Service Animal Policy
The Town of Parma is committed to complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and ensuring equal access to our transportation and public facilities for all individuals with disabilities.
Definition of a Service Animal
A service animal is defined by the ADA as a dog or miniature horse that has been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability.
Control of Service Animals
Service animals must be under the control of their handler at all times. Control may be achieved through a leash, harness, tether, or through voice, signal, or other effective means.
Leash or Harness Requirement
A leash or harness is not required if it interferes with the animal’s work or if the individual’s disability prevents the use of such devices.
Driver Responsibilities
Drivers and staff are not responsible for controlling, feeding, or caring for service animals. As a courtesy, a driver may offer assistance (e.g., holding a leash during boarding), but this is not required and may be denied if it creates a safety concern.
Multiple Service Animals
An individual may be accompanied by more than one service animal if the animals perform different tasks.
Permissible Inquiries
If it is not obvious that an animal is a service animal, staff may only ask the following two questions:
- Is the animal a service animal required because of a disability?
- What work or task has the animal been trained to perform?
Allergies and Fear of Animals
Allergies or fear of dogs are not valid reasons to deny access or refuse service to an individual with a service animal.
Comfort Animals and Pets
Comfort animals, therapy animals, and pets are not considered service animals under the ADA. The Town of Parma does not permit pets or comfort animals on its transportation services unless a local policy specifically allows it.
If information is needed in another language, contact us at 585-392-9030.
Si se necesita informacion en otro idioma de contacto, 585-392-9030.