Service Animal Policy

Domestic animals, except for service animals, are not permitted inside any public exhibit or store areas of the Museum. Domestic animals may be walked in the parking lot or outside on the grounds, but must be leashed, held, caged or actively herded at all times. It is the owner’s responsibility to pick up after their animal.

Service Animals

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), service animals are defined as dogs, miniature horses, or other animals that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities. Service animals are allowed inside all buildings at the Willamette Heritage Center where the public is normally allowed to go. These service animals must be harnessed, leashed or tethered, unless these devices interfere with the service animal’s work or the individual’s disability prevents using these devices. In that case, the individual must maintain control of the animal through voice, signal, or other effective controls.

The WHC may prohibit service animals if:

  • The service animal is out of control and the handler does not take effective action to control it or,
  • The animal is not housebroken.

When there is a legitimate reason to ask that a service animal be removed, staff must offer the person with the disability the opportunity to obtain goods or services without the animal’s presence.