If someone comes in with a dog (or a miniature horse), you don't have to do anything unless the animal is causing a disruption. We follow the University Policy for Service Animals. (“Service animal” is defined as a dog of any breed or size (and in some cases, a miniature horse), individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability.)

If it is another kind of animal, we'll have to ask the patron to take the animal outside because we also follow the UI Policy Manual - 35.5 Prohibitions in Use of Facilities, Section e. Animals in buildings.

If you are asked by another patron to intervene because someone has a dog, there are only two questions that staff are allowed to ask the person with the dog:

1. Is the dog a service animal required because of a disability?
2. What work or task has the dog been trained to perform?

This is important: Staff are not allowed to request any documentation for the dog, require that the dog demonstrate its task, or inquire about the nature of the person’s disability. (per ada.gov Frequently Asked Questions about Service Animals and the ADA) In other words, we take the person's word for it on how they answer those questions and we don't ask for nor require any proof. Service animals do not have to wear a vest, ID tag or specific harness.

If there seems to be any sort of dispute between patrons because of an animal, please get a staff member to assist.