Service Animal Policy

UT MD Anderson provides an open and accessible environment to all community members. This includes welcoming disabled individuals assisted by service animals, in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other federal and state laws.

Under the ADA, a service animal is a dog or miniature horse that has been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for a person with a disability.

Emotional support, therapy and companion animals are not service animals. They are not permitted unless they are part of an official UT MD Anderson activity.

Service animals are generally allowed in any part of UT MD Anderson that is open to patients, caregivers or visitors. These areas include waiting rooms, examination rooms and public spaces like dining areas. Patients may be asked to register their service animal with UT MD Anderson.

Limits on service animals

In accordance with the ADA, service animals are not permitted in any area where their presence would require UT MD Anderson to fundamentally alter how it operates.

To maintain a safe, clean, and sterile environment and prevent the spread of infection, service animals are not allowed in the following areas:

• Diagnostic imaging areas
• Diagnostic laboratory centers
• Interventional radiology areas
• Operating rooms
• Procedural areas
• Storage areas
• Any other area where the service animal’s presence would pose a direct threat, as determined by Infection Control at UT MD Anderson, the patient’s attending physician or the Patient Safety Quality Officer.

UT MD Anderson employees are not allowed to care for service animals while working, including while the patient is in a restricted area. A capable adult caregiver should be present to watch the service animal while the patient is in one of these areas. Otherwise, the patient’s appointment may need to be rescheduled.