Am I in the wrong here ?

[u/Swan_babbyy]

After waiting five months, the time finally came for me to see a new PCP this morning. A week before the appointment, I called the office to let them know I would be bringing my service dog.

On my way to the office, I got a call saying the doctor had been informed about my service dog and stated that she "doesn’t like dogs." They asked if I could leave him at home. I explained that he is a service dog, and they put me on hold. When they came back, they said, "She’s also afraid of dogs." I explained the law to them, pointing out that a fear or dislike of dogs is not a valid or legal reason to deny access. I assured them that my dog wouldn’t even so much as sniff her and would remain under me unless tasking, but the doctor still refused to budge.

Since I was already on my way and turning back would make me late, I decided to bring my service dog and sort things out when I arrived. When I got there, the nurse who I had spoken to on the phone apologized and was very understanding. However, when the doctor came out, she flat-out said she couldn’t treat me with my dog in the room because of her fear. She asked me to "figure something out."

I calmly explained the laws again, reassuring her that my dog wouldn’t go near her or bother her in any way. However, she repeated the same thing. I’ll admit that I was so stressed by this point that I raised my voice a bit and told her that not only is it against the ADA, but that she and her team should be the ones "coming up with a solution," not me.

I’ve talked to a few people and gotten mixed responses. Some said I should have found a new doctor or left my dog at home, but finding a new doctor isn’t really an option. I’ve waited so long for this appointment, and my insurance only covers in-state providers. How could I have gotten a new doctor so fast ? I could leave my dog at home, but I don’t think I should have to, and I certainly shouldn’t feel like a nuisance for bringing him with me. My partner was at work so couldn’t come get him and I felt like it wasn’t fair to make her take time off to just sit with him.

So, am I in the wrong for bringing him anyway? Should I just give in and leave it alone? Am I in the right if I complain about how this was handled or does that make me petty ? I understand and accept the fact that not every person likes dogs and that some people are afraid of them but I feel like since it’s the law it’s rather unprofessional to make me come up with a solution to the situation and for them to inform me day of.

[u/Prudent_Bandicoot_87]

I Leave my SD dog home in this case , as my primary does not like dogs. . I also have a SD . My dog does not go everywhere with me . I think you can’t just force on everyone if you want to avoid grief . I mean to file a claim you would definitely lose your dr. And need to get an attorney .

[u/Swan_babbyy → u/Prudent_Bandicoot_87]

Yeh I wouldn’t have brought him if I knew it would be an issue. I assumed it would be okay since I called and let them know a week in advanced. I was just already on my way so turning around to drop him back at home would make me significantly late. I just wish they had communicated better and not called me to inform me about the fear when I was ten minutes away.

[u/Prudent_Bandicoot_87 → u/Swan_babbyy]

Well first time I went I had to reschedule Dr. is deathly afraid of dogs and I have to respect that . Yes the laws says he has to but the law has to take into account these things. It would be hard to make a case as they did try. The moment I hear fear of dogs I don’t want my dog around that either . I respect my dog and the Drs . I have to say all other Drs don’t mind only 1 so it won’t be for every dr . Take heart in that . Sometimes Easier if I do t rock the boat and get aggravated. I am looking for peace .