Keith County to draft resolution limiting courthouse and county buildings to ADA‑recognized service animals

Keith County commissioners directed staff to prepare a formal resolution and handbook language clarifying that only ADA‑recognized service animals will be allowed in county buildings and on county grounds used for public county business.

The matter arose after staff reported increasing instances of employees and members of the public bringing pets, including untrained animals, into county workplaces. Commissioners and staff discussed liability and accommodation questions and reviewed guidance that emotional‑support animals are not covered by ADA definitions of service animals.

Commissioners asked that the resolution be countywide — applying to the courthouse and all county buildings — and that handbook language reference the most current ADA standards. Staff said they would add the resolution to next week’s agenda and consult with the county attorney and the county’s insurance representative on wording and enforcement. The board directed that the resolution include a process for reasonable accommodation requests and advise staff to post a frequently asked questions document from the ADA to assist the public.

Support and rationale Staff and at least one commissioner said their insurer and safety committee recommended a clear policy, and they flagged concerns about animals that are noisy, untrained or create safety or sanitation issues. Commissioners emphasized the distinction between ADA‑recognized service animals (which may include trained dogs and miniature horses in some circumstances) and emotional‑support animals, which are not recognized as service animals under ADA rules.

Next steps Staff will prepare a draft resolution to add to the board agenda and coordinate with the county attorney to ensure the language references current ADA guidance; commissioners requested the resolution be added to the handbook in the ADA section and to be applied across all county facilities.