Along the local beaches there are thousands of rental homes and condominiums. While the vast majority to not allow dogs they do offer exemptions for legitimate service dogs. This allowance is not meant for "comfort" dogs, but those who legitimately offer service to disabled visitors. A special meeting is meant to clarify those ADA rules for local businesses.

The Coastal Arts Center of Orange Beach will host a free professional development workshop focused on service dog regulations. The event aims to help local professionals understand ADA compliance and reduce liability risks. Knowing how to handle service dog rules properly and ADA compliance is important for keeping customers safe and businesses protected.

Scheduled for Thursday, May 1st from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m., the workshop titled "Understanding Service Dog Rules / ADA Compliance to Reduce Liability Risk and Promote Hospitality" welcomes various community members. First responders, beach attendants, hospitality workers, and business owners are especially encouraged to attend.

Lon Hodge will lead the presentation. Hodge brings valuable experience as a veteran, author, and certified Employee Assistance professional to the workshop.

The event provides an opportunity for local professionals to learn important regulations while promoting better hospitality practices. Understanding service dog rules can help businesses avoid legal issues while better serving customers with disabilities.

Those interested in attending can find the Coastal Arts Center at 26389 Canal Road in Orange Beach. For more information or questions about the workshop, the center can be contacted by phone at 251-981-2787.