Animals of Patrons

In order to promote general health and safety of the public and library staff, animals belonging to our users are not allowed in the library unless they are service animals. Service animals, which are not always dogs, are not required to be identified by a special harness or collar. According to the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, users of service animals are not required to show papers or to prove a disability.

To determine if a patron is accompanied by a helping dog or has brought a pet into the library, staff members should ask the person if the animal is a pet. Owners of service animals will indicate that they are working animals and not pets. Terms used may include assistance, service, guide, hearing, or helping animal. Service animals are welcome in the library, but owners of pets will be asked to remove them from the library.  

Last Updated: July 28, 2009