Delta, BC comes up with pets in facilities policy

Delta now has a clear policy regarding allowing animals in city facilities.

Endorsed by council at its June 24 meeting, a staff recommendation on policies and procedures provides guidelines on when, and under what circumstances, animals are permitted in facilities.

Currently, staff are faced with conflicts involving patrons accessing facilities with their pets, which can create an anxious environment for other patrons, the report notes, adding the policy focuses on the allowance of guide and service dogs in facilities, as defined in legislation, and allowance for short term access for non-guide service dogs.

Staff are not to stop or question any person with a disability who uses guide or service dogs unless there is a concern with the behaviour of the person or the animal.

“Persons with disabilities that use trained and certified dogs to assist them are welcome in all city facilities. Pets or therapy animals, which are not identified as a Guide or Service Dog under the Guide Dog and Service Dog Act, will be permitted in facilities with their owner during an in & out visit only,” the report states.

The types of in-and-out out visits would be to make an in-person inquiry or paying a fee and then vacating the facility immediately, and at all times, the animal must be under control, the report notes.