Service Animals (such as dogs) in the Library
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In general, Disability Access Services (DAS) has advised us not to approach patrons with an animal unless the animal is causing a disruption. Approaching well-behaved animals puts the burden on the patron to explain the need for their service animal unnecessarily. |
Service Animal Definition: An animal (usually a dog) that has been individually trained to perform tasks or do work for the benefit of a person with a disability.
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- What is your disability (or any other information about the patron’s health).
- Do you have paperwork?
When can should we ask a patron with an animal to leave?
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- If the animal is posing a direct threat to the health and safety of others.
- If the patron does not have control of the animal and/or is unwilling to control the animal.
- If the animal is not housebroken.
Approaching If approaching a patron with an animal
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becomes necessary:
- Approach with kindness. Most of the time the animal is a service animal or the patron doesn’t realize they can’t bring their animal in to the library. This is most common with
- emotional support animals . Patrons just don’t know they aren’t allowed.
- I usually tell them I am assuming this is a service animal.
- This tells the patron I’m assuming the best.
- It gives the patron a chance to volunteer to leave.
- If it isn’t a service animal, focus are not allowed in the library.
- Focus on the well-being and safety of their animal. It isn’t safe for a nonpoorly-trained animal to be in the library.
- They could get into a fight with another animal.
- They might get startled or scared and bite someone.
- Use it as an opportunity to offer sympathy and education. Especially in the case of emotional support animals.
Additional resources:Circulation wiki page for Animals
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