Service animal in a thrift store

Complainant alleged that he entered Respondent’s thrift store with his service animal and the owner asked if he could leave his dog in the car. Complainant asked if he had to and the owner said he preferred not to get hair on the clothing. Complainant said nothing more and left, but as his wife was leaving she told the owner it was a service animal and that the owner was violating the ADA law. Respondent didn’t deny the statements attributed to him, said he had always allowed service animals but he didn’t know until Complainant’s wife yelled at him as she was leaving that it was not just a dog. A resolution conference was held during which the parties had meaningful conversation. During that conference, Respondent advised Complainant’s wife had been leaving very disparaging comments on review sites that were harming his new business. It was agreed amongst the parties that those negative reviews would be removed and that Respondent and his girlfriend, the only employees, would receive training about public accommodation, and develop a policy so that, should their business grow to include paid employees, there would be a policy and procedure in place for on-boarding. The Respondent also agreed to post signage on the entrance to ensure patrons knew that service animals were welcome.