Emotional Support/Service Animals at the pool.

Emotional Support/Service Animals at the pool. We don't allow pets at the pool deck, but we have to allow Emotional Support/Service Animals (correct me if I am wrong please). It just so happens that almost everyone claims they have a Service Animal or Emotional Support that they can take to the pool. How do you guys deal with this? Anything we should watch out for?

We do not allow any animals at the pool due to health code violations. Emotional support status does not trump the health code.

Public health code doesn't allow dogs in the pool but service animals may be allowed on the pool deck: www.ada.gov/regs2010/service_animal_qa.html

Allowed on pool deck, but service animals only - ESAs don't have to be allowed as they don't have the same public space protections

I believe there's a big difference here between emotional support and service animals in terms of Fair Housing vs ADA, and which one applies may depend on whether the person with the animal lives there or is a visitor. Our local apartment association does a fair amount of training on this topic and yours might be a good resource.

Service animals are allowed on pool deck, emotional support are not per our attorney. You might want to check with yours.

As a landlord you might want to consider something like this...”Dear resident, we want to accommodate you as required under the law. In order to do that as to your request to bring your animal to the pool, we ask that you provide us with third party documentation from your health care provider that because of your disability (we need not be told what that is) you need the animal with you (we need not be told why) in order to enjoy our pool as would any other non-disabled resident.” Not legal advice, just a suggestion.

Emotional support/companion animals are different from service animals. Service animals may be allowed in the pool area and other common areas, but not inside the pool. Its important to know which one your resident has.

Emotional support/companion animals are my biggest pet peeve. Honestly, 95% is just people who dont want to pay a pet deposit or be denied their restricted dog. Fortunately, Oklahoma recently passed a law to help landlords crack down on this situation

Fair Housing Training for ALL is so important. Your part time weekend leasing agent may cost you $$$$$. Train! Its cheaper!