Visiting Cincinnati Children's

Service Animal Guidelines

Service Animals and Animal Assistants

Service animals and animal assistants who have a human partner with a disability are welcome at all Cincinnati Children’s locations. If the animal is not a dog, staff will consult with Infection Prevention & Control before allowing the animal to come on campus.

Some areas are off limits to animals. You can find a list of off-limits areas below.

Service Animal and Animal Assistant Definitions

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and Ohio law, Cincinnati Children’s welcomes the use of service animals and animal assistants by any person with a disability.

• Disability: Any physical or mental impairment that limits one or more major life activities, such as breathing, hearing, or caring for oneself.
• Service animal: Any dog trained to do work or perform tasks for a person with a disability. These can include physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disabilities. Service animals are not pets.
• Animal assistant: As defined by Ohio law, an animal that aids a person with a disability.

Pets, Comfort Animals, and Emotional Support Animals

Pets, comfort animals and emotional support animals do not meet the ADA or Ohio definitions of service animals or animal assistants. If your child is an inpatient at Burnet Campus and may benefit from a pet visit, see the Family Pet Center for more information.

Visiting with a Service Animal or Animal Assistant

• Animals are allowed where the general public is allowed.
• You are responsible for the care of your animal.
• Have a backup caregiver for your animal if needed.
• Employees may not care for your animal.
• Sick animals must be taken home immediately.
• Your animal must behave appropriately. Otherwise, you’ll be asked to remove it.
• Report any incidents to the nearest welcome center or staff member.

Service Animal and Animal Assistant Guidelines

Staying Overnight with a Service Animal or Animal Assistant

Animals may stay overnight in inpatient rooms where allowed. All previous guidelines apply.

Off-Limits Areas for Animals

• Operating rooms
• Inpatient rooms or units with special air quality
• Radiology rooms
• Areas requiring protective equipment
• Areas off-limits to the public

Pre-approval Areas for Animals

Animals may be allowed, but require discussion with the care team:

• Intensive care, bone marrow transplant, oncology units
• Patient rooms where the patient:
  • Is on isolation precautions
  • Is at high risk of infection

Animal Restroom Areas

Any outside, grassy area on hospital property is acceptable. Pick up after your animal and use outdoor trash cans only.

Animal Restroom Accidents

Clean up as best you can and notify an employee or call Environmental Services at 513-636-4381.

If My Animal Hurts Someone

If your animal bites someone:

• The animal must be removed immediately.
• The incident will be reported to the Ohio Department of Health.
• Proof of rabies vaccination will be required.
• Other injuries will be handled case by case.

If Your Animal Can’t Enter the Facility

• Another adult may stay outside with the animal.
• Consider local pet daycare or boarding options.
• You may need to reschedule if no care is available.