Pet visits & service animals
At Liberty Hospital, we recognize the importance our pets have on our overall wellbeing. We have guidelines in place to safely allow animals in the hospital. Liberty Hospital reserves the right to deny or suspend animal visitation to protect the health and safety of our patients, visitors and staff.
Personal pet visitation
Your pet - a dog or cat only - may have scheduled visits while you are in the hospital if the pet is up to date on immunizations, is clean (bathed recently), is healthy and is well-behaved.
Pets are not permitted in areas where invasive procedures are performed (such as the Birthing Center, Surgical Services, GI Lab, etc.), storerooms where supplies are kept, areas where food is prepared, nor in rooms of patients who are critically ill, in isolation precautions or are at risk of infection.
How do I schedule a time to visit with my pet? Communicate with your nurse to schedule a time for your pet to visit.
What types of animals are allowed to visit? Due to certain risks, only domestic animals such as cats and dogs are allowed to visit.
What will happen when my pet arrives to visit? The person handling your pet should arrive at the main lobby and ask to call the nurse’s station. They should inform the nurse that they have arrived with the pet for the visit. The handler (someone other than the patient) is responsible for the pet and must always supervise them.
Does my pet need to be in a crate or on a leash? Yes, all pets visiting need to always be on a leash or in a crate.
Should I do anything different when my pet visits? It is important to wash your hands after contact with your pet. Your nurse may take extra precautions if you have certain conditions, such as an open tracheostomy, to limit exposure to your medical equipment.
Can my pet stay with me? Pets are allowed to visit but are not allowed to board with the patient in their room.
What if my pet cannot visit me in my room? If your pet is unable to visit you in your room, we will make every effort to find a location for pet visitation to occur. If you have any questions, ask your nurse for more information.
Service animals
At Liberty Hospital, we have guidelines in place to safely have service animals in the hospital. Liberty Hospital reserves the right to deny or suspend animal visitation to protect the health and safety of our patients, visitors, and staff.
In accordance with the American Disability Act (ADA):
- Service animals must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered unless this interferes with the animal’s work or the individual’s disability prevents them from using these devices.
- Staff cannot ask for medical documentation, special identification of the animal, or documentation of the animal’s training. They cannot require the animal to demonstrate. Staff may ask if a service animal is required because of a disability and what work or task the animal is trained to perform.
- Access cannot be denied to a person with a service animal because of allergies or fears to the animal; appropriate accommodations should be made.
- The individual handling the service animal can be asked to remove the animal only if the animal is out of control and is unable to bring the animal under control OR if the animal is not housebroken.
- Staff are not required to provide care or food to a service animal.
A patient with a service animal may have the service animal present during the stay if the service animal handler can always provide care for the animal.
Special patient care areas require individuals with a service animal to have a hospital staff member escort them to these areas. The individual should arrive at the information desk in the main lobby, call the area, and wait for a hospital staff member to escort them.
Animals are not permitted in procedural or sterile areas.
If you are visiting a patient:
- Please check with the nurse to ensure the person you are visiting can have animal visitors.
- Frequently use hand hygiene and encourage hand hygiene for anyone who encounters your service animal.
Thank you for your cooperation.