Hours & Location

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Wheaton Park District allows service animals to access most public areas within its property. The district may impose restrictions on service animals as it deems necessary for safety reasons.

Definition

A service animal, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, refers to any dog or miniature horse that is individually trained to work or perform tasks for a person with a disability. Service animals are working animals, not pets. The work or task performed must be directly related to the person’s disability.

Service animals whose sole function is to provide emotional support do not qualify as service animals under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Service animals must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered unless the device interferes with the animal’s work or the individual’s disability prevents using these devices. The patron must remain in control of the animal at all times.

Additionally, service animals must possess and maintain current immunizations common to that specific class of animal. The service animal must wear or display all tags required by law or local ordinance, such as identification or rabies tags.

For more information about the Wheaton Park District and the ADA, see Accommodations for Persons with Disabilities.

Questions?

Please contact Michael J. Benard, Wheaton Park District Executive Director and ADA Compliance Officer at [email protected].