Assistance Animals Policy 2023-03-17
ASSISTANCE ANIMALS
The City of Coppell recognizes the importance of Service Animals and the value that animals bring
to humans in many aspects of life. This policy serves to inform our employees and citizens as to
when animals may be admitted to City facilities.
Definitions:
Support Animal – an animal that does not perform work or tasks that would qualify it as a service
animal, but that provides therapeutic emotional support for an individual with a disability.
Facility – an enclosed area or building belonging to or managed by the City of Coppell. This
includes all City buildings, as well as certain recreational and park facilities, such as baseball and
soccer fields, tennis courts, food gardens, and swimming pools. The term as used in this policy
does not include open parks, green spaces, dog parks, and walking trails.
Handler – a person with a disability that a service or assistance animal assists or supports, or an
attendant who handles the service animal on behalf of a person with a disability.
Housebroken – trained to urinate and defecate in appropriate places, such that the animal will do
neither in City facilities.
Service Animal – a dog or miniature horse that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks
for people with disabilities.
Policy:
Service Animals
Service Animals are welcome in City of Coppell Facilities if they are under the control of their
handler. Service Animals that are not under the control of the handler or are not housebroken must
be removed from facilities at the request of staff. Where it is not obvious what service an animal
provides, staff may inquire 1) if the dog is a service animal required because of a disability, and
2) what work or task the dog has been trained to perform. No certification, license, or other proof
will be required of service dogs.
Miniature horses may also be considered service animals and are welcome in facilities where they
can be accommodated. Factors in determining whether a miniature horse may be accommodated
include 1) whether the horse is housebroken, 2) whether the horse is under the owner’s control, 3)
whether the facility can accommodate the miniature horse’s type, size, and weight, and 4) whether
the miniature horse’s presence will not compromise legitimate safety requirements necessary for
safe operation of the facility.
Support Animals
The City recognizes that there are support animals that do not meet the definition of “Service
Animal.” Support animals may be admitted to City facilities in the following circumstances:
• the animal is a dog;
• the dog has been trained or certified by an entity that provides insurance coverage for the
dog and that coverage is in effect OR the hander can show proof of other insurance
coverage that would cover the dog while in City facilities;
• the dog is under the control of the handler at all times;
• the dog is housebroken;
• the dog does not create a disruption or hardship; and
• the facility can accommodate the dog.
Support Animals that are not under the control of the handler, are not housebroken, or otherwise
unqualified under this policy must be removed from facilities at the request of staff.
Other Provisions
Animals considered to be service animals under another law, such as Individuals with Disabilities
in Education or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act may , but are not required to, be
accommodated without meeting the insurance requirement or being a dog.
Responsibility for Animal
City staff are not required to provide care or supervision of a service animal. The supervision of
any service or support animal is the responsibility of the handler.
__________________________________________ ______________________________
PRINTED HANDLER NAME PRINTED ANIMAL NAME
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SIGNATURE OF HANDLER DATE