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Service animals are welcome at Froedtert & MCW locations. We are committed to providing individuals with disabilities full and equal access to services and treatment. 

To protect other patients, visitors and staff, and to maintain a safe and healthy environment for all, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) allows hospitals and public accommodations to enforce the following guidelines.

What is a service animal?

  • A service animal is defined as an animal that has been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability. The task(s) performed by the animal must be directly related to the person’s disability.

Are emotional support, therapy, comfort or companion animals considered service animals under the ADA? Can I bring my comfort or emotional support animal to the hospital, health center and/or other visits?

  • No. These terms are used to describe animals that provide comfort just by being with a person. If the animal has NOT been individually trained to perform a specific job or task, it does NOT qualify as a service animal under the ADA.
  • There are some limited cases where an animal that is not considered a service animal may visit a hospitalized patient. These cases must be approved in advance by hospital leadership. Please speak with your care team for details.

Do I have to provide documentation for my service animal, such as proof that the animal has been certified, trained or licensed as a service animal?

  • You will not be asked to provide any documentation or proof of the animal’s role.

Should I notify the staff or provider in advance that I will be bringing a service animal?

  • Patients who will be bringing a service animal are encouraged to notify their care team in advance of their appointment or visit.

What happens when I arrive? What questions will staff ask me about my service animal?

  • You may be asked if the animal is a service animal required for a disability.

Where is my service animal permitted to go?

  • Service animals are permitted in all public areas across Froedtert & MCW campuses and facilities.

Are there locations where my service animal is not allowed?

  • Service animals are not allowed in areas where they present a risk to patients, for example, in operating rooms or procedure areas where an animal’s presence may compromise a sterile environment, or in areas that are not safe for animals.

Do I need to keep the service animal on a leash?

  • Service animals must always be on a leash or harness unless your disability prevents it, or it prevents the animal from performing its task. If a service animal is not on a leash or harness, then the animal must be controlled by voice, hand signals or other controls.

Is there a relief area my service animal may use?

  • Service animals may use the grass spaces outside entrances and parking for purposes of relief.

What should I bring with me for my service animal?

  • You are responsible for bringing all supplies necessary for the care of your service animal while in Froedtert & MCW facilities. This may include food, water and bowls, and plastic bags for solid waste.

Can I bring my service animal to my appointment, emergency department, or inpatient stay?

  • Yes. Your service animal must be healthy, clean and groomed (no fleas, ticks or sores), house broken, under your control (leash, harness or other effective controls) and well-behaved (no uncontrolled barking, biting or scratching, etc.).

Who is responsible for the care of my service animal during my visit/stay?

  • You or your designee are responsible for feeding, toileting and watching over the service animal. Froedtert & MCW team members are not responsible to watch over or otherwise care for the service animal.

What if I am unable to care for my service animal during my stay?

  • If you do not have someone available to care for your service animal and you are unable to do so, and you did not make arrangements to board the animal, the facility will make arrangements to board your service animal at your expense until you are able to assume responsibility for the animal.

What happens if my service animal becomes a threat to others, becomes disruptive or bites or scratches someone at the facility?

  • Safety is our priority. You should be able to control your service animal’s behavior, including barking and jumping, at all times. You may be asked to remove your service animal from the facility if it is out of control and you do not take action to effectively control it. If your service animal growls, bites or acts aggressively, or otherwise is determined to pose a direct risk to the health or safety of people or other service animals, you will be asked to remove the animal from the facility right away. If your service animal bites or scratches another person we will follow local and state reporting requirements.

May visitors bring service animals?

  • Yes. The same rules apply as stated above.

Questions? Who to contact?