Pets at Dinner

[Lionessa]

My question involves landlord-tenant law in the State of: California

I understand all about having a companion pet or one of those service pets. Having one is no problem where I live in a senior community. However lately...

We have many functions that involve food, lunch once a week, pot lucks, dinners, red hatters bring food in at their meeting etc. Some of those people involved with these activities, (other residents too who just come through the clubhouse on their way to get mail etc) Have started to bring their "pets"

Having food and these "pets" around all the food has some residents for lack of a better term "freaking out"

Isn't there any rule regarding pets in situations like this? One resident brings her bird in with her every time she comes into the club house. Residents have watched this "companion" bird poop on this lady who has it on her shoulder or head, one lady who helps has her small dog with her all the time and sorry to say but you can smell this dog smell wherever she is but its her companion dog so no one does anything. Then a resident comes walking through with their dog on a leash on their way to get mail during a potluck and everyone starts screaming at then to get the dog out of here because food is being served!

I just want to know bottom line what is the rule for companion dogs/pets around food? This is not a restaurant.

[cyjeff]

Companion pets cannot be barred. Period.

Now, are the pets companion pets?

[cdwjava]

As this is private property, they can establish whatever rules they want. There is no law in CA that I am familiar with that prohibits private property from having pets in the same place as food being served.

If the community wants to ban non-service pets from the common area, that's their decision. Lacking such a ban, about all they can do is continue to freak out when an animal comes through with its owner.

[Lionessa]

Yes as far as I know. At least the bird and the one smelly dog is. I know some people have moved in with a pet and actually paid deposits and such, then went to their Dr, to get a letter calling the pet a companion so they could get their monies back as well.

Guess we just have to learn to live with this then. Thank you for your swift reply.

[cyjeff]

How about dividing the eating time into "pet" and "non pet" times? I know that my personal pet, though not a service or companion dog, is a great comfort to me and never willingly leaves my side.

Knowing I was able to continue that interaction would definitely make my choice as to your establishment for my golden years easier.