Planet Fitness prides itself on its ‘judgment-free zone’ policy, promoting an inclusive and welcoming environment where everyone can exercise comfortably. However, one Louisiana-based Planet Fitness member experienced the opposite of this motto after an employee demanded he leave for bringing his service dog.
In a clip with 7.7 million views, gym member @uncledragonlord89 films his interaction with a male Planet Fitness employee at the Shreveport, Louisiana, location.
“So, we tried to call corporate, and they can’t get a hold of anybody. So, I guess I’m kicked out because of my animal,” he says. “Is that correct?”
In response, the employee nods his head behind the desk. But he stops in his tracks, demanding the employee, “Explain to me what you just explained to me.”
Why is the Planet Fitness member being asked to leave?
“There’s no dogs allowed in the gym,” the employee replies, sipping his coffee.
“How is that policy? It’s a joke.” But the content creator stands his ground. “I’ve been to 50 other Planet Fitnesses and you’re the only one that told me I can’t have my service animal with me,” he says. “It’s against the law for you to do that. Do you understand?”
This time, the employee shakes his head, adding, “There’s no dogs allowed in the gym, according to me.”
“But you don’t own this Planet Fitness and you don’t make the rules,” @uncledragonlord89 retorts. Then, it’s the employee’s turn to double down. “We don’t even have contact with the owner,” he explains. “So, we just have to follow the rules.”
“The law says this company is a public company,” the member argues. “I am a member. They have to allow people with service animals to enter the building and to access their facility.”
Instead of listening, the employee points to the door. “Have a nice day,” he responds. However, the content creator isn’t backing down. “You’re saying your company is telling you can’t do this? I want to sue the company,” he states.
Subsequently, the employee repeats what he had initially done, telling the member to leave. Of course, @uncledragonlord89 doesn’t relent.
“Why don’t you give corporate a ring and ask them if they’re allowed to have a service animal in the building?” he demands, pointing to the number on a sticky note beside the desk phone.
“Corporate has nothing to this location,” the employee replies, picking up the phone and dialing the number. After a few seconds, the video cuts to @uncledragonlord89 walking in the parking lot with his service dog.
“Well, that is a first. I have not been kicked out of a Planet Fitness anywhere in America, and I’ve been to a whole lot of them,” he says. “This is in Shreveport, Louisiana.”
What did viewers think?
The comments section amassed more than 50,000 responses. Many rallied behind @uncledragonlord89, criticizing the employee’s behavior.
“Oh he’s about to be jobless and sued,” the top comment with over 164k likes wrote.
“The arrogance of that worker is insane,” a second remarked.
“OK, please follow up with updates, because this is ridiculous, I hope you sue and get enough to buy your own planet fitness,” a third stated.
Can members bring service animals to Planet Fitness?
Some former and current employees claimed service animals can enter the facility.
“I worked for Planet fitness and service animals are allowed,” one commenter said.
“I work at planet fitness in Kentucky and we ALLOW service animals you just sign a document on your account,” another echoed.
Although Planet Fitness is a franchise, service animals can accompany the member under the ‘Compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act’ section of their website. On the other hand, there are several gym facility rules:
- The service animal has access to all public spaces.
- Employees are allowed to ask the following two questions : (1) is the service animal required because of a disability and/or (2) what work or task has the service animal been trained to perform?
- The handler is responsible for the animal at all times.
In addition, the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) defines service dogs as ‘working animals,’ therefore, they must have access to public areas. Even businesses with a ‘no pets’ policy aren’t exempt. The only time a business may deny entry is if the dog’s presence would ‘fundamentally alter’ a situation. Emotional support animals do not fall under the category of service animals.
@uncledragonlord89 Planet fitness really let me down today in Shreveport Louisiana.#planetfitness #planetfitnessworkout ♬ original sound – UncleDragonLord
What did he do?
As evidenced by his recent video, the content creator created a written partnership with the fitness company using ChatGPT instead.
“It’s just a project I’ve been working on for years, I don’t wanna sue anyone, but would love to work with PF to help other guys who might be struggling with the same problems I was struggling with,” he explains in the comments section.
The Mary Sue reached out to @uncledragonlord89 via TikTok comment and direct message as well as Planet Fitness via press email.
Have a tip we should know? [email protected]
