Service Animals

CONvergence observes the Federal ADA’s definition of service animal. For a more direct and clear statement of the ADA service animal definition, follow this advocacy link. Be sure to visit our Accessibility page for more information about accessibility at CONvergence.

While the Hyatt Regency does allow Emotional Support Animals and pets in hotel rooms, CONvergence only allows service animals as defined by the ADA in convention spaces. This decision was made to avoid distracting the service animals present at CONvergence and to limit exposure to allergens for other CONvergence attendees.

Service Animal Rules

• Only dogs and miniature horses will be recognized as service animals.
• Service animals are required to be leashed or harnessed except when performing work or tasks where such tethering would interfere with the animal’s ability to perform.
• Distracting a service animal without its owner’s permission is a safety hazard and is denying that person their accessibility aid. Petting, touching, or intentionally distracting a person’s service animal without its owner’s permission is not allowed under any circumstances.
• CONvergence uses the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) definition of service animals. The ADA clearly defines that a service animal used for psychiatric and neurological disorders must be trained to “do work” and “perform tasks”. The use of service dogs for psychiatric and neurological disabilities is explicitly protected under the ADA. Dogs and miniature horses whose sole function is “the provision of emotional support, well-being, comfort, or companionship” are not considered service animals under the ADA.
• “The crime deterrent effects of an animal’s presence” do not qualify that animal as a service animal under the ADA, and “an animal individually trained to provide aggressive protection, such as an attack dog, is not appropriately considered a service animal.”

Information about service animals at CONvergence can also be found on the CONvergence Policies page. Be sure to visit our Accessibility page for more information about accessibility at CONvergence.

We look forward to having both you and your service animal at our convention and will do our best to work with you to make the experience the best it can be for everyone!

If you have any questions about service animals at CONvergence, please contact CONvergence Accessibility & Inclusion.