CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A story of a bind influencer getting kicked out of a restaurant went viral and sparked a huge conversation about where exactly service animals are allowed to go.
The video shows a TikTok star, who posts under the account "MatthewandPaul" recounting his experience at a restaurant. The man said he was asked to leave because his service dog wasn't allowed inside. Many people are now wondering about the rules when it comes to service animals and if you can be removed from a business for having them.
OUR SOURCES
WHAT WE FOUND
According to the Disability Rights of North Carolina, a service animal is a specially trained dog that helps a person with a disability.
They are protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act, which protects people with disabilities from discrimination. The ADA specifically states that service animals do not have to be certified or wear a vest that indicates they are service animals.
However, in North Carolina, the state requires any service animal in training to wear a collar or vest letting people know they're in training.
Generally, the ADA says service animals are allowed to be with their person, even in places that don't allow pets, such as restaurants, hospitals, schools and hotels. A service animal may be asked to leave if it's not housebroken or is out of control, according to the ADA.
If someone is working at a business and they are not sure if someone's dog is a service animal, they are allowed to ask if the service animal is required because of a disability. Businesses can't legally request any documentation proving they're registered, licensed or certified as a service animal.
Contact Meghan Bragg at mbragg@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.
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