Are Service Animals Allowed at Work?
Can You Bring a Service Animal to Your Job?
According to the Americans with Disabilities
Act (ADA) the phrase “service animal” refers to a dog that has undergone
training to perform specific tasks for an owner living with a disability. The
animals must also be socially trained to act appropriately while on duty. An
individual may require the services of an animal if he or she has an
intellectual, mental, physical, psychiatric, or sensory disorder. When service
animals are deemed qualified, their owners may take them to their
workplace.
Various laws prohibit anyone from discriminating against an employee secondary
to disability. Under these circumstances, employers must make certain
concessions, which often includes allowing a disabled employee to be
accompanied by a service animal. Some employers offering jobs for disabled people also allow emotional
support animals. However, stipulations apply.
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission assumes responsibility for
enforcing employment provision mandated by the ADA. However, the agency doesn’t
have specific guidelines when it comes to service or emotional support
animals.
In certain situations, an individual's disability may not be visibly apparent.
Sometimes, the reason for requiring a service animal might not be clear. In
these instances, the employer has the right to request documentation that
verifies the disability and how the animal assists the owner in performing the
job.
The verification may include a detailed explanation as to what tasks the animal
is required to perform on the behalf of the owner. The animal might also be
required to demonstrate its behavior in the workplace. Initially, the employer
and employee may agree the service animal's presence is allowed on a trial
basis.
Human Resources
Employers may require that an employee who wishes to bring a service animal to
work seek approval through human resources. During the consultation process,
the animal owner must:
• Prove the service animal is properly trained
• Possess documentation or proof of insurance that covers the animal
•
Provide proof that the animal is current on all vaccinations, free of parasites,
and properly groomed
•
Ensure the animal won’t interact with other employees or pose a possible health
risk to others
• Sign a waiver that states the owner accepts all responsibility for the animal
If at
any time, the animal displays inappropriate social behavior that jeopardizes
the workplace, interferes with other employees, or in other ways becomes
disruptive, the employer has the right to prohibit the animal's future
presence.
Service Animals-in-Training
According to the ADA, employers might also be obligated to allow an employee to
bring a service animal to work if the animal is in the process of being trained
for duty. However, the animal must be in the process of learning how to assist
the employee at work by performing specific tasks. If the animal becomes
disruptive or behaves inappropriately during the training process, the employer
has the right to prohibit the animal’s presence in the future.
Whether or not you can
bring your service animal to work is just one of the many factors to consider
when job searching. People with disabilities have many great
opportunities for employment, no matter the challenges they face. If you’re
seeking a new job, take a look at the listings provided by disABLEDperson, Inc.
If you’d like to learn more about our charitable organization, or if you have
any difficulties navigating the site, please feel free to give us a call at 760-420-1269.