At Heritage Urban Farm, the safety and well-being of our animals and guests is our top priority. Pets and emotional support animals are not permitted in the pumpkin patch, petting zoo, or other farm areas. Service animals are welcome as described below.
Service Animals
We welcome service dogs individually trained to perform work or tasks related to a person’s disability, in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Individually trained miniature horses will also be accommodated where reasonable under ADA requirements.
In accordance with Texas law, service animals in training are welcome when accompanied by an approved trainer.
- Service animals must be up to date on vaccinations required by applicable law.
- Service animals must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered unless the handler’s disability prevents use of these devices or they interfere with the animal’s work. In those situations, the handler must maintain control through voice, signals, or other effective means.
- Service animals must be housebroken and under the handler’s control.
- The handler is responsible for the animal’s care, supervision, and cleanup.
A service animal does not need to visibly perform a task throughout the visit. When the animal’s role is not obvious, staff may ask only:
- Is the dog a service animal required because of a disability?
- What work or task has the dog been trained to perform?
We do not require service-animal certification or registration, medical documentation, or a demonstration of the animal’s tasks.
Removal: A service animal may be required to leave if it is not housebroken, or if it is out of control and the handler does not take effective action to control it. A single bark does not automatically mean an animal is out of control. If an animal must be removed, the guest will still have the opportunity to enjoy the farm without the animal present.
Petting Zoo and Animal Interaction Areas
Service animals are generally welcome throughout the public areas of our farm, including the pumpkin patch.
Consistent with Question 26 of the ADA’s Service Animal FAQs, access may be restricted in specific animal areas where a dog’s presence would cause animals that are natural prey or predators of dogs to become agitated or aggressive, fundamentally altering the exhibit or activity.
Any such restriction will be limited to the affected area. Guests with service animals may continue to access other public areas of the farm. Our staff will explain any applicable restrictions and assist with available alternatives.
No Pets or Emotional Support Animals (ESA)
We understand that pets and emotional support animals are important to their owners. However, pets and emotional support animals are not permitted in the pumpkin patch, petting zoo, or other farm areas.
An animal whose only role is to provide comfort or companionship does not qualify as a service animal under the ADA. A dog trained to perform specific tasks related to a psychiatric disability may qualify as a service animal and is welcome under the guidelines above.
Thank You for Your Understanding
We appreciate your cooperation in helping protect our animals and making the farm welcoming for our guests. If you have questions about this policy or accessibility, please contact us.
Thank you for helping us create a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone!