Emotional Support Animal and Assistance Dog Policy
- Introduction
- Nirvana Spa is committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for all customers. The Spa recognises the vital role that Assistance Dogs and Emotional Support Animals play in providing effective support for individuals with disabilities.
- This Policy is designed to provide general information and guidance in relation to Assistance Dogs and Emotional Support Animals at Nirvana Spa. The Policy relates to animals that have been formally accredited[1] or registered[2] to provide that assistance/support. Emotional Support Animals who are not registered will only be permitted in exceptional circumstances. Consideration can only be given to small animals that can appropriately, safely and hygienically enter the premises.
- Definitions
- Assistance Dogs are trained to help people with a wide range of difficulties and are not just limited to visual impairment. Assistance Dogs carry out a variety of practical tasks for people as well as supporting their independence and confidence.
- Assistance Dogs trained by member organisations of Assisted Dogs (UK) will have formal identification in the form of either an ID tag on the dogs collar, a harness, a jacket or a lead slip. However, this is not a legal requirement.
- An Emotional Support Animal is an animal that provides support to individuals with a mental health condition. An Emotional Support Animal provides comfort and companionship to its owner, for which no specialist training is required.
- Responsibilities
- The Assistance Dog and Emotional Support Animal will always be the responsibility of its owner at the premises. The owner must ensure that the Assistance Dog or Emotional Support Animal is always on a lead when walking in the spa premises, uses the designated area provided (grass area adjacent to the Day Spa entrance) for its toileting needs, has all its requirements in respect of feeding, toileting, watering and veterinary attention met and wears animal socks. The Assistance Dog or Emotional Support Animal must be in good health.
- The Spa will ensure that all staff are aware of the policy and that it is adhered to. The Spa will be responsible for putting in place systems of work to manage the presence of Assistance Dogs or Emotional Support Animals to provide a safe environment.
- Exclusion Areas
- The Assistance Dog will be allowed in all areas apart from those excluded on the grounds of welfare to Dog; this includes restaurant areas as the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health has determined that Assistance Dogs are unlikely to present a risk to hygiene so should be allowed to access to the restaurant and any other food premises.
- The Assistance Dog will not be allowed in the following areas:
- Pools
- Hydrotherapy Pool Room
- Celestial Floatation Pool Room
- Sauna
- Steam room
This is to protect the welfare of the Assistance Dog. If the temperature is above 20 degrees Celsius this may have an impact on the Assistance Dog and care should be taken to prevent the Dog getting too hot[3].
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- The entry and exclusion areas of an Emotional Support Animal will be considered on a case-by-case basis dependent on the needs and safety of the owner and animal.
- Toileting of Assistance Dogs and Emotional Support Animals
- The designated area (grass area adjacent to the Day Spa entrance) is to be used and the owner must ensure that all waste is removed.
- The owner will be responsible for ensuring bags are used to clean up after an Assistance Dog and Emotional Support Animal. Bags are not provided by Nirvana Spa.
- In the event of an Assistance Dog or Emotional Support Animal fouling outside of the designated area, it will be the owner’s responsibility to remove the waste.
- Allergies
- All customers will be made aware of the presence of the Assistance Dog or Emotional Support Animal to identify any allergy concerns.
If there is an identifiable person with an allergy to dogs or an Emotional Support Animal, the Spa will discuss this with both parties to maintain optimal safety.
7 Review
7.1 This Policy will be reviewed annually.
Nirvana Spa
September 2024
[1] Accreditation for Assistance Dogs and Emotional Support Animals ensures that they meet high standards of training and welfare. Organisations like ADUK and ADI provide accreditation for Assistance Dogs but this is not an exhaustive list.
[2] There is no formal accreditation process for Emotional Support Animals, like there is for Assistance Dogs. Some private registries such as the Emotional Support Animals UK Registration Club offer registration services. Emotional Support Animals should be prescribed by a licenced mental health professional and have a valid UK registration.
[3]https://www.guidedogs.org.uk/getting-support/information-and-advice/dog-care-and-welfare/hot-weather/