Service animals and emotional support animals
We are seeing an increasing number of "emotional support animals" coming into the library. We have always respected and welcomed service animals accompanying our patrons, of course. And, we have been given the relevant laws from Clare. Differentiating between the two groups and understanding our legal obligations aren't the issues. How do you maintain a welcoming, comforting environment for ALL patrons? Is a strict "No Pets Allowed" policy the best solution? Do you manage things on a case-by-case basis, requiring the same behavior and habits from ESAs and their owners, and deal only with disruptions just as you would with a service dog? What differences might you have between policy and practice? If you would all please share your point-of-view with me I will, in return, share the findings. Thanks for help with this "hairy" issue. Rudy C. Wright Assistant to the Director Parchment Community Library 401 S. Riverview Dr. Parchment, MI 49004 269-343-7747 parchmentlibrary.org "Don't be afraid to go in your library and read every book." -- Dwight D. Eisenhower -- This message has been scanned by E.F.A. Project and is believed to be clean.
I guess I would like to speak to the fact that "anyone" can say their "pet" is an emotional support animal. We have the policy that if they have a written statement from their doctor then the animal may be allowed in the building. Service animals with the proper vests are no problem. Otherwise it is a "no pets allowed" rule. Hope this helps. Carol DeBoer Circulation Supervisor Henika District Library 149 S. Main Wayland, MI 49348 269-792-2891 waycd@henikalibrary.org ---------- Original Message ----------- From: Rudy Wright via Michlib-l <michlib-l@mcls.org> To: "michlib-l@mcls.org" <michlib-l@mcls.org> Sent: Tue, 13 Feb 2018 20:03:07 +0000 Subject: [Michlib-l] Service animals and emotional support animals
We are seeing an increasing number of "emotional support animals" coming into the library. We have always respected and welcomed service animals accompanying our patrons, of course. And, we have been given the relevant laws from Clare. Differentiating between the two groups and understanding our legal obligations aren't the issues.
How do you maintain a welcoming, comforting environment for ALL patrons? Is a strict "No Pets Allowed" policy the best solution? Do you manage things on a case-by-case basis, requiring the same behavior and habits from ESAs and their owners, and deal only with disruptions just as you would with a service dog? What differences might you have between policy and practice?
If you would all please share your point-of-view with me I will, in return, share the findings. Thanks for help with this "hairy" issue.
Rudy C. Wright
Assistant to the Director
Parchment Community Library
401 S. Riverview Dr.
Parchment, MI 49004
269-343-7747
parchmentlibrary.org
"Don't be afraid to go in your library and read every book." -- Dwight D. Eisenhower
-- This message has been scanned by E.F.A. Project and is believed to be clean. ------- End of Original Message -------
I found this on the Michigan.gov website about the difference between service animals and emotional support animals. Emotional support animals are NOT covered by ADA law so you can turn emotional support animals away from the library if you choose. I think it can be up to your library to decide how to handle these situations. [ https://www.michigan.gov/documents/mdcr/FAQs-4-15-16-Final_521982_7.pdf | https://www.michigan.gov/documents/mdcr/FAQs-4-15-16-Final_521982_7.pdf ] Samantha Downes Adult Services Librarian Northville District Library (248) 349-3020 sdownes@northvillelibrary.org From: "Michlib-l" <michlib-l@mcls.org> To: "Rudy Wright" <rwright@parchmentlibrary.org>, "Michlib-l" <michlib-l@mcls.org> Sent: Tuesday, February 13, 2018 3:12:14 PM Subject: Re: [Michlib-l] Service animals and emotional support animals I guess I would like to speak to the fact that "anyone" can say their "pet" is an emotional support animal. We have the policy that if they have a written statement from their doctor then the animal may be allowed in the building. Service animals with the proper vests are no problem. Otherwise it is a "no pets allowed" rule. Hope this helps. Carol DeBoer Circulation Supervisor Henika District Library 149 S. Main Wayland, MI 49348 269-792-2891 waycd@henikalibrary.org ---------- Original Message ----------- From: Rudy Wright via Michlib-l <michlib-l@mcls.org> To: "michlib-l@mcls.org" <michlib-l@mcls.org> Sent: Tue, 13 Feb 2018 20:03:07 +0000 Subject: [Michlib-l] Service animals and emotional support animals
We are seeing an increasing number of "emotional support animals" coming into the library. We have always respected and welcomed service animals accompanying our patrons, of course. And, we have been given the relevant laws from Clare. Differentiating between the two groups and understanding our legal obligations aren't the issues.
How do you maintain a welcoming, comforting environment for ALL patrons? Is a strict "No Pets Allowed" policy the best solution? Do you manage things on a case-by-case basis, requiring the same behavior and habits from ESAs and their owners, and deal only with disruptions just as you would with a service dog? What differences might you have between policy and practice?
If you would all please share your point-of-view with me I will, in return, share the findings. Thanks for help with this "hairy" issue.
Rudy C. Wright
Assistant to the Director
Parchment Community Library
401 S. Riverview Dr.
Parchment, MI 49004
269-343-7747
parchmentlibrary.org
"Don't be afraid to go in your library and read every book." -- Dwight D. Eisenhower
-- This message has been scanned by E.F.A. Project and is believed to be clean. ------- End of Original Message -------
_______________________________________________ Michlib-l mailing list Michlib-l@mcls.org http://mail2.mcls.org/mailman/listinfo/michlib-l
I have researched this topic and even talked to the Federal ADA Office in DC. The bottom line is that the dog (only dogs or miniature horses can be service animals) must be trained to perform a task that helps a patron with their disability. Simply making them feel better is not a valid reason. Also, a note, training certificate, cape, or special leash are not necessary. Many patrons will claim that their animal helps them "feel good" but federal, ADA, law states that emotional support or therapy animals are not service animals. The guards at KPL receive extensive training to determine what is actually a service animal. Staff are made aware of the law when hired. Below is what is the info posted to staff. I encourage you to read it carefully: What is a service animal? Service animals are defined as dogs that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities. Service animals perform some of the functions and tasks that the person with a disability cannot perform for him or herself. A service animal is not a pet. Emotional support animals, comfort animals, and therapy dogs are not service animals under Title II and Title III of the ADA. Where are service animals allowed? Under the ADA, State and local governments, businesses, and nonprofit organizations that serve the public generally must allow service animals to accompany people with disabilities in all areas of the facility of the facility where the public is normally allowed to go. How can I tell if it’s a service animal? When it’s not obvious what service an animal provides, only limited inquiries are allowed. Staff may only ask these two questions: Is the dog a service animal required because of a disability, and What work or task has the dog been trained to perform? You may not ask about a person’s disability, require medical documentation, require a special identification card or training documentation for the service animal or ask that the service animal demonstrate its ability to perform the work or task. Does the service dog need to be on a leash? Under the ADA, service animals must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered, unless these devices interfere with the service animal’s work or the individual’s disability prevents using these devices. What if someone is allergic to dogs? Allergies and fear of dogs are not valid reasons for denying access or refusing service to people using service animals. Can someone be asked to leave if the service animal is being disruptive? Yes, a person with a disability may be asked to remove the service animal from the premises if: The dog is out of control and the handler does not take effective action to control it, or The dog is not house broken. When there is a legitimate reason to ask that a service animal be removed, staff must offer the person with the disability the opportunity to obtain goods or services without the animal’s presence. Miniature Horses Revised ADA regulations have a separate provision for miniature horses that have been specifically trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities. What are the requirements? A miniature horse generally ranges in height from 24 to 34 inches measured to the shoulders and weighs between 70 and 100 pounds. There are four assessment factors that determine whether a miniature horse can be accommodated in a facility: https://www.ada.gov/service_animals_2010.htm http://www.michigan.gov/mdcr/0,4613,7-138-74964—,00.html Do not hesitate to contact me if you need clarification. Sincerely, Kevin Kevin King Head, Branch and IT Services Kalamazoo Public Library (269) 553-7881 On 2/13/18, 3:18 PM, "michlib-l-bounces@mcls.org on behalf of WAY Carol DeBoer via Michlib-l" <michlib-l-bounces@mcls.org on behalf of michlib-l@mcls.org> wrote: I guess I would like to speak to the fact that "anyone" can say their "pet" is an emotional support animal. We have the policy that if they have a written statement from their doctor then the animal may be allowed in the building. Service animals with the proper vests are no problem. Otherwise it is a "no pets allowed" rule. Hope this helps. Carol DeBoer Circulation Supervisor Henika District Library 149 S. Main Wayland, MI 49348 269-792-2891 waycd@henikalibrary.org ---------- Original Message ----------- From: Rudy Wright via Michlib-l <michlib-l@mcls.org> To: "michlib-l@mcls.org" <michlib-l@mcls.org> Sent: Tue, 13 Feb 2018 20:03:07 +0000 Subject: [Michlib-l] Service animals and emotional support animals > We are seeing an increasing number of "emotional support animals" > coming into the library. We have always respected and welcomed > service animals accompanying our patrons, of course. And, we have > been given the relevant laws from Clare. Differentiating between the > two groups and understanding our legal obligations aren't the issues. > > How do you maintain a welcoming, comforting environment for ALL > patrons? Is a strict "No Pets Allowed" policy the best solution? Do > you manage things on a case-by-case basis, requiring the same > behavior and habits from ESAs and their owners, and deal only with > disruptions just as you would with a service dog? What differences > might you have between policy and practice? > > If you would all please share your point-of-view with me I will, in > return, share the findings. Thanks for help with this "hairy" issue. > > Rudy C. Wright > > Assistant to the Director > > Parchment Community Library > > 401 S. Riverview Dr. > > Parchment, MI 49004 > > 269-343-7747 > > parchmentlibrary.org > > "Don't be afraid to go in your library and read every book." -- > Dwight D. Eisenhower > > -- > This message has been scanned by E.F.A. Project and is believed to > be clean. ------- End of Original Message ------- _______________________________________________ Michlib-l mailing list Michlib-l@mcls.org http://mail2.mcls.org/mailman/listinfo/michlib-l
Attached is our policy which essentially is all the points Kevin brings up. We have had trouble in the past with patrons bringing in their emotional support animals which have not been trained or housebroken. Our policy does allow the chance for someone to request in writing that their comfort animal/therapy dog/etc be allowed into the library. We have not had anyone write in. What I'd like to stress is that, by law, you may only ask IF it is a service dog, and which tasks the dog performs for the owner. That's it. On Tue, Feb 13, 2018 at 3:47 PM, Kevin King via Michlib-l < michlib-l@mcls.org> wrote:
I have researched this topic and even talked to the Federal ADA Office in DC. The bottom line is that the dog (only dogs or miniature horses can be service animals) must be trained to perform a task that helps a patron with their disability. Simply making them feel better is not a valid reason. Also, a note, training certificate, cape, or special leash are not necessary. Many patrons will claim that their animal helps them "feel good" but federal, ADA, law states that emotional support or therapy animals are not service animals. The guards at KPL receive extensive training to determine what is actually a service animal. Staff are made aware of the law when hired.
Below is what is the info posted to staff. I encourage you to read it carefully:
What is a service animal?
Service animals are defined as dogs that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities. Service animals perform some of the functions and tasks that the person with a disability cannot perform for him or herself. A service animal is not a pet. Emotional support animals, comfort animals, and therapy dogs are not service animals under Title II and Title III of the ADA.
Where are service animals allowed?
Under the ADA, State and local governments, businesses, and nonprofit organizations that serve the public generally must allow service animals to accompany people with disabilities in all areas of the facility of the facility where the public is normally allowed to go.
How can I tell if it’s a service animal?
When it’s not obvious what service an animal provides, only limited inquiries are allowed.
Staff may only ask these two questions:
Is the dog a service animal required because of a disability, and What work or task has the dog been trained to perform? You may not ask about a person’s disability, require medical documentation, require a special identification card or training documentation for the service animal or ask that the service animal demonstrate its ability to perform the work or task.
Does the service dog need to be on a leash?
Under the ADA, service animals must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered, unless these devices interfere with the service animal’s work or the individual’s disability prevents using these devices.
What if someone is allergic to dogs?
Allergies and fear of dogs are not valid reasons for denying access or refusing service to people using service animals.
Can someone be asked to leave if the service animal is being disruptive?
Yes, a person with a disability may be asked to remove the service animal from the premises if:
The dog is out of control and the handler does not take effective action to control it, or The dog is not house broken. When there is a legitimate reason to ask that a service animal be removed, staff must offer the person with the disability the opportunity to obtain goods or services without the animal’s presence.
Miniature Horses
Revised ADA regulations have a separate provision for miniature horses that have been specifically trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities.
What are the requirements?
A miniature horse generally ranges in height from 24 to 34 inches measured to the shoulders and weighs between 70 and 100 pounds. There are four assessment factors that determine whether a miniature horse can be accommodated in a facility:
https://www.ada.gov/service_animals_2010.htm
http://www.michigan.gov/mdcr/0,4613,7-138-74964—,00.html
Do not hesitate to contact me if you need clarification.
Sincerely, Kevin
Kevin King Head, Branch and IT Services Kalamazoo Public Library (269) 553-7881
On 2/13/18, 3:18 PM, "michlib-l-bounces@mcls.org on behalf of WAY Carol DeBoer via Michlib-l" <michlib-l-bounces@mcls.org on behalf of michlib-l@mcls.org> wrote:
I guess I would like to speak to the fact that "anyone" can say their "pet" is an emotional support animal. We have the policy that if they have a written statement from their doctor then the animal may be allowed in the building. Service animals with the proper vests are no problem. Otherwise it is a "no pets allowed" rule.
Hope this helps.
Carol DeBoer Circulation Supervisor Henika District Library 149 S. Main Wayland, MI 49348 269-792-2891 waycd@henikalibrary.org
---------- Original Message ----------- From: Rudy Wright via Michlib-l <michlib-l@mcls.org> To: "michlib-l@mcls.org" <michlib-l@mcls.org> Sent: Tue, 13 Feb 2018 20:03:07 +0000 Subject: [Michlib-l] Service animals and emotional support animals
> We are seeing an increasing number of "emotional support animals" > coming into the library. We have always respected and welcomed > service animals accompanying our patrons, of course. And, we have > been given the relevant laws from Clare. Differentiating between the > two groups and understanding our legal obligations aren't the issues. > > How do you maintain a welcoming, comforting environment for ALL > patrons? Is a strict "No Pets Allowed" policy the best solution? Do > you manage things on a case-by-case basis, requiring the same > behavior and habits from ESAs and their owners, and deal only with > disruptions just as you would with a service dog? What differences > might you have between policy and practice? > > If you would all please share your point-of-view with me I will, in > return, share the findings. Thanks for help with this "hairy" issue. > > Rudy C. Wright > > Assistant to the Director > > Parchment Community Library > > 401 S. Riverview Dr. > > Parchment, MI 49004 > > 269-343-7747 > > parchmentlibrary.org > > "Don't be afraid to go in your library and read every book." -- > Dwight D. Eisenhower > > -- > This message has been scanned by E.F.A. Project and is believed to > be clean. ------- End of Original Message -------
_______________________________________________ Michlib-l mailing list Michlib-l@mcls.org http://mail2.mcls.org/mailman/listinfo/michlib-l
_______________________________________________ Michlib-l mailing list Michlib-l@mcls.org http://mail2.mcls.org/mailman/listinfo/michlib-l
-- Devin Erlandson, MLIS (she/her) Assistant Director Allegan District Library 269-673-4625 alleganlibrary.org
The Michigan Department of Civil Rights has an excellent FAQ sheet on this that makes a great patron handout. http://www.michigan.gov/documents/mdcr/FAQs-05-03-17_560688_7.pdf Thanks! Clare Clare D. Membiela, MLS, J.D. Library Law Consultant Library of Michigan MembielaC@michigan.gov 517-335-8132 The research and resources above are for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice. You should contact your attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem. February is Career and Technical Education Month in Michigan www.michigan.gov/octe -----Original Message----- From: michlib-l-bounces@mcls.org [mailto:michlib-l-bounces@mcls.org] On Behalf Of Kevin King via Michlib-l Sent: Tuesday, February 13, 2018 3:47 PM To: WAY Carol DeBoer <waycd@llcoop.org>; Rudy Wright <rwright@parchmentlibrary.org>; michlib-l@mcls.org Subject: Re: [Michlib-l] Service animals and emotional support animals I have researched this topic and even talked to the Federal ADA Office in DC. The bottom line is that the dog (only dogs or miniature horses can be service animals) must be trained to perform a task that helps a patron with their disability. Simply making them feel better is not a valid reason. Also, a note, training certificate, cape, or special leash are not necessary. Many patrons will claim that their animal helps them "feel good" but federal, ADA, law states that emotional support or therapy animals are not service animals. The guards at KPL receive extensive training to determine what is actually a service animal. Staff are made aware of the law when hired. Below is what is the info posted to staff. I encourage you to read it carefully: What is a service animal? Service animals are defined as dogs that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities. Service animals perform some of the functions and tasks that the person with a disability cannot perform for him or herself. A service animal is not a pet. Emotional support animals, comfort animals, and therapy dogs are not service animals under Title II and Title III of the ADA. Where are service animals allowed? Under the ADA, State and local governments, businesses, and nonprofit organizations that serve the public generally must allow service animals to accompany people with disabilities in all areas of the facility of the facility where the public is normally allowed to go. How can I tell if it’s a service animal? When it’s not obvious what service an animal provides, only limited inquiries are allowed. Staff may only ask these two questions: Is the dog a service animal required because of a disability, and What work or task has the dog been trained to perform? You may not ask about a person’s disability, require medical documentation, require a special identification card or training documentation for the service animal or ask that the service animal demonstrate its ability to perform the work or task. Does the service dog need to be on a leash? Under the ADA, service animals must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered, unless these devices interfere with the service animal’s work or the individual’s disability prevents using these devices. What if someone is allergic to dogs? Allergies and fear of dogs are not valid reasons for denying access or refusing service to people using service animals. Can someone be asked to leave if the service animal is being disruptive? Yes, a person with a disability may be asked to remove the service animal from the premises if: The dog is out of control and the handler does not take effective action to control it, or The dog is not house broken. When there is a legitimate reason to ask that a service animal be removed, staff must offer the person with the disability the opportunity to obtain goods or services without the animal’s presence. Miniature Horses Revised ADA regulations have a separate provision for miniature horses that have been specifically trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities. What are the requirements? A miniature horse generally ranges in height from 24 to 34 inches measured to the shoulders and weighs between 70 and 100 pounds. There are four assessment factors that determine whether a miniature horse can be accommodated in a facility: https://www.ada.gov/service_animals_2010.htm http://www.michigan.gov/mdcr/0,4613,7-138-74964—,00.html Do not hesitate to contact me if you need clarification. Sincerely, Kevin Kevin King Head, Branch and IT Services Kalamazoo Public Library (269) 553-7881 On 2/13/18, 3:18 PM, "michlib-l-bounces@mcls.org on behalf of WAY Carol DeBoer via Michlib-l" <michlib-l-bounces@mcls.org on behalf of michlib-l@mcls.org> wrote: I guess I would like to speak to the fact that "anyone" can say their "pet" is an emotional support animal. We have the policy that if they have a written statement from their doctor then the animal may be allowed in the building. Service animals with the proper vests are no problem. Otherwise it is a "no pets allowed" rule. Hope this helps. Carol DeBoer Circulation Supervisor Henika District Library 149 S. Main Wayland, MI 49348 269-792-2891 waycd@henikalibrary.org ---------- Original Message ----------- From: Rudy Wright via Michlib-l <michlib-l@mcls.org> To: "michlib-l@mcls.org" <michlib-l@mcls.org> Sent: Tue, 13 Feb 2018 20:03:07 +0000 Subject: [Michlib-l] Service animals and emotional support animals > We are seeing an increasing number of "emotional support animals" > coming into the library. We have always respected and welcomed > service animals accompanying our patrons, of course. And, we have > been given the relevant laws from Clare. Differentiating between the > two groups and understanding our legal obligations aren't the issues. > > How do you maintain a welcoming, comforting environment for ALL > patrons? Is a strict "No Pets Allowed" policy the best solution? Do > you manage things on a case-by-case basis, requiring the same > behavior and habits from ESAs and their owners, and deal only with > disruptions just as you would with a service dog? What differences > might you have between policy and practice? > > If you would all please share your point-of-view with me I will, in > return, share the findings. Thanks for help with this "hairy" issue. > > Rudy C. Wright > > Assistant to the Director > > Parchment Community Library > > 401 S. Riverview Dr. > > Parchment, MI 49004 > > 269-343-7747 > > parchmentlibrary.org > > "Don't be afraid to go in your library and read every book." -- > Dwight D. Eisenhower > > -- > This message has been scanned by E.F.A. Project and is believed to > be clean. ------- End of Original Message ------- _______________________________________________ Michlib-l mailing list Michlib-l@mcls.org http://mail2.mcls.org/mailman/listinfo/michlib-l _______________________________________________ Michlib-l mailing list Michlib-l@mcls.org http://mail2.mcls.org/mailman/listinfo/michlib-l
I really like that fact sheet, Clare, thanks. I also recently heard a speaker on this topic, and I'm attaching the handout I received at that presentation. Karen Knox Director Orion Township Public Library 825 Joslyn Road Lake Orion, MI 48362 (248) 693-3000 x305 kknox@orionlibrary.org -----Original Message----- From: michlib-l-bounces@mcls.org [mailto:michlib-l-bounces@mcls.org] On Behalf Of Membiela, Clare (MDE) via Michlib-l Sent: Tuesday, February 13, 2018 4:51 PM To: michlib-l@mail.mcls.org Subject: Re: [Michlib-l] Service animals and emotional support animals The Michigan Department of Civil Rights has an excellent FAQ sheet on this that makes a great patron handout. http://www.michigan.gov/documents/mdcr/FAQs-05-03-17_560688_7.pdf Thanks! Clare Clare D. Membiela, MLS, J.D. Library Law Consultant Library of Michigan MembielaC@michigan.gov 517-335-8132 The research and resources above are for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice. You should contact your attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem. February is Career and Technical Education Month in Michigan www.michigan.gov/octe -----Original Message----- From: michlib-l-bounces@mcls.org [mailto:michlib-l-bounces@mcls.org] On Behalf Of Kevin King via Michlib-l Sent: Tuesday, February 13, 2018 3:47 PM To: WAY Carol DeBoer <waycd@llcoop.org>; Rudy Wright <rwright@parchmentlibrary.org>; michlib-l@mcls.org Subject: Re: [Michlib-l] Service animals and emotional support animals I have researched this topic and even talked to the Federal ADA Office in DC. The bottom line is that the dog (only dogs or miniature horses can be service animals) must be trained to perform a task that helps a patron with their disability. Simply making them feel better is not a valid reason. Also, a note, training certificate, cape, or special leash are not necessary. Many patrons will claim that their animal helps them "feel good" but federal, ADA, law states that emotional support or therapy animals are not service animals. The guards at KPL receive extensive training to determine what is actually a service animal. Staff are made aware of the law when hired. Below is what is the info posted to staff. I encourage you to read it carefully: What is a service animal? Service animals are defined as dogs that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities. Service animals perform some of the functions and tasks that the person with a disability cannot perform for him or herself. A service animal is not a pet. Emotional support animals, comfort animals, and therapy dogs are not service animals under Title II and Title III of the ADA. Where are service animals allowed? Under the ADA, State and local governments, businesses, and nonprofit organizations that serve the public generally must allow service animals to accompany people with disabilities in all areas of the facility of the facility where the public is normally allowed to go. How can I tell if it’s a service animal? When it’s not obvious what service an animal provides, only limited inquiries are allowed. Staff may only ask these two questions: Is the dog a service animal required because of a disability, and What work or task has the dog been trained to perform? You may not ask about a person’s disability, require medical documentation, require a special identification card or training documentation for the service animal or ask that the service animal demonstrate its ability to perform the work or task. Does the service dog need to be on a leash? Under the ADA, service animals must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered, unless these devices interfere with the service animal’s work or the individual’s disability prevents using these devices. What if someone is allergic to dogs? Allergies and fear of dogs are not valid reasons for denying access or refusing service to people using service animals. Can someone be asked to leave if the service animal is being disruptive? Yes, a person with a disability may be asked to remove the service animal from the premises if: The dog is out of control and the handler does not take effective action to control it, or The dog is not house broken. When there is a legitimate reason to ask that a service animal be removed, staff must offer the person with the disability the opportunity to obtain goods or services without the animal’s presence. Miniature Horses Revised ADA regulations have a separate provision for miniature horses that have been specifically trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities. What are the requirements? A miniature horse generally ranges in height from 24 to 34 inches measured to the shoulders and weighs between 70 and 100 pounds. There are four assessment factors that determine whether a miniature horse can be accommodated in a facility: https://www.ada.gov/service_animals_2010.htm http://www.michigan.gov/mdcr/0,4613,7-138-74964—,00.html Do not hesitate to contact me if you need clarification. Sincerely, Kevin Kevin King Head, Branch and IT Services Kalamazoo Public Library (269) 553-7881 On 2/13/18, 3:18 PM, "michlib-l-bounces@mcls.org on behalf of WAY Carol DeBoer via Michlib-l" <michlib-l-bounces@mcls.org on behalf of michlib-l@mcls.org> wrote: I guess I would like to speak to the fact that "anyone" can say their "pet" is an emotional support animal. We have the policy that if they have a written statement from their doctor then the animal may be allowed in the building. Service animals with the proper vests are no problem. Otherwise it is a "no pets allowed" rule. Hope this helps. Carol DeBoer Circulation Supervisor Henika District Library 149 S. Main Wayland, MI 49348 269-792-2891 waycd@henikalibrary.org ---------- Original Message ----------- From: Rudy Wright via Michlib-l <michlib-l@mcls.org> To: "michlib-l@mcls.org" <michlib-l@mcls.org> Sent: Tue, 13 Feb 2018 20:03:07 +0000 Subject: [Michlib-l] Service animals and emotional support animals > We are seeing an increasing number of "emotional support animals" > coming into the library. We have always respected and welcomed > service animals accompanying our patrons, of course. And, we have > been given the relevant laws from Clare. Differentiating between the > two groups and understanding our legal obligations aren't the issues. > > How do you maintain a welcoming, comforting environment for ALL > patrons? Is a strict "No Pets Allowed" policy the best solution? Do > you manage things on a case-by-case basis, requiring the same > behavior and habits from ESAs and their owners, and deal only with > disruptions just as you would with a service dog? What differences > might you have between policy and practice? > > If you would all please share your point-of-view with me I will, in > return, share the findings. Thanks for help with this "hairy" issue. > > Rudy C. Wright > > Assistant to the Director > > Parchment Community Library > > 401 S. Riverview Dr. > > Parchment, MI 49004 > > 269-343-7747 > > parchmentlibrary.org > > "Don't be afraid to go in your library and read every book." -- > Dwight D. Eisenhower > > -- > This message has been scanned by E.F.A. Project and is believed to > be clean. ------- End of Original Message ------- _______________________________________________ Michlib-l mailing list Michlib-l@mcls.org http://mail2.mcls.org/mailman/listinfo/michlib-l _______________________________________________ Michlib-l mailing list Michlib-l@mcls.org http://mail2.mcls.org/mailman/listinfo/michlib-l _______________________________________________ Michlib-l mailing list Michlib-l@mcls.org http://mail2.mcls.org/mailman/listinfo/michlib-l
participants (7)
-
Devin Erlandson -
Karen Knox -
Kevin King -
Membiela, Clare (MDE) -
Rudy Wright -
Samantha Downes -
WAY Carol DeBoer