We welcome people with disabilities who are accompanied by a service animal. Service animals are specifically trained to assist persons with disabilities in their activities of independent living. They are not considered pets but rather an auxiliary aid similar to the use of a cane, crutch or wheelchair. Service animals are sometimes called assistance animals.
Examples of service animals include:
- A guide animal, trained by authorized agencies to serve individuals who are visually impaired or blind
- A hearing animal, trained to alert a person with significant hearing loss or who is deaf when a sound occurs, such as a knock on the door or fire alarm
- Special skills animals, trained to assist a person who has a mobility or health disability. Duties may include carrying, fetching, opening doors, ringing doorbells, activating elevator buttons, steadying a person while walking, helping a person after a fall, emotional support, etc.
- A seizure response animal, trained to assist a person with a seizure disorder. The animal’s service depends on the person’s needs. The animal may go for help, or may stand guard. Some animals have learned to predict a seizure and warn the person
- A companion animal or emotional support animal that assists persons with psychological disabilities. Emotional support animals can help alleviate symptoms such as depression, anxiety, stress and difficulties regarding social interactions, helping individuals to live independently