Wasco County has adopted a countywide "Animals in Wasco County Owned or Leased Facilities" policy (Policy 26-001) and detailed procedures, standardizing rules for pets, service animals, and program support animals across all departments. The policy prohibits personal pets in county facilities and vehicles, establishes ADA-compliant processes for employees requesting service or emotional support animals, defines working and program animals, and sets enforcement and disciplinary guidelines. Implementation will require HR-led training for managers and employees, updates to signage and public-facing materials, and consistent handling of accommodation requests and public interactions involving animals. HR, ADA, risk management, and employment-law consultants, as well as training providers, can help the County roll out the policy, design training modules, and review practices for ADA/FHA compliance and risk mitigation, especially around public access, liability waivers, and documentation of the interactive process.

Policy has been vetted by Citycounty Insurance Service (CIS) and requires annual HR review and updat...