees .
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