Service dog discrimination at Circle K.

Описание: This massive ADA violation occurred two weeks ago, at a Circle K gas station at 2171 N HWY 17
MOUNT PLEASANT SC 29466.

Store number 2723296.

I was kicked out of the store for having a service dog.

As I walked in the door, the employee behind the counter told me that no animals were allowed in the store. I informed her that my dog was a service dog, and was therefore allowed in the store. As I approached the counter, she informed me that she would not allow me to purchase the items that I had brought to the counter, and also told me that she was kicking me out of the store, and would “call 12 on me”. (12 is a derogatory slang term for police.) She informed me that her manager had instructed her to do so. She told me that my service dog needed a “tag on its collar”. She then called the manager and had her speak to me. The manager demanded to know if I had asked the staff and patrons if my dog made them uncomfortable, and repeated the false assertion that my service dog needed a “tag” on their collar. She also wanted me to produce paperwork certifying my dog as a service dog.

I was again kicked out of the store, and police were called. The woman behind the counter actually locked the front door, keeping other patrons from entering the store until police had arrived, and had completed their their call.

The responding Officers advised the store employee that she could not legally do what she had done.

I called into the Circle K customer service line, and advised them about the incident, to include the fact that most of the encounter was on video.

I have received no response from Circle K as to this blatant ignorance and discrimination.

The fact that both an employee of Circle K, as well as a manager discriminated in this fashion is disgusting. Even more concerning is the lack of response from Circle K corporate.

I have had a service dog for the better part of a decade. I am also a K9 Master Trainer who specializes in…service dog training. I am also the co founder of a 501c3 non profit that provides service dogs to people who suffer from PTSD, have mobility issues, diabetes, and autism. (I was that area because I was training an autism service dog for an autistic 2 year old, and had taken a break to grab a drink.)

As such, I am well aware that no “certification paperwork” is required. I am not required to ask people in a store I walk into if my service dog “makes them uncomfortable”. My service dog is not required to have a “tag” on his collar. I am, according to federal law, allowed access to any public place with my service dog. The establishment is allowed to ask 2 questions. First, “Is that a service animal?”. Second, “What tasks does the dog perform?”.

That’s it.

Anything more, and the establishment is guilty of discrimination.

It would appear that Circle K doesn’t take discrimination of this type seriously, based on both the ignorance displayed, as well as their stunning lack of response to my complaint.

I am now releasing the video in order to bring about awareness as to the discrimination, as well as the lack of response from corporate.

Please feel free to share this video, and respond how you see fit.