Animal Policy

(Adopted by the Library Board on August 28, 2017; revised June 17, 2024.)

St. Louis County Library prohibits all pets, emotional support animals and animals on Library premises with the exception of service animals and animals that are participating in a Library event. St. Louis County Library follows federal and state laws regarding the use of service animals.

Federal law defines “service animal” as “a dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities.” 

Individuals with disabilities may bring their service animals into all areas of the Library where members of the public are normally allowed to go. All service animals must be under the full custody and control of their handler or owner at all times through the use of a harness, leash, tether, or other effective control. Handlers and owners of the service animals are solely responsible for the supervision and care of the service animals. Therefore, handlers and owners must keep the service animal directly with them at all times.

A person may be asked to remove the service animal from a Library facility if the service animal is (1) out of control and the handler does not take effective action to control it or (2) the service animal is not housebroken. Library staff may ask that a service animal be removed from the premises if it behaves in a way that poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others. When there is a legitimate reason to ask that a service animal be removed, the individual must have the opportunity to access Library services without having the service animal on the premises. Fear of allergies, annoyance on the part of other patrons or employees, and fear of animals are not valid reasons for denying access or refusing service to people with service animals.