This morning, I went to Country Harvest Restaurant in Moorpark with my service dog, Ruby. We’ve been regular customers, often visiting on weekends, and have never had an issue before. Normally, we sit outside when the weather is nice, but since it was cold today,...
Read MoreThis morning, I went to Country Harvest Restaurant in Moorpark with my service dog, Ruby. We’ve been regular customers, often visiting on weekends, and have never had an issue before. Normally, we sit outside when the weather is nice, but since it was cold today, we asked to be seated inside.
After being seated, my service dog lay quietly under the table, as she always does. A middle-aged Hispanic male server approached and demanded that I show a card proving my dog was a service animal. I explained that legitimate service dogs do not have or require any form of identification, and that fake IDs are often purchased online by people pretending to have service animals.
As I was explaining this, a young woman with dark hair and glasses came over. I don’t know what her position was or why she got involved, but she told me I had to sit outside. I informed her that this was discrimination and that I am legally allowed to sit inside with my service animal, just like any other customer. She insisted that I could not, saying they have had too many people falsely claim their pets as service animals.
I reminded them that this was illegal and that I have dined there many times without issue. To clarify the law, I even pulled up the ADA website, which clearly states that businesses cannot require ID for a service animal or force a disabled person to sit separately. The woman responded, “I don’t care.”
I asked to speak with a manager, but I was told there was no manager on staff and that one would be in tomorrow. By this point, I was very upset and shaken by how I was being treated. I finished part of my coffee, requested the owner’s contact information, and left. The owner, Chris, clearly has not educated himself or his staff on ADA laws and disability rights.
I ended up going to Serendipity Café and Bar in Moorpark, where I’ve dined many times and have always been treated with kindness and respect. Unlike Country Harvest, they have never harassed me about my service animal or denied me access.
It is unacceptable in 2025 for businesses to harass individuals with disabilities and their service animals. Owners need to educate themselves and their employees to ensure they are following the law and treating all customers fairly.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$1–10
Food: 2
Service: 1
Atmosphere: 1
Outdoor seating 
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