A Survey on the Acceptance of Assistance Dogs among Non-regular Employees of Restaurants, Cafes, or Pubs

Abstract

Objective: Many cases of refusal to accept assistance dogs are still reported, especially in eating establishments. Compared other industries, eating establishments are characterized by an overwhelmingly large number of non-regular employees, including college students. Therefore, we conducted a survey of these non-regular employees regarding their attitudes toward the acceptance of assistance dogs. Method: Questionnaires were given to college students who worked at restaurants, cafes, or pubs in October 2020. Results: 212 students answered the questionnaire, and 46.7% were aware of the Assistance Dog Law. Although very few had experienced serving the dogs and their users and had received training on how to deal with them, 79.7% of respondents indicated that they would accept assistance dogs in the future. Regardless of whether they accept assistance dogs or not, many cited concerns such as customer understanding and hygiene of assistance dogs. Discussion: Although many respondents answered that they would like to accept assistance dogs regardless of their awareness of the Assistance Dog Law, in order to eliminate cases of refusal to accept the dogs, it is important to educate non-regular employees to eliminate anxiety about accepting the dogs and to acquire knowledge about proper customer service for the dogs and the users.