We welcome service dogs in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). These specially trained animals play an essential role in supporting individuals with disabilities and are legally permitted in hospital settings.
What is a service dog?
A service dog, as defined by the ADA, is “…any dog individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability.”
Service dogs vs. other types of support animals
It’s important to understand the distinction between service dogs and other types of support animals:
Service dogs
- Individually trained to perform specific tasks related to a person’s disability
- Protected by the ADA
- Allowed in public areas of the hospital (patient rooms, cafeterias, waiting areas, etc.)
Emotional support animals (ESAs)
- Offer comfort through companionship
- Not trained to perform disability-related tasks
- Not protected under ADA and not permitted in hospital settings
Therapy dogs
- Trained to provide comfort in controlled environments.
- Typically visit as part of a registered program
- Only Tanner’s Remarkable PAWS therapy dogs are allowed on-site by special arrangement
How staff verify a service dog
Staff may ask two questions to verify a service dog:
- Is the dog a service animal required because of a disability?
- What work or task has the dog been trained to perform?
Staff may not :
- Inquire about the nature or extent of the individual’s disability.
- Request proof that the animal is a certified service animal.
- Require the animal to wear a vest or display a tag.
- Ask the dog to demonstrate its tasks or perform a function.
When a service dog may be asked to leave
A service dog may be asked to leave if:
- It is out of control, and its handler is unable to effectively control it.
- It poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others.
- It is not housebroken or causes accidents such as urinating or defecating indoors.
Hospitals are required by the ADA to allow service animals in all areas where the public is normally allowed to go. This includes patient rooms, waiting areas, hallways and cafeterias, unless the presence of the animal fundamentally alters the nature of the services provided.
Remarkable Paws Pet Therapy
While only service dogs may accompany individuals throughout the hospital, we are proud to offer another meaningful source of comfort through our Remarkable Paws Pet Therapy Program. This volunteer-led initiative brings certified therapy dog teams into our facilities to share joy, reduce stress and brighten the days of patients, visitors and team members alike.
Do you have a certified therapy dog and a heart for helping others? We’d love for you to join our mission of healing through connection.
Learn more about the program and how you can apply by visiting our Remarkable Paws Pet Therapy page.