Connected Libraries (CL) supports social inclusion and equity amongst staff and the community. CL also needs to ensure that staff and the community health and safety is paramount.   

Under the Federal Disability Discrimination Act all assistance animals are guaranteed access to all public places in Australia including libraries.  

Animals of any kind or size are not permitted in a CL location except for: 
– Guide dogs
– Training dogs
– Police/security dogs,
– Registered assistance /support animals
– Children’s pets for a library sponsored pet show that are permitted.   

CL supports under the guidelines of the Act that: 
– The animal must be appropriately trained and certified (valid for one year) 
– The animal must meet acceptable standards of hygiene and behaviour 
– The animal must be harnessed, leashed or tethered, unless these devices interfere with the service animal or the individual’s disability prevents using these devices. In that case, “the individual must maintain control of the animal through voice, signal or other effective controls.” 

CL Staff can say no to an animal in the library: 
– If none of the above conditions apply
– If the animal has an infectious disease 
– If the animal threatens public health 

If you have any questions, feel free to contact us.