Service Animal Policy
Effective Date: 04/07/2025
Website: https://grindergym.com/
Operated by: Dave DePew Enterprises, Inc. (a California Corporation)
Grinder Gym is committed to providing an accessible and inclusive environment in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and California state law. This Service Animal Policy outlines the rights, responsibilities, and limitations related to the presence of service animals on our premises.
Definition of a Service Animal
Under the ADA, a service animal is defined as a dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for a person with a disability. In some cases, miniature horses may also qualify under specific ADA criteria.
Service animals are not pets, emotional support animals, or therapy animals unless they meet the functional and legal criteria outlined above.
Permitted Tasks May Include:
- Guiding individuals who are visually impaired
- Alerting individuals who are hearing impaired
- Pulling a wheelchair or assisting with mobility
- Alerting and protecting a person having a seizure
- Reminding a person with mental illness to take prescribed medications
- Providing physical support with balance and stability
Requirements for Service Animal Entry
Service animals are permitted in all areas of Grinder Gym where members or clients are allowed to go. To remain on premises, the following criteria must be met:
- The service animal must be under control at all times (leash, harness, or voice control)
- The handler must ensure the animal is housebroken and not disruptive
- The animal must not pose a threat to the health or safety of others
- The animal must not interfere with gym equipment, members’ workouts, or group sessions
Staff may ask only two questions if it is not obvious the dog is a service animal:
- Is the animal required because of a disability?
- What work or task has the animal been trained to perform?
Staff may not request documentation, require the animal to demonstrate its task, or ask about the nature of the person’s disability.
Restrictions
Grinder Gym reserves the right to request that a service animal be removed from the premises if:
- The animal is out of control and the handler does not take effective action
- The animal is not housebroken
- The animal behaves aggressively or disrupts the safe environment of the gym
In such cases, the individual will still be offered access to gym services without the animal present.
Emotional Support Animals
Emotional support, therapy, comfort, or companion animals are not considered service animals under the ADA, even if they provide emotional support. As such, they are not permitted in the facility unless approved as part of a designated special event with prior written consent.
Member Considerations
While we welcome qualified service animals, we also respect the comfort and safety of all members. Please do not pet, distract, or interact with a service animal without the handler’s permission.
If you have allergies or concerns about a service animal, contact the front desk or management so we can make reasonable accommodations.
Email: info@grindergym.com
Phone: 1-858-567-2349
Mailing Address:
Grinder Gym
1013 Morena Blvd
San Diego, CA 92110