Access Denied...

We've been taking Jack to Hershey Park all summer long and have never had any problems until the other evening.  Security have never questioned our entrance into the park and the employees inside the park have always been respectful of my service dog.

We've even taken Jack to Hershey Chocolate World, which is on the same property as Hershey Park.  We've never had any problems with any of the employees while at Chocolate World either.  They've never questioned me or the presence of Jack.

This past Friday we were on our way into the park when a security guard asked to see Jack's papers.  My mom nicely informed him that he was violating ADA by making such a request.  The security guy wasn't as nice in his response and stated that he had the right to ask for Jack's papers because we were on "private property".  My mom calmly told him that under the American Disability Act, Hershey Park was considered a public accessible area for us.  The guy continued to argue with my mom which started to embarrass me slightly.  I felt like I was on display for everyone around us to listen and watch.  My dad decided to end the scene by showing the security guy Jack's papers  so we could get in.

After seeing the paperwork, we were allowed to enter the park and start our evening of fun.  Kind of...  because my mom could not seem to drop the subject and kept bringing it up. Over and over again.

My mom explained to me that under the ADA, a place of business may NOT request to see documentation as proof that an animal is a service animal.  The ONLY questions that may be asked are: 1) is the animal required because of a disability and 2) is the animal trained to perform tasks to help the person with the disability. She also explained that his questioning of Jack was in violation of my rights according to the ADA and according to our state law.

My mom has sent a formal complaint to the corporate office of Hershey Park outlining the violations of my rights as well as the state and federal law which protects my rights.  My mom is optimistic that this will be resolved in a friendly manner and that we will not have to endure such treatment in the future.

Stay tuned.  I'm sure I'll be posting a follow up...