Policy on Pets/Service Animals

SERVICE ANIMALS

Since ECHO is an active research facility, only required service animals are allowed on the property.

PETS AND EMOTIONAL SUPPORT COMPANIONS

For the safety of all of our guests, ECHO cannot allow any pets or emotional support animals anywhere on the farm.

Per Florida Statute 413.08, the work or tasks performed by a service animal must be directly related to the individual’s disability. Examples of work or tasks include, but are not limited to:

• Assisting individuals who are blind or have low vision with navigation and other tasks.
• Alerting individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing to the presence of people or sounds.
• Assisting an individual during a seizure.
• Alerting individuals to the presence of allergens.
• Retrieving items such as medicine or the telephone.
• Providing physical support and assistance with balance and stability to individuals with mobility disabilities.
• Helping individuals with psychiatric and neurological disabilities by preventing or interrupting impulsive or destructive behaviors.

The provision of emotional support, well-being, comfort, or companionship are not considered work or tasks under the definition of a service animal.