Dylan B.
Yelp
I recently had a disheartening encounter at Decadent Creations in Hillsboro, Oregon, which compelled me to share my experience. As a patron with a service animal, I was subjected to an uncomfortable and, I believe, unwarranted line of questioning by the owner, which left a lasting negative impression on my visit to the bakery.
Upon entering the establishment with my golden doodle service animal, I was immediately stopped by the owner, who expressed concern regarding my dog's presence, citing health department guidelines. I calmly and confidently informed her that my golden doodle is indeed a service animal, and under the law, service animals are exempt from such restrictions.
Regrettably, the situation escalated when the owner pressed me for details about the nature of my dog's service duties. It is essential to emphasize that, according to Oregon state law, as well as federal law, business owners are not authorized to inquire about the specific tasks performed by a service animal. I firmly but politely asserted my rights and explained that such inquiries were not within her purview. To my dismay, she insisted otherwise, maintaining that she was entitled to this information.
This encounter not only marred what could have been a pleasant visit to Decadent Creations, but it also left me disheartened and frustrated due to the owner's apparent lack of awareness concerning service animal laws. It is imperative for businesses to be well-informed about their obligations under the law to ensure that patrons with disabilities are treated with respect and afforded the rights they are entitled to.
In conclusion, my experience at Decadent Creations was regrettable due to the owner's unwarranted questioning about my service animal, which I found to be in violation of service animal laws and statutes. I hope this review serves as a reminder to business owners in Hillsboro, Oregon, and beyond, to familiarize themselves with the rights of patrons with service animals, fostering a more inclusive and welcoming environment for all customers.
References:
Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS) - Chapter 346: Rights and Services for Individuals with Disabilities: https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/bills_laws/ors/ors346.html
U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division, Disability Rights Section - Service Animals: https://www.ada.gov/service_animals_2010.htm