Animals of all kinds, whether they are wildlife, domesticated animals, work animals, pets, or pests, are all potential sources of contamination to fresh produce and water sources on the farm. Animals can track their feces containing harmful microorganisms from one place to another so their presence on a fresh produce farm should be monitored and controlled to reduce food safety risks.
Fresh produce farms that are partially or fully open to the public should be prepared if people come to the farm with animals. Restricting animal access to the fresh produce farm is highly encouraged, but this recommendation does not extend to service animals covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
According to the ADA, a service animal is a dog that has been trained to do work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability. Service animals are not emotional support animals or therapy animals. The only animals recognized as service animals by the ADA are dogs and miniature horses. Persons with disabilities and their service animals cannot be restricted from enjoying a service or participating in an event that is open to the public. They have a right to access restaurants, hotels, U-pick farms, farm stands, and other spaces that are open to the public.
As a farm, business owner, or event organizer, you may have some concerns and would like to ask questions. Well, here are the only questions you are allowed to ask a person with a disability regarding their service animal.
- Is the dog a service animal required because of a disability?
- What work or task has the dog been trained to perform?
You cannot ask for documentation to prove that the dog is a service animal, or that the animal demonstrate the task. Use the resources linked below to learn more about handling service animals on your farm or business premises.
Resources
ADA Requirements: Service Animals
Service animals on U-Pick farms
The Public and Their Animals: Regulations and Risks to Your Direct Market Farm
Poster/signage in English and Spanish: service animals covered by the ADA are welcome here.