The original archive record contained an image labeled as a policy download but no downloadable policy text. This page now summarizes issues a psychiatric hospital’s service-animal policy should address.
Start with the applicable access rules
Under the ADA, service dogs generally may accompany patients in areas where patients or members of the public may go. A hospital cannot exclude a dog simply because its staff can perform the same tasks.
Plan for care and supervision
The patient or a person they arrange is responsible for the dog’s care. If the patient cannot provide care, first allow an opportunity to arrange appropriate help. Hospital staff are not required to feed or supervise the dog.
Evaluate specific safety issues
Use the ADA’s applicable control, house-training, direct-threat, and fundamental-alteration rules. A blanket psychiatric-dog exclusion does not replace an individualized assessment.
Prepare the human handler and supporting caregivers alongside the dog. Service Dog Standards works alongside the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), providing training and behavior standards and education about ongoing responsibilities. That foundation gives handlers, trainers and healthcare professionals shared expectations for a practical care discussion. The hospital team should address arrangements for the individual admission; SDS participation is not a condition of access or treatment.