Service Dogs in Theaters

[soulmistin]

Posted: 9/12/21 at 11:07pm

I'm just curious if anyone has had any negative/positive experiences with service dogs or dogs that are claimed to be service dogs in theaters during shows. Is there a general consensus about it whether or not they're considered nuisances? I am getting a service dog soon (a real one that is actually trained) and want to know what I am getting myself into when I go into a show with them. If I'm going to get dirty looks I'd rather know now.

Updated On: 9/12/21 at 11:07 PM

[Sutton Ross]

Posted: 9/12/21 at 11:19pm

People generally don't have a problem with them in theaters. I don't like dogs in any capacity but a well trained dog there for a purpose?  I would not have an issue with. The only problem I ever heard was when a woman complained during Big Fish (goddamn what a flop) when two rows ahead of me a woman said that someone's service dog appeared "dirty and smelled bad". 

So, just make sure you have a clean, freshly washed dog and hopefully you will be just fine. 

Updated On: 9/13/21 at 11:19 PM

[Den20]

Posted: 9/12/21 at 11:20pm

Two experiences as an audience member, both very positive. I think most in the audience are happy to see them. The dogs were better behaved than some audience members, though one of them briefly (and quite charmingly) felt compelled to "sing along" to the "Phantom" medley in "The Prince of Broadway."

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 9/12/21 at 11:27pm

I’ve sat next to service dogs before and they’ve been wonderful. When the people walk to their seat the entire audience all of a sudden looks like the most beloved celebrity just walked in, they get so happy to see a dog. People love dogs.

[Hairspray0901]

Posted: 9/12/21 at 11:42pm

I’ve seen a service dog at the theatre a few times. Every time they were well behaved and you wouldn’t even know they were there; didn’t make a peep. Just laid down the entire show in front of the owner, being a good doggo.

[LizzieCurry]

Posted: 9/12/21 at 11:59pm

I went to a show in 2019 at the Beacon with my friend and her roommate and the roommate’s service dog. The dog was very quiet and just sat on her person’s lap (she’s a chihuahua mix and about the size of a small corgi). All was well!

[HogansHero]

Posted: 9/13/21 at 12:12am

You and your dog will be fine. Don't give it another thought. 

[Fosse76]

Posted: 9/13/21 at 12:22am

HogansHero said: "You and your dog will be fine. Don't give it another thought."

This. Service dogs are generally well-trained. I've seen them at all types of shows and have never witnessed a problem. 

[VintageSnarker]

Posted: 9/13/21 at 12:28am

Sutton Ross said: "The only problem I ever heard was when a woman complained during Big Fish (goddamn what a flop) whentwo rows ahead of me a woman saidthat someone's service dog appeared "dirty and smelled bad".

I didn't complain but there was a smelly dog at Oklahoma. I can't remember now but I think it might have been a beagle. I actually felt bad because a city dog should not be giving off a stench like that. 

Actual service dogs of golden retriever size that I've encountered at the theater have always been well-behaved and lovely. I don't think normal people would give you dirty looks. Maybe check ahead with the theater about seating to best accommodate the dog so they're not uncomfortable during the show. An aisle seat should probably be fine unless the actors walk through the aisle. 

 

[Sutton Ross]

Posted: 9/13/21 at 12:32am

I didn't complain but there was a smelly dog at Oklahoma. I can't remember now but I think it might have been a beagle. I actually felt bad because a city dog should not be giving off a stench like that.

Gross. Probably a person trying to sneak their dog in for "emotional support". Because, people NEED EMOTIONAL SUPPORT when seeing a Broadway show. It's called "get a job and hire a dog sitter". 

Actual service dogs (I hear) are well taken care of. 

[imeldasturn]

Posted: 9/13/21 at 1:16am

Service dogs are trained for a wide variety of circumstances and scenarios, often including theatre. These are service dogs getting trained in theatre etiquette watching Billy Elliot in Toronto:

Updated On: 9/13/21 at 01:16 AM

[soulmistin]

Posted: 9/13/21 at 11:25am

Sutton Ross said: "I didn't complain but there was a smelly dog at Oklahoma. I can't remember now but I think it might have been a beagle. I actually felt bad because a city dog should not be giving off a stench like that.

Gross. Probably a person trying to sneak their dog in for "emotional support". Because, peopleNEED EMOTIONAL SUPPORT when seeing a Broadway show. It's called "get a job and hire a dog sitter".

Actual service dogs (I hear) are well taken care of."

Yes, exactly. Service dogs are actually legally not allowed to have any odor or visible dirt, and can be turned away at the door for it. Most atypical breeds like beagles are not service dogs, and just people using the ADA to bring their dog everywhere. Very frustrating for people with actual, trained service dogs because those people give them a bad rep.

[soulmistin]

Posted: 9/13/21 at 11:29am

imeldasturn said: "Service dogs are trained for a wide variety of circumstances and scenarios, often including theatre. These are service dogs getting trained in theatre etiquette watching Billy Elliot in Toronto:"

Yes, a well trained service dog should not even be noticed during a show! I unfortunately just needed to ask because I'm sure some of the regular theatergoers here have had negative experiences, and wanted to see what I was getting myself into.

[everythingtaboo]

Posted: 9/13/21 at 11:53am

I remember I had a client with a service dog that was going to see Hadestown and a few other shows, I emailed Jujamcyn and another owner they were very kind and offered to help with any questions. Really, as long as you have legitimate papers with you, you should be fine. 

[bway0]

Posted: 9/13/21 at 12:00pm

I forget the show but an audience member had a service dog. Had no idea until the dog shook and it’s vest clanked!

I will say though I went to a conference in SC and one my classmates had a service dog. It’s for law enforcement so a lot of shooting guns and loud noises. I think the dog got started and started barking at the video. Otherwise, dog slept the entire time and didn’t make a sound.

[Megsamegatron]

Posted: 9/13/21 at 12:21pm

I saw Burn This at the Hudson once and their was a golden retriever service dog that was in my seat area. Since I'm allergic to dogs I asked the usher to be reseated because I didn't want to inconvenience the owner or the people around me during the show. Wasn't the owner's fault so I made the decision try to move which the theatre was accommodating. 

[Sutton Ross]

Posted: 9/13/21 at 12:30pm

^ That was incredibly kind of you.

"Yes, exactly. Service dogs are actually legally not allowed to have any odor or visible dirt, and can be turned away at the door for it."

I didn't know that, that's good to hear for all involved.

[soulmistin]

Posted: 9/13/21 at 3:53pm

Megsamegatron said: "I saw Burn Thisat the Hudson once and their was a golden retriever service dog that was in my seat area. Since I'm allergic to dogs I asked the usher to be reseated because I didn't want to inconvenience the owner or the people around me during the show. Wasn't the owner's fault so I made the decision try to move which the theatre was accommodating."

As someone who is going to have one, I appreciate your kindness and consideration to people like that

[JayElle]

Posted: 9/13/21 at 8:25pm

soulmistin said: "I'm just curious if anyone has had any negative/positive experiences with service dogs or dogs thatare claimedto be service dogs in theaters during shows. Is there a general consensus about it whether or not they're considered nuisances? I am getting a service dog soon (a real one that is actually trained) and want to know what I am getting myself into when I go into a show with them. If I'm going to get dirty looks I'd rather know now."

There is a difference between a service dog (which the ADA requires be trained for a particular service like a seeing eye dog) and an Emotional Support Animal which does not provide a specific service task.   In NY, public places do not have to permit admitting ESA's though theaters have.  The link below explains.

True service animals like a seeing eye dog are trained to ignore every distraction until the dog is almost robotic.  I know a woman who works with the Southeastern training organization for the blind and disabled vets and does the training much like that seen in the Toronto pix.  https://www.guidedogs.org/service-dogs/

The service dog German Shepard at My Fair Lady in  Linc Ctr sat at owner's feet without a peep as it is trained to do whereas the ESA yorkie in DEH used the adjacent seat for a toilet. (Owner didn't care.). 

https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/new-york-laws-service-dogs-emotional-support-animals.html

Perhaps the above links help. 

 

 

[ArtMan]

Posted: 9/13/21 at 11:13pm

If given a choice, I would prefer to sit next to a dog, cat or some other type of animal, then some of the humans I've been forced to sit next to.

[Fosse76]

Posted: 9/14/21 at 7:47am

everythingtaboo said: "Really, as long as you have legitimate papers with you, you should be fine."

They cannot legally ask for proof (the law regarding service animals is very clear). The most they can do is ask if it's a service animal and what task (or work) it is trained to perform.

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 9/14/21 at 8:27am

^ Actually, asking what task it’s meant to perform is a violation, as well. They can ask if it IS a service dog and require proof of that but that’s the limit of the information they’re allowed to collect.

[Fosse76]

Posted: 9/14/21 at 10:39am

Jordan Catalano said: "^ Actually, asking what task it’s meant to perform is a violation, as well. They can ask if it IS a service dog and require proof of that but that’s the limit of the information they’re allowed to collect. "

Wrong.

https://www.ada.gov/regs2010/service_animal_qa.html

GENERAL RULES

Q7. What questions can a covered entity's employees ask to determine if a dog is a service animal?

A. In situations where it is not obvious that the dog is a service animal, staff may ask only two specific questions: (1) is the dog a service animal required because of a disability? and (2) what work or task has the dog been trained to perform? Staff are not allowed to request any documentation for the dog, require that the dog demonstrate its task, or inquire about the nature of the person's disability.