Multnomah County Library welcomes service animals in the library. Service animals, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), are dogs or, in some cases miniature horses, that have been trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities. Pets, companion and emotional support or therapy animals are not allowed in the library.
Service animals must always be under the handler’s control. Service animals must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered, except in these cases:
- When the harness, leash, or tether interferes with the service animal’s work, or
- An individual’s disability prevents them from using a leash, harness, or tether
In those cases where a harness, leash, or tether is not required, the service animal must still be under the handler’s control using voice, signal or other effective ways.
Service animals, like other animals, may not be left tethered and unattended on library premises.
Staff may ask the handler to remove the service animal from the library when the service animal becomes disruptive, including threatening behavior, and its handler cannot or does not regain control of it.
For more information see Disabilities Rights Oregon on Service Animals and ADA Requirements: Service Animals.
Learn about Multnomah County's ADA Policy Notice and Disability Complaint Process.