Are Emotional Support Animals Allowed in Restaurants?

Emotional support animals (ESAs) are animals that provide comfort and support to individuals with emotional or psychological conditions, helping them manage symptoms such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD. The importance of ESAs lies in their ability to assist people in navigating everyday life, offering therapeutic benefits that improve mental well-being. Recently, there has been a rise in the use of ESAs, leading to public confusion regarding their rights and access to public spaces like restaurants. Clarifying the rules surrounding ESAs in such settings is crucial to avoid misunderstandings. It is important to note that while the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) covers service animals in restaurants, it does not extend the same rights to emotional support animals. This distinction has led to questions such as “Are emotional support animals allowed in restaurants?” and “Can ESA dogs go in restaurants?” which continue to cause confusion among restaurant owners and patrons alike.

When are Emotional Support Animals Allowed in Restaurants?

Emotional support animals are generally not permitted inside restaurants under federal law because they are not classified as service animals under the Americans with Disabilities Act. This legal distinction means that the answer to “Are emotional support dogs allowed in restaurants?” is typically no. Service animals are granted access due to their specific training to perform tasks directly related to a person’s disability, while Emotional Support Animals do not meet this requirement. However, some establishments allow an emotional support animal in restaurants that offer outdoor dining spaces, patio seating, or car drive-in service areas, where local health and safety regulations are more flexible. The misunderstanding surrounding “Are emotional support dogs allowed in restaurants?” often stems from the assumption that ESAs receive the same legal protections as service animals, which is not the case. Clear policies and signs help patrons and business owners manage expectations and uphold health codes.

Do Restaurants Have to Allow Emotional Support Animals?

No, restaurants are not legally required to allow emotional support animals. Under the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), only service animals trained to perform specific tasks for individuals with disabilities are granted public access rights, including restaurant entry. While beneficial for mental health, emotional support animals do not receive the same legal protections. According to ESA Laws, the ADA does not recognize emotional support animals as service animals, which means the answer to “Do restaurants have to allow emotional support animals?” is no. This limitation also extends to questions such as “Can I take my emotional support dog to Walmart?”  which often reflect confusion about the scope of legal rights. Despite federal law, some restaurants still choose to allow emotional support animals at their own discretion, typically in outdoor seating areas, but this is not mandated or protected by federal regulations.

Are ESAs Generally Allowed in Outdoor Dining Areas?

Yes, emotional support animals are generally allowed in outdoor dining areas, depending on local health regulations and the restaurant’s internal policies. Unlike indoor dining spaces governed strictly by federal guidelines under the Americans with Disabilities Act, outdoor areas offer more flexibility for businesses to permit animals not classified as service animals. However, this allowance remains at the sole discretion of the establishment. Even when local ordinances do not prohibit the presence of animals in patios or open-air sections, policies vary widely between restaurants. For this reason, contacting the restaurant in advance ensures clarity and prevents potential disruptions. This practice respects the handler’s needs and the restaurant’s operational preferences, balancing accessibility and public health standards.

How to Prepare for Dining at a Restaurant with an ESA?

Follow the guide below to ensure a smooth dining experience with an emotional support animal.

• Check the Restaurant’s Pet Policy. Confirm if the restaurant permits ESAs, especially outdoor seating since policies differ across establishments. 
• Make a Reservation (If Possible). Securing a table in advance allows the restaurant to make accommodations if necessary and ensures less crowding during the visit.
• Train and Socialize the ESA. A well-behaved animal enhances everyone’s experience. Basic obedience and comfort in public settings reduce the risk of disruptions.
• Pack a Pet Dining Kit. Bring essential items such as a collapsible water bowl, waste bags, treats, and a small mat for the ESA to rest on during the meal.
• Choose to Dine on Off-Peak Hours. Visiting during quieter times helps prevent overstimulation for the ESA and provides a more relaxed environment.
• Carry the ESA Letter. Always have an official ESA Letter to explain the animal’s role and validate its purpose. Though the Americans With Disabilities Act does not recognize emotional support animals as service animals, having documentation supports responsible handling of an ESA and validates its status.

Quick and Easy Process for ESA Letters

Free online assessment

A quick online screening test determines whether an ESA is a good fit for the applicant. The test is free of charge and takes only a few minutes.

Consult with a therapist

CertaPet automatically searches for a mental health professional licensed in Texas with whom a patient will conduct their teleconsultations from the comfort of your own home.

Get your ESA Letter

The CertaPet ESA letter provided by the LMHP is accessible online or is mailed directly to your address.

Get your ESA letter

How to Politely Ask a Restaurant to Accommodate my ESA?

To respectfully approach a restaurant about accommodating an emotional support animal, the following steps ensure clear, polite communication and show consideration for the establishment’s policies:

• Do Your Research First. Review local laws, health codes, and the restaurant’s public policies regarding animals. Understanding the legal difference between service animals and emotional support animals helps frame the request accurately.
• Call or Message Ahead of Time. Contact the restaurant before the visit to avoid misunderstandings. This allows staff to respond thoughtfully and plan accordingly.
• Use a Polite Request Script. A clear and respectful message helps create a positive interaction. The message includes a brief explanation of the ESA’s role, assurance of the animal’s calm behavior, and willingness to comply with any guidelines.
  Example message:
  “Hello, I’m planning to visit and wanted to ask if bringing an emotional support animal is possible. The animal is quiet, well-behaved, and supports my mental health. I am also happy to sit in an outdoor area if preferred. Thank you for considering this request.”
• Offer to Sit Outside. Mention a patio or outdoor seating preference to ease health or safety concerns and show flexibility in the request.
• Emphasize Responsible Ownership. Reassure the restaurant that the ESA is trained to behave appropriately in public spaces, remains on a leash or harness, and must not disrupt other guests.
• Thank Them for Their Time. Regardless of the outcome, express appreciation for the restaurant’s attention and courtesy. Respect and gratitude support open communication and future accommodation.

What are the Responsibilities of ESA Owners when Eating in a Restaurant?

When dining with an emotional support animal, the owner carries several responsibilities to maintain public safety, respect, and hygiene. These responsibilities ensure that the presence of an emotional support animal in restaurants does not interfere with the comfort or rights of others.

• Ensure ESA Good Behavior. The animal must remain calm, quiet, and non-disruptive throughout the dining experience. Excessive barking, jumping on furniture, or approaching other guests without permission reflects poorly on ESA etiquette.
• Clean Up After the Animal. Waste bags and cleaning supplies must be on hand to immediately manage any messes and preserve cleanliness in the dining area.
• Keep the ESA Leashed or Contained. The ESA must always remain secured with a leash or harness or under the table on a pet mat. This prevents wandering or accidental contact with food service pathways.
• Avoid Feeding from the Table. Feeding the ESA directly from the dining table violates food safety norms and disturbs other diners. Treats must be offered discreetly and appropriately.
• Respect Space and Boundaries. The ESA must remain within the designated seating area without approaching staff, other patrons, or nearby tables.

These responsibilities align with broader expectations for managing an ESA in Public Spaces. ESAs owners are expected to maintain high standards of behavior, ensuring a positive and respectful experience for all.

What Famous Restaurants Allow Emotional Support Animals?

Several famous restaurants have embraced allowing emotional support animals, offering a welcoming atmosphere for guests and their furry companions. Based on their location and type of service, these restaurants each have varying policies regarding pets, especially emotional support animals, so make sure to call ahead and inquire if ESAs are allowed.

• Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar: Lazy Dog is known for its pet-friendly environment, particularly in outdoor dining areas. The restaurant welcomes dogs and emotional support animals in patio settings, offering a “Doggie Menu” featuring pet treats and meals. 
• Shake Shack: Shake Shack is another pet-friendly chain that allows dogs to sit in outdoor seating areas. They provide a special menu for emotional support animals and offer water bowls, making the experience enjoyable for pets. For questions like “Do restaurants have to allow emotional support animals?” Shake Shack adheres to local pet regulations and supports dining with pets in designated areas.
• Starbucks: Starbucks is generally pet-friendly, especially in outdoor seating areas. While Starbucks does not offer food for pets, dogs and emotional support animals are allowed in the outdoor sections of most locations.
• In-N-Out Burger: Following local pet policies, In-N-Out Burger allows emotional support animals in outdoor dining areas. While the restaurant does not provide a pet menu, it remains popular for people seeking to enjoy a meal with their ESA outdoors. 
• Panera Bread: Panera Bread allows emotional support animals in its outdoor seating areas. Like others, it follows the area’s pet policy laws and offers a comfortable dining experience for humans and their pets. Panera Bread does not provide a pet-specific menu, but water and comfortable seating are available for those dining with their ESAs.

These establishments reflect the growing trend of accommodating pets in dining environments, with policies varying across chains and locations. It is essential always to verify specific guidelines ahead of time to ensure a smooth dining experience.

Can I take my Emotional Support Dog to Walmart?

No, emotional support dogs are generally not allowed in Walmart. Walmart’s policy aligns with the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), which permits only service animals in stores. This means that emotional support animals, which do not perform specific tasks related to a disability, do not meet the criteria set for access. Walmart follows this rule across its locations, although some individual managers allow exceptions at their discretion, particularly in less crowded areas or if the ESA is well-behaved. However, in most situations, only service animals are permitted inside Walmart. This is consistent with policies seen in other public spaces, such as emotional support animals in restaurants, where emotional support animals do not receive the same rights as service animals. 

Why are Service Animals Allowed in Restaurants while ESAs are not?

Service animals are allowed in restaurants due to specific legal protections outlined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The law defines a Service Animal as a dog individually trained to perform tasks for a person with a disability, such as guiding someone with vision impairment or alerting someone with a seizure disorder. This training distinguishes service animals from emotional support animals (ESAs), which provide comfort or emotional support but do not perform specific tasks related to a disability. Consequently, service dogs are allowed in restaurants, as they serve a direct, functional role in supporting the handler’s health and well-being. In contrast, emotional support dogs in restaurants are not granted the same rights, as they do not meet the criteria set by the ADA. For questions like “Where can ESA dogs go?“, ESAs are generally only allowed in specific areas like private housing or on certain forms of transportation, but they lack the public access rights of service animals, including access to restaurants. This distinction explains why emotional support animal restaurant policies differ from those for service animals.

What are the Rules of Service Animals in Restaurants?

The rules governing service animals in restaurants are designed to ensure access for individuals with disabilities while maintaining a safe and respectful environment for all patrons. These rules are outlined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and apply specifically to service animals.

• Service Animals Must Be Allowed Indoors: Under the ADA rules for service dogs in restaurants, service animals must be allowed to enter any restaurant area where the public is permitted. This ensures individuals with disabilities have equal access to public accommodations, including dining establishments.
• No Documentation Required: Restaurants cannot request documentation or proof of a service animal’s training or disability. This rule ensures that individuals do not face barriers to entry based on unnecessary paperwork.
• Animal Must Be Under Control: The service animal must always remain under control. This includes staying on a leash or harness, and the handler must be able to manage the animal’s behavior.
• No Extra Fees Allowed: Restaurants are prohibited from charging extra fees for service animals. Service animals are considered a necessary accommodation and must not be treated as pets subject to additional charges.
• Only Dogs : The ADA restricts service animals in restaurants to dogs. These regulations do not cover other animals, including emotional support animals.

These service dog rules in restaurants ensure the rights of individuals with disabilities are upheld while maintaining the safety and comfort of all customers.

Can a Restaurant Deny a Service Dog?

Yes, a restaurant can deny a service dog, even though service animals are legally allowed in restaurants under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). However, there are specific reasons why this denial occurs. If a service dog is out of control, such as barking excessively or disrupting the dining environment, the restaurant staff can ask the dog to leave. Similarly, the restaurant denies access if the animal is not housebroken, which poses a sanitation concern. Another valid reason for denial is if the service dog poses a direct threat to health or safety, such as aggressive behavior toward other patrons or staff. These rules also apply when the service dog does not meet the behavior standards expected in public spaces. Despite the legal protections for service animals, situations like these reflect a nuanced balance between ensuring public safety and respecting the rights of individuals with disabilities.

How do Restaurants Verify Emotional Support and Service Animals?

Restaurants have specific guidelines for verifying emotional support animals (ESAs) and service animals. For ESAs, if there is any uncertainty, the restaurant staff asks for clarification to determine whether the animal is a service dog. If the animal is confirmed as an ESA, the restaurant offers outdoor seating or other designated areas, depending on their policy and available space. However, for service animals, restaurants are only permitted to ask two questions for verification: “Is the dog a service animal required because of a disability?” and “What work or task has the dog been trained to perform?” Restaurants are prohibited from asking for documentation, requiring the animal to demonstrate the task, or inquiring about the handler’s disability. These restrictions are in place to protect the privacy of the individual with a disability while ensuring that the rights of service animals are upheld.

Athena Angela Gaffud, DVM Veterinarian

Dr. Athena Angela Gaffud is a licensed veterinarian, researcher, fact checker, and freelance medical writer from Isabela, Philippines.

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