Below is part of our special needs accommodation policy as it relates to service animals.
III. Service Animals (see CP01.012– Pet Visitation)
A. Every deaf or hard of hearing person, totally or partially blind person, person who is subject to epilepsy or other seizure disorders, or physically disabled person (collectively referred to as "disabled person") has the right to be accompanied by a service animal, specially trained for the purpose, in any area of a UF Health Shands facility that the public or patients are normally permitted to occupy or access. However, the presence of the service animal may be limited or prohibited if it will pose a direct threat to the health and safety of other patients, visitors or staff, therefore, any restrictions on accompaniment or on visitation of service animals are for the protection of others. Allergies and fear of animals are not valid reasons for denying access or refusing service to an individual with a service animal. If the service animal is excluded or removed for being a direct threat to others, the hospital must provide the disabled person the
option of continuing the service without having the service animal on the premises. The hospital may ask if an animal is a service animal or what tasks the animal has been trained to perform to determine the difference between a service animal and a pet.
B. The trainer of a service animal, while engaged in the training of such service animal, shall also have the right to be accompanied by a service animal in any UF Health Shands facility.
C. The care or supervision of a service animal is the responsibility of the owner. UF Health Shands is not required to provide care or food, or a special location for the service animal or assistance with removing excrement. If the owner is unable to provide the care or supervision of the service animal, he/she must make other arrangements for the animal’s care.
