Wasco County delays vote on countywide 'Pets in the Workplace' policy

Human Resources Director Fiona Ferguson presented a proposed countywide Pets in the Workplace policy and accompanying procedures designed to establish uniform standards across all Wasco County facilities and to formalize ADA and state accommodation procedures. Ferguson said the policy establishes the HR "interactive process" to evaluate animal accommodation requests and clarifies protocols for managing service animals and citizen interactions; she also noted the policy was vetted by Citycounty Insurance Service (CIS). "The primary purpose of the policy is to establish uniform standards across all Wasco County facilities, ensuring a professional, safe, and sanitary environment for both employees and the public," Ferguson said.

Commissioners asked for additional review time to examine the paperwork; they agreed to postpone the vote until the next BOCC meeting on June 3, 2026. The board requested staff be prepared to address questions about animals left in cars during work hours and any operational or liability concerns identified in the policy review.