“If I could sum up why I’m committed to the HR Girlfriends community it would come down to because we are ‘….in this together.'”

~Sana’ Rasul, Chief Girlfriend

Q&A: Do we need a service animal policy?

Question:

Do we need a service animal policy?

Answer from Marisa, PHR:

In short, no, you don’t need to have a specific policy on service animals for your workplace. If a request comes up, or an employee conveys that they need to have a service animal in your workplace, you should utilize your reasonable accommodation policy and engage in the interactive process.

The interactive process will help you determine if the employee has a covered disability, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and if a service animal is a reasonable accommodation. You may ultimately deny the request if the interactive process reveals that the employee is not considered disabled under the law, the animal doesn’t fit the definition of a service animal, or the animal’s presence would create an undue burden. If you’d like more information on reasonable accommodation policies or the interactive process, we have many resources available on the HR Support Center.

Picture of Marisa, PHR

Marisa, PHR

Marisa has experience working in a wide variety of HR areas, including payroll, staffing, and on-/ off-boarding. She has worked at both national and local companies, in a wide range of businesses and industries. Marisa earned her B.S. in Business Administration and Communications from the University of Oregon. She loves watching football and basketball, volunteering and spending time with her two dogs.

Leave a comment

Never miss an opportunity to earn HRCI/SHRM credits, identify a mentor, or connect 1:1 with another HR Girlfriend in your city or across the country.

Subscribe
Notify of
guest
0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Author picture

HR Girlfriends™ is a Human Resources networking organization dedicated to advancing the practice and culture of people empowerment. Our team of Girlfriends consult, train, educate, develop, share, promote, and advocate for solutions in the field of human resource management.

Are You IN?
Or Are You OUT?

It’s time you join forces with a community of like-minded peers ready to tackle the issues unique to the women of HR.
  • All
  • Affirmations
  • Career Monday
  • COVID-19
  • CyberSAFE
  • Guest Blogger
  • HR Advisor Newsletter
  • HR Certifications
  • HR Compliance
  • HR Law Alert
  • HR Q&A
  • HR Reading
  • HR Reel Talk
  • Join Our Team - Apply Now
  • Membership
  • Talent Management
All
  • All
  • Affirmations
  • Career Monday
  • COVID-19
  • CyberSAFE
  • Guest Blogger
  • HR Advisor Newsletter
  • HR Certifications
  • HR Compliance
  • HR Law Alert
  • HR Q&A
  • HR Reading
  • HR Reel Talk
  • Join Our Team - Apply Now
  • Membership
  • Talent Management
Career Monday

Career Monday: The Secret To Leading A Successful Online Meeting

If you think it’s more difficult to lead a meeting when it’s conducted online, you have plenty of company. Nine out of ten meeting organizers ...
Read More →
HR Q&A

Q&A: What is a “plan document” with respect to insurance plans offered by private employers?

A plan document is the official governing document of employee benefit plans, such as health, welfare, and retirement plans. The Employee Retirement Income Security Act ...
Read More →
Career Monday

Career Monday: 8 Tips To Stay Motivated While Working From Home

If you work in an office, your day might already be planned out, with your coworkers giving you social interaction and your boss giving you ...
Read More →
Share via
Copy link
Powered by Social Snap