I think the only thing more divisive than the question of animals in the workplace is what kind of coffee (or tea, for the tea-drinkers) should be in the break room. Since spring appears to be here and all the critters want to get out of the house with their people, let’s talk about when (or if) local government agencies should allow pets in the office.
But first, let’s be clear that this blog is not primarily concerned about service or emotional support animals. Service animals are defined in RCW 49.60.040(24):
"Service animal" means any dog or miniature horse, as discussed in RCW 49.60.214, that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability. The work or tasks performed by the service animal must be directly related to the individual's disability.
Additionally, you may be asked to allow emotional support animals (ESA) at work. This includes comfort animals and therapy dogs. The ability to bring a service animal to work implicates the Americans with Disability Act (ADA) and the Washington Law Against Discrimination. Service animals must be allowed in unless they create an actual risk of harm or undue hardship.
Your agency’s code or regulations may allow for ESAs to be treated similarly to service animals to assist persons with disabilities. If an employee asks to bring an ESA to work as an...
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