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<font face="Verdana">We have this line in </font>our Code of
Conduct:<br>
"Do not bring animals into the building, other than service animals
or those involved in library programs."<br>
<br>
Based on what we've researched, staff can ask two questions or
people with animals:<br>
<ol>
<li>Is that a service animal?</li>
<li>What service does it provide?</li>
</ol>
<br>
If the answer to #2 is "therapy" or "emotional support", the animal
is not considered a service animal and you are not obligated to
allow them in your building. Some patrons push back on this because
some federal regulations on housing allow emotional support animals,
but they still are not considered ADA service animals. They must
perform a specific task(s) in order to be considered a service
animal. You cannot ask the patron to have the animal demonstrate the
task. If they give you a response that fits with ADA, our lawyer
says to just accept it, even if you have reason to believe the
person isn't being completely honest. but Only dogs and miniature
ponies count as service animals per the ADA.<br>
<br>
Even if it's a service animal, the patron <i>must</i> have it under
their control. We have asked patrons to leave when their animals
barked or nipped at people or other animals or were straying far
away from their people.<br>
<br>
I've attached a document from the feds that explain this, too. I
hope this helps!<br>
<br>
Cheers!<br>
Buzzy<br>
<div class="moz-signature"><br>
************************************<br>
Library Director<br>
Hood River County Library District<br>
502 State Street<br>
Hood River, Oregon 97031<br>
541-387-7062<br>
<a class="moz-txt-link-freetext" href="http://hoodriverlibrary.org">http://hoodriverlibrary.org</a><br>
<br>
</div>
<div class="moz-cite-prefix">On 06/06/2016 05:25 PM, Oregon Trail
Library District Director wrote:<br>
</div>
<blockquote
cite="mid:1908605151.323069.1465259125621.JavaMail.root@centurylink.net"
type="cite">Hello,<br>
<br>
Can anyone share their policy for a service animal? We had a
patron come in with an uncontrolled dog, when asked to remove the
dog she said it is her daughter's service animal.<br>
<br>
Thanks in advance.<br>
<br>
<div><span name="x"></span>Kathy Street, MLS<br>
Library Director<br>
Oregon Trail Library District<br>
541-481-3365</div>
</blockquote>
<br>
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