Service Animals

Service Animals Policy
(Adopted 4/2023)

It is the policy of Harborfields Public Library to permit service animals within the Library in accordance with federal and state law. A service animal is not a pet. The Americans with Disabilities Act, (ADA), defines a service animal as any dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability. Dogs that satisfy this definition are considered service animals under the ADA regardless of whether they have been licensed or certified by a state or local government, or any other entity. Concerns about allergies or fear of Dogs is not a legal basis to exclude a service animal.

If it is not readily apparent that a dog is a service animal, library staff may ask, (1) if the animal is required because of a disability, and (2) what work or task the animal has been trained to perform. Staff is not permitted to request any documentation regarding the animal; require that the animal demonstrate its task; or inquire about the nature of the person’s disability.

The work/task/duties a service animal has been trained to provide must be directly related to the person’s disability. The animal must be under the handler’s control at all times. Library staff may require that the animal be removed from the premises if the animal is out of control, agitated, aggressive, or otherwise threatens the health, safety and welfare of staff or patrons and the animal's handler does not take effective immediate measures to control the animal. The service animal must be restrained with a harness, leash or tether unless such restraint interferes with the animal’s performance of its work or tasks. When a restraint is not used, the service animal must be within the control of the handler through such measures as voice control, signals, or other effective controls. Service animals are not permitted to sit on Library furniture, indoor or out. The animal must be housebroken and limit relief to outdoor areas. The animal’s handler is responsible for prompt removal and disposal of waste.