We welcome trained service animals in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). A service animal is defined as a dog individually trained to perform specific tasks related to a person’s disability.
Emotional support animals, comfort animals and pets are not considered service animals under the ADA and are not permitted in clinical areas.
When it is not obvious what service an animal provides, staff may ask:
- Is the dog a service animal required because of the owner’s disability?
- What specific tasks has the dog been trained to perform? *
For the safety of all clients and staff, service animals must remain under control at all times and may be excluded if they are disruptive, aggressive or not housebroken.
If service-animal status cannot be confirmed or safety concerns arise, alternative arrangements such as rescheduling, telehealth sessions or referrals may be offered when clinically appropriate.
Thank you for helping us maintain a safe and respectful therapeutic environment.
* If a client declines to answer the ADA-permitted questions regarding service animal status or its trained task, the clinic may be unable to verify service animal eligibility and may postpone in-person services for safety reasons.