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In attempting to assess the complicated balance between an individual employee’s need for a service animal and the requirements of clients, customers, patients, and the workplace as a whole, the U.S. 8th Circuit Court of Appeals (whose rulings apply to all Iowa employers) has weighed in over the last several months with discussions in two […]
The concept of service animals in the workplace has been around for quite some time, but many managers, especially those at smaller companies, may not have yet had to address it. With regard to employees, you can treat a request for a service animal the same as any other accommodation request, meaning you are obligated […]
A restaurant in Burlington, Vermont, recently made headlines after refusing to seat a customer with a service dog. The restaurant owner cited an incident in which a previous patron’s dog attacked a neighboring table. In addition, she refused to seat the customer because of her unfamiliarity with their dog and a history of other customers […]
During the COVID-19 pandemic, many remote employees have no doubt strengthened their bonds with and emotional dependency on their pets and, in some cases, service animals. As a result, you should expect to see a surge in animal-related accommodation requests as workers return to their physical workplaces. Here are some ideas to help you properly […]
To avoid a hairy situation, employers should familiarize themselves with laws relating to the emerging issue of animals at work. Most animals fall into the following three sets: (1) service animals, (2) comfort or therapy animals, and (3) pets.
Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits disability discrimination in places of public accommodation, which include businesses that are open to the public—like shopping malls, restaurants, movie theaters, medical offices, and recreational facilities. As a result, the entities are required to modify any practices, procedures, and policies that infringe on disabled individuals’ […]
Arizona has made it illegal for people to pass off a pet as a service animal in order to have an animal accompany them to public places where only service animals are allowed. While the new law, which took effect August 3, is a relief to many employers and business owners, they must be careful […]
by Erica E. Flores For decades, service animals were used almost exclusively to assist the blind and, in that role, were aptly known simply as guide dogs or seeing-eye dogs. But times have changed. Today, dogs and other service animals—including monkeys, parrots, and miniature horses—are being trained to provide a remarkable variety of services to […]
With all the doom and gloom that’s populated our media these days, HRSBT has just the feel-good-type of story you need!
Who couldn’t use a cute, cuddly friend at work? One that’s not the least bit judgmental, one that is loyal and devoted, one whose main goal in life is to build you up when the pressures of work get you down. If only your dog could go with you to work. A number of companies […]