At Spy Hop, we’re committed to creating an inclusive, accessible, and welcoming environment for everyone. In line with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Utah law, individuals with disabilities are welcome to bring their trained service animals into our building, classrooms, and events.
What is a Service Animal?
A service animal is a dog or (sometimes miniature horse) that has been individually trained to do specific work or tasks for a person with a disability. These tasks are directly related to the person’s disability—such as guiding someone who is blind, alerting someone who is deaf, assisting during a seizure, retrieving items, or providing balance support.
Emotional support animals, comfort animals, and pets are not considered service animals under the ADA.
Guidelines for Service Animals at Spy Hop
To help keep our programs safe and productive for everyone:
- Under Control – Service animals must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered unless the handler’s disability prevents this, in which case the animal must be under voice or signal control.
- Housebroken & Healthy – Service animals must be housebroken, clean, and free from fleas, ticks, and offensive odors.
- Vaccinated – Service animals must have current vaccinations required by local law.
- Handler Responsibility – The handler is responsible for feeding, toileting, and supervising the service animal at all times. Spy Hop staff and students are not responsible for caring for the animal.
When a Service Animal May Be Asked to Leave
We hope it never happens, but a service animal may be asked to leave if:
- It is out of control and the handler does not take effective action to manage it.
- It is not housebroken.
- It poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others.
- Its behavior disrupts the program or event beyond what’s reasonable for a public space.
If this happens, the individual is still welcome to participate in Spy Hop programs without the animal.
Our Commitment
Our staff is trained to treat service animal handlers with respect and to ask only two questions when the animal’s role is not obvious:
- Is the animal required because of a disability?
- What work or task has the animal been trained to perform?
We do not require proof of certification or training. If you have questions about bringing a service animal to Spy Hop, please contact Adam Sherlock, In-House Programs Director, at adam@spyhop.org before your visit.