Service Dogs at Work Could Become the Norm

Hillsborough County Commissioners are taking steps to ensure people with disabilities are able to bring their service dogs to work.

Currently the American Disabilities Act does allow service dogs in the workplace for people who need them because of a disability. However, it allows some flexibility on behalf of the employer, in regards to whom they deem should have the dogs at work, said Sandra Sroka, ADA coordinator and acting HIPPA compliance officer for the county.

"I think what the citizen is looking for and what we’re trying to explore is a more stringent interpretation where employers would probably have to have good cause or good reason not to allow the dogs," Sroka said.

The Hillsborough County Commission discussed the issue at its meeting last week. The board directed staff to study what language they'd need to add to county and state ADA statutes to ensure employees with service dogs are protected when it comes to the workplace.

Cesar Silva, a disabled veteran who has post traumatic stress disorder, spoke to the board at last week's meeting about the need for service dogs in the workplace especially for veterans like himself.

"This will allow disabled veterans to have animals in the workplace to help them maintain gainful employment," Silva said. "As a result we can live productive lives in our communities."

Let Patch save you time. Get great local stories like this delivered right to your inbox or smartphone everyday with our free newsletter. Simple, fast sign-up here.

Sroka said county attorneys were working on language they could add to the county's legislative package that would be taken to Tallahassee during the Florida Legislation Session, which begins in March. Their hope is that the legislature passes the measure.

Westchase residents sounded off on the issue on Carrollwood Patch's Facebook Page. Here's what they had to say:

Dee Ryder wrote, "Absolutely they should be able to bring their dogs to work with them!"

Anita Grimes wrote, "If its a service animal, its as necessary as a wheel chair or your legs. Imagine an employer saying you could not bring a wheelchair to work? This is no different to me."

Do you think the county should madate that service dogs be allowed in the workplace? Share your thoughts in the comments section.