Animals in the Library
POLICY NUMBER: 6.02
SCOPE: This policy applies to all patrons of the Whatcom County Library System.
In accordance with Washington state law and the Americans with Disabilities Act, the public may bring service animals into the public areas of WCLS facilities; other animals are not permitted. Owners of the service animals are solely responsible for the supervision and care of the service animal while on library property; a leash or harness is required. There is no requirement to show documentation of the service animal or to prove a disability. Service animals are not required to be licensed or certified by state or local government or training program or be identified by a special harness or collar. By law, staff may ask if the animal is required because of a disability; they can also ask what tasks the animal has been trained to perform.
WCLS has the authority to allow animals inside the library as part of library programming.
If staff observes behavior or actions of any animal that constitutes an unreasonable risk of injury or that unreasonably disrupts another person’s use of the library or library grounds, the owner/handler will be asked to remove the animal from the library’s premises.
RELATED POLICIES: Conduct Policy 6.01; Disruptive Behavior Procedure 06.01.03; Pets and Service Animals in the Workplace Policy 12.58.
STATUTORY REFERENCE:RCW 49.60.214 – Misrepresentation of an animal as a service animal—Civil infraction—Investigation and enforcement. RCW 49.60.215 – Trained dog guides and service animals. Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.
APPROVALS AND UPDATES
| Date | Action | Reviewer | Approved By | Approval Signature |
| November 18, 2025 | Adopted. | Whatcom County Library System Board of Trustees | /s/ |