A Massachusetts man says he was denied service at a Dunkin’ location in New Bedford because he had his “service parakeets” with him. The incident happened at a store on Hathaway Road and was captured on video, raising questions about how businesses handle non-traditional service animals. The man claims this was the only location that refused him, despite visiting other Dunkin’ stores in the area without any issues.
The video, recorded by Jae Ramos, was first shared on Instagram, where it received over 600 likes and around 100 comments. It was later reposted on Reddit, where it gained additional attention with more than 200 upvotes and a growing number of replies. While the clip is relatively short, it has sparked ongoing discussion across platforms about store policies and what qualifies as a service animal.
In the video, the Massachusetts man is seen with several colorful birds perched on his shoulder while standing inside the Dunkin’ location. The store appears mostly empty, and he claims the staff is refusing to serve him while staying out of view. He questions why this location denied him service when others in New Bedford reportedly served him without issue. The clip ends without any escalation or further confrontation.
A key point in the situation is how service animals are defined under U.S. law. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), service animals are typically limited to dogs trained to perform specific tasks, with limited exceptions such as miniature horses. Birds and other animals are not generally recognized as service animals under these rules, which may explain why staff at the location refused service. This distinction has led to confusion in cases involving emotional support animals, which are not granted the same access rights as service animals.
Massachusetts Debate Over Service Parakeets Claim
Reactions to the video have been mixed. Some viewers argued that the Massachusetts man was in the wrong, pointing out that “service parakeets” are not recognized under current guidelines. “Use the drive thru, quit hassling people that make minimum wage,” one user wrote. Others emphasized the difference between service animals and emotional support animals, noting the level of training required for officially recognized service animals.
At the same time, some commenters supported the Massachusetts man, saying that animals can still play an important role in people’s lives even if they are not formally recognized under the law. “Some service animals offer physical assistance, while others support mental health. These animals make a big difference in people’s lives, providing comfort and aid whenever needed,” one commenter wrote. Others pointed out that emotional support animals, while valuable, do not have the same legal protections and can create complications in public spaces.
The video is gaining attention because it highlights a gray area between personal needs and business policies. It also reflects ongoing confusion about what qualifies as a service animal and how those rules are applied in everyday situations.
