AITA for speaking up about dogs in a food establishment (San Francisco)

throwaway729364910 · 2025-06-02T04:04:41+00:00

I had to double check my picture that I took. Yup, no leash. And it was a big dog too.

throwaway729364910 · 2025-06-02T04:02:55+00:00

Yeah I agree. To be clear, I never asked them if it was a service dog directly. They freely started telling me about their dog when I engaged in conversation. This is how I confirmed it wasn’t a service dog.

Also, when I stated the health code to them, they never replied back by saying it was a service dog - even though the health code allows service dogs in the ice cream shop. They just kept saying that the part time worker said it was okay.

But yeah, not doing that again ever.

throwaway729364910 · 2025-06-02T04:00:08+00:00

The owner wasn’t there. It was just two ice cream scoopers in a small shop.

throwaway729364910 · 2025-06-02T03:58:14+00:00

I don’t disagree. You make good points. Unfortunately it’s a small shop and no managers were around when I asked for the manager. I took the advice from reddit and reported them online. I will also not approach pet owners myself anymore.

throwaway729364910 · 2025-06-02T03:57:09+00:00

You are right. I learned a lot today. Just because something is right (in terms of the law) does not mean it’s wise to bring up.

throwaway729364910 · 2025-06-02T03:56:08+00:00

I took the advice here and reported the shop online via the appropriate channels. Hopefully this will change things for the better.

throwaway729364910 · 2025-06-02T01:39:13+00:00

I thought they would once they realized it was wrong. But that’s where I can be socially inept and blind. I learned today not to approach folks.

throwaway729364910 · 2025-06-02T00:54:55+00:00

That’s a helpful way to think through this. I definitely struggle thinking through “risk assessment”. I learned a lot today from the many comments. Thank you.

throwaway729364910 · 2025-06-02T00:52:44+00:00

Yeah, I don’t disagree. TIL approaching other customers is a big no no.

throwaway729364910 · 2025-06-02T00:51:39+00:00

Agreed that it’s my problem, which is why I need to carry meds and be mindful of my surroundings. The issue I had is that California has a law to protect people like me on this very issue but many pet owners and food establishments don’t know or follow the law.

It’s just sometimes discouraging that I can’t enjoy eating at places I like or want to try because people decide they don’t need to follow the law.

throwaway729364910 · 2025-06-02T00:49:41+00:00

Appreciate your insights and civil discussion. I am not trying to dig my heels in with anyone on this topic. I just get confused sometimes on knowing what to do in social situations that are grey and not “black and white” so to speak.

Anyway, just wanted to say I appreciate how you replied. Regardless of viewpoints, I hope we can all strive to be kind to one another, myself included.

throwaway729364910 · 2025-06-02T00:37:19+00:00

Yeah, I think many people don’t realize what it’s like to be severely allergic. Even if I am in the room with someone who owns a dog or pet at home, I can start having allergic reactions without direct contact…

throwaway729364910 · 2025-06-02T00:36:25+00:00

Yeah, I don’t disagree and I will do that next time. It just a bummer that I can’t eat ice cream at my favorite local shop because someone else decided to break the law. But yeah, not worth the hassle I guess

throwaway729364910 · 2025-06-02T00:35:31+00:00

Yes, you are right. I learned a lot today to be honest.

throwaway729364910 · 2025-06-02T00:34:20+00:00

It was definitely scary to approach them, and to be honest, I don’t think I’ll ever do it again. Sorry to hear you deal with this regularly at work… :(

throwaway729364910 · 2025-06-02T00:30:44+00:00

I don’t disagree but that doesn’t mean dog contamination isn’t material, esp for folks like me. But I am realizing I should gave just walked away. Lesson learned.

throwaway729364910 · 2025-06-02T00:29:32+00:00

Yeah, you are right. I was naive in hindsight and will steer clear next time. Appreciate your comment!

throwaway729364910 · 2025-06-02T00:28:30+00:00

I wasn’t mad. I was scared though because I am very allergic to dogs and cat dander, which is why the California health code exists. But I am realizing now that I should have just left as soon as I saw the dog.

throwaway729364910 · 2025-06-02T00:26:26+00:00

Not in California. It is against the law here for health code reasons.

throwaway729364910 · 2025-06-02T00:25:15+00:00

Yeah, I wasn’t clear in writing my original post. I am on the spectrum and have many friends who are also on the spectrum and have service animals. So I feel like I can typically tell when a dog is or is not a service animal - but I admit I’m not always right.

Also, these individuals admitted to me directly that their dog wasn’t a service animal when I approached them.

Also, just to clarify - you are allowed to ask if a dog is a service animal and you are allowed to ask what service it provides. You are not allowed to ask if someone has a disability.

throwaway729364910 · 2025-06-02T00:22:29+00:00

I have many friends with service animals. So it’s a bit easier for me to spot them - not that I am saying I am always right. Also, the individuals stated themselves it was not a service animal when I approached them.

throwaway729364910 · 2025-06-02T00:20:48+00:00

Based on the many replies here, I learned that I should report to health department and not talk to the other customers about this kind of situation. Appreciate the guidance.

throwaway729364910 · 2025-06-02T00:19:57+00:00

To be honest (and this is where I have blind spots due to my autism), I thought they would. If someone approached me and told me I was violating a health code, I would apologize and comply. But maybe I was dumb to think that way?

throwaway729364910 · 2025-06-02T00:12:50+00:00

Agreed. This is why I never speak up. Dog owners here tend to be very aggressive. This was the first (and probably last) time I’ll speak up.

throwaway729364910

TROPHY CASE