02/07/2025
It's about time the CW Bill Young VAMC made this statement. Now let's see if it's enforced.
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Service Animals at Bay Pines VA Healthcare System.pdf
Hello from your Bay Pines VA Healthcare System,
Bay Pines VA recognizes the important and positive impact service dogs have on the lives of Veterans. We’re proud to support Veterans and their Service Dogs but, it is important to distinguish which animals are considered Service Dogs, and which are not.
The only service animals recognized by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) are Service Dogs (SD). Service Dogs are dogs trained to do work or perform tasks to help a person with a disability who could not perform the work or task alone. Veterans and visitors coming to Bay Pines VA Healthcare System (BPVAHCS) are welcome to bring their Service Dogs with them and are responsible for making sure their dogs are:
Clean and groomed, free of sores, infections, and fleas.
Calm, non-aggressive, well-behaved, and obeys the owner’s commands.
Not running free on Bay Pines VAHCS property.
Housebroken and/or use acceptable areas for elimination on hospital or clinic ground. If an accident does occur indoors, the Veteran or visitor is responsible for cleaning up after their animal.
Licensed as required by the owner’s city or county of residence; and
Wearing a harness or leash, has a current rabies tag, and has proper identification, if available.
Emotional support animals are not considered Service Dogs and therefore are not permitted in the health care facility. If an animal exhibits a condition or behavior that presents a direct threat to the health or safety of others, the owner or designee may be requested to remove the animal. If an animal damages property, the handler will be responsible for damages. Please leave your personal pets at home for their own safety and for the safety of everyone at the Bay Pines VAHCS.
A Service Dog relief area is available outside the outpatient entrance of building 100 next to the parking lot for your convenience. Please clean up after your service animal while enjoying a safe space.
Keep updated & let us know how we're doing.
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