Service Animals

Waters Library welcomes all service animals in accordance with the guidelines provided in the East Texas A&M University Service and Emotional Support Animals on Campus policy.

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Service Animal Definition

The Service and Assistance Animals policy defines a service animal as a dog or miniature horse that has been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for a person with a disability. Animals that are considered pets or are certified as comfort, therapy, or support animals, are not service animals as defined by the ADA or the ETAMU policy and are not permitted in Library buildings at this time.

Service Animals in the Library

• Service Animals must be harnessed, leashed or tethered unless these devices interfere with a service animal's work or the person's disability prevents use of these devices. The animal may leave the owner's side only to perform a designated task. In such cases, the individual must maintain control of the animal through voice, signal, or other effective controls.
• A service animal that is not behaving properly will be required to leave the Library. In these circumstances, every reasonable effort will be made to serve patrons whose service animals are temporarily restricted from entering Library buildings. Specific behaviors for which an animal will be required to leave include:
  • The animal is not under the control of the partner/handler and the partner/handler does not take effective action to control it.
  • The animal is not housebroken.
  • The animal poses a direct threat to the health and safety of others.
  • The animal';s presence fundamentally alters the nature of a program or activity.
  • The partner/handler fails to comply with any of their responsibilities under this procedure.

For more information about the Americans With Disabilities Act and service animals, please visit: https://www.ada.gov/service_animals_2010.htm (opens in a new window).