Policy on Dogs in the Facility

In full compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), Minnesota State law, and with the policies of the City of Hopkins, the following was adopted on May 8, 2014:

Service Dogs

The Center grants access to Service Dogs with their people. A Service Dog is defined as individually trained (usually 18 to 24 months) to perform specific tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual or other mental disability. The tasks performed by a Service Dog must be directly related to the individual’s disability. 

Dogs whose sole function is “the provision of emotional support, well-being, comfort or companionship” are not considered Service Dogs under ADA.

Requirements for Service Dogs

Service Dogs and their owners must meet the following requirements in rules:

  • Service Dogs are required to be leashed or harnessed in the Center except when performing work where tethering would interfere with the dog’s ability to perform.
  • While disabled individuals with Service Dogs are not required to carry any documentation as to the training of their animal, it is suggested that Service Dogs wear a vest indicating their status as a working dog.
  • The Center requests that a theater / concert patron make the box office aware of their Service Dog at the time of ticket purchase so that appropriate seating is assigned.
  • A dog that fundamentally alters an activity (ex. barking in the theater) will be asked to leave. Similarly, if a person is unable to control their Service Dog, they may be asked to leave. Any ticket price paid through the Center’s box office will be refunded.

Pets

The Center does not permit access in public spaces by any dogs (or other animals) deemed by law to be pets rather than Service Animals. Pets include but are not limited to Therapy Dogs and Emotional Support Dogs. If a person attends a ticketed event with a dog classified by law as a pet, that patron will be asked to leave. If tickets were obtained through the Center box office, the patron will be given a full refund for the tickets.

Thank you for your cooperation.