service
animals
Positive Impact Health Centers complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding services animals. We welcome service animals who have been trained to do work or perform tasks for any patient with a disability. Please note that we do not allow pets or emotional support animals in our facilities. We have implemented this Service Animal Policy to provide guidance on what you can expect when you bring your service animal to one of our facilities.
The difference between service and emotional support?
What is a service animal? Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a service animal is defined as a dog that has been specifically trained to do work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability.
Can I bring my emotional support animal or my pet? No. Emotional support animals are not considered service animals under the ADA. An emotional support animal comforts a person with their presence but has not been specifically trained to perform a task related to a person’s disability. Please note that in most states it is against the law to fraudulently represent an animal as a service animal.
Frequently asked questions regarding service animals
When you enter our facility with your service animal, please let our staff know that you have a service animal with you and be prepared to provide verifying documentation. Staff may ask you whether the dog is required because of a disability and what task the dog has been trained to perform. They may also ask to see if the service animal is vaccinated in accordance with applicable laws to ensure the health and safety of all our patients and staff. Please be ready to show vaccination paperwork for your service animal if asked.
Service animals must remain under your control at all times and kept on a leash or harness. You are responsible for ensuring your service animal is well-behaved and you are responsible for cleaning up after your service animal while on PIHC premises. If you are unable or unwilling to control or clean up, you may be asked to remove your service animal from PIHC premises.
All service animals are welcome on PIHC premises; however, you are responsible for their care. Please bring any required food, water, or medicine for your service animal along with plastic bags and other necessary items to clean up waste.
Generally, yes. We will provide every accommodation required by law, however, there may be some places in our facility where your service animal cannot accompany you due to the risk they may pose to other patients. In these instances, PIHC staff will work with you to make appropriate accommodations.
PIHC will not assume responsibility for the care of your service animal during your treatment. If you are undergoing treatment and are unable to care for your service animal during that time, please make necessary arrangements with a friend or family member for their care.
Please take your service animal outside for bathroom breaks. Please pick up after your service animal and dispose of waste appropriately.
Questions still?
We encourage you to reach out to us with any questions or concerns. You can contact us by calling the Quality and Compliance Manager at 404-977-9180 or by sending an email and placing “Service Animal Question” in the subject line.
