Service animals are defined as dogs that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities including, but not limited to:
• Guiding people who are blind
• Alerting people who are deaf
• Protecting a person who is having a seizure
• Calming people with PTSD or anxiety, etc.
Only dogs are recognized as service animals under titles II and III of the ADA. Service animals are working animals, not pets.
Under the ADA, service animals must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered, unless these devices interfere with the service animal’s work or the individual’s disability prevents using these devices.
Service animals must be allowed in establishments that sell or prepare food. However, it is appropriate to exclude the service animal from operating rooms or any place where the animal’s presence may compromise a sterile environment. Ground and Air Ambulances are excluded, as the service animal cannot be safely secured, and the owner/patient is considered incapacitated if utilizing these services. Therefore, the service of the animal would not be required at that time. The service animal would be permitted into the clinical setting with the owner once they are in a stabilized condition.
Staff should not provide care or food for a service animal, as it is the sole responsibility of the owner. This includes walking the dog and taking the dog outside for bathroom breaks.
It is the responsibility of the owner in the event of a service animal attacking or biting anyone.
NO animals are permitted in the hospital setting by staff, patients, family, friends, or any individual if the animal is not a Certified Pet Therapy Dog or Service Animal. There is a risk associated with unauthorized pets on campus due to unknown behavior in a hospital setting and the unknown health status of the animal.
