[Michlib-l] Service animals and emotional support animals

[WAY Carol DeBoer]

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 at henikalibrary.org

---------- Original Message -----------
From: Rudy Wright via Michlib-l <michlib-l at mcls.org>
To: "michlib-l at mcls.org" <michlib-l at 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 
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------- End of Original Message -------