Practice Policies

Split Family Policy

Service Animal Policy

For the well-being of patients, staff, providers, and other patrons of The Children’s Medical Group, we adhere to New York State law regarding certified service animals. Persons with disabilities have the right to be accompanied by a service animal wherever they can go. Accommodation is allowed when an individual needs to be seen in our office with their service animal.

Emotional support animals are not classified under New York State service animal law or the ADA, therefore they are not permitted inside the office or building. Although these animals often have therapeutic benefits, they are not individually trained to perform specific tasks for their handlers. Under the ADA and New York State law, owners of public accommodations are not required to allow emotional support animals, only service animals or dog guides. These laws also do not apply to pets.

Examples of service animals that must be allowed into public accommodations as stated under the ADA include:

  • Assisting with navigation, or stability and balance.
  • Alerting to sounds or allergens.
  • Pulling wheelchairs, carrying, and retrieving items.
  • Seizure assistance.
  • Interrupting impulsive or destructive behaviors.