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Service Animals in the Library

Library staff often have questions about service animals: What is a service animal versus comfort/emotional support animal versus therapy animal? Do I have to let them in? What can I say to the owner? What can I do if the animal behaves badly?

Here are some resources for learning more about service animals.

See also the Sample Policies/Procedures related to Service Animals, and be sure to update your library's policy.

American Libraries article "Must My Library Accommodate Service and Support Animals?"
With legal advice from Mary Minow and Tom Lipinski, authors of "The Library’s Legal Answer Book."
"Welcoming Service Dogs to Your Museum"
From the American Alliance of Museums, with advice that translates to libraries
"What’s the difference between a service dog, therapy dog, emotional support animal? "
Article from the Sterling Journal-Advocate newspaper from Colorado
"Service Animals and the Law"
Brief issued by the Connecticut Office of Legislative Research, with Connecticut-specific information
Connecticut Law About Service Animals and the ADA
From the Connecticut Judicial Branch Law Libraries
ADA requirements regarding Service Animals
From the U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division, Disability Rights Section
Frequently Asked Questions about Service Animals and the ADA
From the U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division, Disability Rights Section
Table of State Service Animal Laws
Prepared by the Michigan State University College of Law