A California man’s popular TikTok of him and his helpful service dog, Benito, is making waves when he stopped at a market in the Bay Area. Unfortunately, he was immediately stopped by employees, who were unconvinced Benito was an actual service dog.
Benito’s owner posted the interaction on his TikTok, Benitomygoodservicedog, where he also posts his and Benito’s numerous travels. After being confronted about Benito’s status as a service dog, the owner calls the employee to say that he wants an “apology.” When an employee asks, “For what?” he shows them what his service dog can do.
“Give me a heel, Benito,” Benito’s owner says. Fully decked out in his service gear, Benito listens to his owner and immediately sits. He asks them why service dogs allegedly aren’t permitted inside their store. The woman says, “I don’t know that that’s a service dog. I mean, I never… I think I would like to see more than what that thing is.”
The TikToker stands his ground, continuing to assert Benito is legitimate. But the employee doesn’t want to hear it. She tells him that she’s sorry that they didn’t let his dog in. However, she adds, “I don’t know how to tell because I’ve never seen a pug or whatever that kind of a dog is as a service dog.” It’s apparent she doesn’t know the rules and regulations on service dogs.
He explains to her, “Any dog can be a service dog” but all she has to say to that is, “I don’t think so. I know it’s not. I know it’s not.” In the end, he speaks with an officer about what he experienced at Mi Rancho. They agreed to speak with the supermarket owner after he was discriminated against.
He continues to state “service dogs are allowed anywhere.” When he returns to Mi Rancho, he sees there’s a sign posted out front. It says “Service dogs are welcome” and explains the store’s rules. It appears his complaint and standing up for his service dog rights paid off!
People Online Recommend Seeking Legal Advice
Naturally, the response online was to get a lawyer involved. After all, this violates someone’s rights, and the ADA is pretty clear on service animals. Among the top comments, a viewer wrote a long post on the dos and don’ts: “Call an ADA lawyer asap!”
Many offered the same suggestion, “Sir your little potato just made you a bag.” Although one naysayer did push back a little, stating the damages would be “negligible.”
Others chimed in, adding that no one is allowed to “ask for documentation” regarding service dogs. Business owners can’t do much beyond asking whether your dog is a service animal and what training they have. You have to trust the service animal owner’s word.
Benito’s owner has not shared on TikTok if he plans to sue. However, given the notice the market put up, regarding service animals should suffice. It appears they are now educated on the matter and acted accordingly.
