Animals
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These are active space policies.
This page documents accepted practices of the hackerspace. You should follow them and tell others about them. If you would like to make substantial policy changes, please propose them under a separate section marked with |
Policy
Unfortunately animals are not allowed in the space, no matter how brief the period.
Many service animals wear identifiable garb. If you see an unidentified animal, please inform the handler of the policy and how it affects some members. Feel free to ask the following questions: 1. Is the animal required because of a disability? 2. What work or task has the animal been trained to perform?
Answers that indicate an exception to this rule are as following: If the handler answers that the animal is trained to guide them, help with balance or mobility, alert them to a condition (either physical or situational), pick up or carry items, remind them to take medication, get help, stabilize them during a seizure, redirect their attention from a trigger, or do some other task or provide some service that the person is unable to do themselves or helps with a disability, then the animal is a trained service animal and must be allowed.
For further information on how to handle these animals please see https://www.hum.wa.gov/sites/default/files/public/publications/Service%20Animals%20and%20the%20Washington%20Law%20Against%20Discrimination-032019.pdf
Why?
Sadly, animal companions can trigger some of our members asthma. While normal allergies might be treatable with some antihistamines and fresh air, animals and especially mammals often trigger more complex underlying conditions such as asthma. Even a brief exposure could trigger severe asthma attacks in some members, which can kill. For members with less severe asthma, exposure to triggers can increase sensitivity, and worsen their condition for weeks or months (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2975603/). Allergens released by animals do not disperse or denature.
It is unfortunate that this accessibility need is in direct conflict with some who cannot enter a space without the emotional regulation provided from their animal friends, but a choice must be made, and at the time of decision several members reported allergies or co-morbid asthma and allergies to pets, and none expressed being unable to access the space without an animal.
Special Addendum
Note: This restriction only applies to non-human lifeforms