It is the goal of Hunter Library (Library) to be an inclusive and welcoming environment where individuals with disabilities may fully participate in educational programs and activities. The purpose of this policy is to provide guidelines for patrons seeking to bring animals into the library building.
The term 鈥減et鈥 shall mean a domestic animal kept for pleasure or companionship. A pet is not considered a service animal or an emotional support animal.
The term 鈥渆motional support animal鈥 or 鈥淓SA鈥 any animal that: (i) alleviates one or more identified symptoms or effects of a person鈥檚 disability; (ii) is necessary because of an individual鈥檚 disability to afford the individual an equal opportunity to use and enjoy the library; and (iii) its presence is a reasonable accommodation. An Emotional Support Animal is not a Service Animal under this policy or the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
The term 鈥渟ervice animal鈥 shall mean dogs and miniature horses who are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of a person with a disability. The work or tasks performed by a Service Animal must be directly related to the Partner鈥檚 disability, and such work or task must entail a specific action when needed to assist the Partner. Examples of qualifying tasks for which services animals may be trained include guiding persons with low vision, providing stability for persons who have difficulty walking, alerting persons with hearing impairments when someone is approaching from behind, and responding to medical emergencies for persons with seizure disorders.
Library staff are permitted to ask the following questions:
A Service Animal must be under the control of their handler at all times. A Service Animal must not show aggression toward people or other animals and may not bark, growl or whine unless trained to do so as a warning sign to the handler. The Service Animal shall not solicit food or other items from the general public and do not disrupt the normal course of business.
If service animal misbehavior occurs, the handler and Service Animal will be asked to leave by Library staff.
Updated and Approved by Library and Legal 8 October 2019