TikTok Video Shows Woman Being Asked to Remove Service Dog from Doctor’s Appointment

Service dogs help people with disabilities navigate the world confidently and comfortably. Indeed, having a service dog may help them gain independence and confidence. It is important to remember that not all disabilities are visible. Although someone may not appear disabled, a service animal may still provide a necessary service. Recently, Jessica Robinson shared an experience where she was asked to remove her service dog, Holly, from a doctor’s appointment. In the video, the staff calls Holly an emotional Support animal, rather than a service animal. 

https://www.tiktok.com/@ptsdservicedog1230/video/7268042843816578346?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=mobile&sender_web_id=7269987607478847019

Jessica trained Holly as a service animal after she was diagnosed with PTSD, a panic disorder, asthma, and heart issues in 2020. Holly helps to alert Jessica when her heart rate is high or she is having an asthma attack. In the video, a staff member at the doctor’s office can be heard asking Jessica to remove Holly, as the office has a no pets policy. There appears to be a lack of clarity regarding the circumstances under which a dog is considered a service dog. In the video, a staff member incorrectly identifies the types of services that service animals provide under the ADA. According to Jessica, she eventually put Holly in the car so that she could continue her appointment. 

A spokesperson from the unidentified doctor’s office has stated that staff denied Holly entry because she has previously growled at other clients and children in the office. In the video, Holly can be heard growling softly to alert Jessica to an impending episode. It is unclear if the staff understand the service that Holly is trained to provide. The office says that they welcome service animals but feel that, due to Holly’s growling, she poses a potential threat to others in the vicinity. 

Ultimately, service dogs are an important part of daily life for many people with disabilities. Jessica posted the TikTok video to draw awareness to the situation that she and others face when in public with service animals. It is important to remember not to try to pet or otherwise disrupt a service animal while they are working. 

We encourage everyone thinking of getting a pet to adopt instead of shopping. Read more resources about adopting animals on One Green Planet, including 7 Reasons to Adopt Your Next Furry Best Friend, 5 Reasons Why Everyone Should Adopt a Pet, and These Heartwarming Before and After Pictures of Adopted Rescue Animals Will Make Your Day! Read tips for pet adoptions and what to consider before adopting an animal. We recommend using these apps to find shelter dogs near you!

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