If you’ve ever wondered whether you can bring your pet dog into the grocery store on the way back from the park, you might want to check Illinois state law and local ordinances first.
While service animals have public access rights to enter grocery stores, restaurants and other establishments, companion or pet dogs may only enter dog-friendly buildings.
Service animals are trained to perform a specific task to help mitigate a person’s documented disability. Therapy dogs and emotional support animals play different roles and do not have the inherent right to enter places that are not dog-friendly, though therapy dogs may be invited to enter hospitals, schools or other locations to volunteer.
Here’s what to know about Illinois state law and Belleville ordinances concerning pet dogs in public places.
