Employee Animal Policy

EMPLOYEE ANIMAL POLICY

Personal Information

Position Information

Employment History

Education

References

Legal Disclosures

At-Will Employment: Employment remains at-will. Nothing in this animal policy, nor any statement by the employer, creates a contract of employment for a definite term. Either the employer or employee may terminate employment at any time, with or without cause, subject only to applicable law.

Equal Employment Opportunity: The employer prohibits discrimination and harassment on the basis of protected characteristics. This policy will be administered consistent with the employer’s obligations under applicable discrimination and accommodation laws.

Policy Scope and Definitions

Scope: This policy governs the presence of animals on company property, during company-sponsored events, and in company vehicles. It applies to all employees, contractors, visitors, and vendors.

Definitions: Service animal means an animal individually trained to do work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability. Emotional support animal provides comfort but is not necessarily trained for specific tasks. Workplace animal means any animal brought to or kept at the workplace, including but not limited to pets, service animals, and support animals.

Permitted and Prohibited Animals

Permitted animals may include certified service animals as defined by applicable law, subject to documentation and verification where permitted. Other animals, including emotional support animals, may be permitted only after a formal accommodation request and individualized assessment.

Prohibited animals include those that pose a documented health or safety risk, are dangerous by species or temperament, or are otherwise incompatible with workplace functions. The employer reserves the right to prohibit or remove any animal that presents a threat or substantial disruption.

Requirements and Employee Responsibilities

Vaccination and Health: Employees who bring animals must ensure vaccinations, parasite control, and health care are current. Proof of vaccination and recent veterinary inspection may be required for non-service animals.

Control and Supervision: Animals must be under the control of the employee at all times (leashed, harnessed, crated, or otherwise supervised). Animals must not interfere with normal workplace operations or the health and safety of others.

Sanitation and Damage: Employees are responsible for immediate cleanup of waste and for any damage caused by their animals. Repeated failure to maintain cleanliness or to repair damages may result in denial of future access and disciplinary action.

Accommodation Procedure

To request an exception or accommodation for a service animal or emotional support animal, the employee must submit a written request describing the need and the animal’s role. The employer will engage in an individualized assessment and, where appropriate, interactive process to determine reasonable accommodations.

Liability, Insurance, and Incident Reporting

Liability: The employee is financially responsible for any injury, property damage, or claim resulting from their animal’s presence. The employer assumes no liability for incidents caused by an employee’s animal except as required by law.

Insurance: Employees bringing animals are encouraged to maintain appropriate pet liability insurance. Where required by the employer as a condition of access, proof of insurance must be provided.

Incident Reporting: All bites, scratches, or other incidents must be reported immediately to Human Resources and documented in writing. The employer will investigate and take appropriate action, which may include removal of the animal and disciplinary measures.

Enforcement and Consequences

Noncompliance: Failure to comply with this policy, falsification of documentation, or repeated complaints related to an animal may result in progressive discipline up to and including termination of employment. The employer retains discretion to remove animals immediately if required for health or safety.

Emergency Removal: In emergency situations or if an animal poses an imminent threat, the employer may require immediate removal of the animal without prior notice. Employees must comply with such directives.

Authorizations and Certifications

I authorize the employer to contact previous employers, references, and veterinarians (where authorized) to verify information related to this policy and any accommodation requests.

I authorize the employer to conduct any background checks or health verifications reasonably necessary to evaluate accommodation requests or safety concerns.

I have read and understand the Employee Animal Policy. By signing below, I agree to comply with all requirements and acknowledge that violation may result in disciplinary action.

Applicant Certification / Acknowledgment

I certify that all information provided in connection with this policy and any accommodation request is true and complete to the best of my knowledge. I understand that providing false information may be grounds for disciplinary action, including termination. I further acknowledge that this policy does not constitute a contractual promise of continued employment.

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