The Mayor's Office of Disabilities has reached out to us to help get feedback regarding the issue of service and support animals and the rights of people with disabilities who use them to access public accommodations such as restaurants, movie theaters, shops, etc.

Recently, the CA Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) further clarified that in California the definition of "assistance" animal includes service and support animals of various species, i.e. cats, birds, etc. Furthermore, DFEH states that they will investigate complaints about denial of access with a support animal in such public accommodations through enforcement of state law (the Unruh Act). However, the City believes that is very important to set clear expectations regarding support and service animal behavior in public so that the safety and well being of others is not impeded.

Please refer to this pdf for a set of draft rules regarding animal behavior that the Mayor's office may propose as a City ordinance. We would appreciate your feedback and suggestions on the behavioral expectations. For further information and feedback on the proposed behavior standards, please contact: Joanna.Fraguli@sfgov.org