Service Animals

Service animals are allowed in all public areas George Rogers Clark National Historical Park.

Americans with Disabilities Act Definition of Service Animal

Service animal means any dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability. Other species of animals, whether wild or domestic, trained or untrained, are not service animals for the purposes of this definition.

The work or tasks performed by a service animal must be directly related to the handler's disability. Examples of work or tasks include, but are not limited to, assisting individuals who are blind or have low vision with navigation and other tasks, alerting individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing to the presence of people or sounds, providing non-violent protection or rescue work, pulling a wheelchair, assisting an individual during a seizure, alerting individuals to the presence of allergens, retrieving items such as medicine or the telephone, providing physical support and assistance with balance and stability to individuals with mobility disabilities, and helping persons with psychiatric and neurological disabilities by preventing or interrupting impulsive or destructive behaviors.

The crime deterrent effects of an animal's presence and the provision of emotional support, well-being, comfort, or companionship do not constitute work or tasks for the purposes of this definition.

Animals not meeting the definition of service animal described by the ADA language above are considered pets. Please see our information on pets in the park for information or where pets are allowed.

Although service animals are allowed in all public areas of George Rogers Clark National Historical Park, however there are some unique aspects of visiting to keep in mind, however.

Water

Potable water is available at the Visitor Center.

Terrain

Park sidewalks have a rough texture. The memorial has 33 stairs with no elevator or ramp.

Waste

Near the visitor center and throughout the park are trash cans for disposing of animal waste; plastic bags available for waste near the Visitor Center parking lot, on the Second Street side of the Visitor Center and on the Vigo Street side near the Basilica of Saint Francis Xavier. Please dispose of all waste in trash cans.

Wildlife

Wildlife can be encountered anywhere in the park, it is mostly squirrels. Squirrels could cause issues for service animals unused to encountering wildlife.

Leash

Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet in length at all times.

The ADA requires that service animals be under the control of the handler at all times. The service animal must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered while in public places unless these devices interfere with the service animal’s work or the person’s disability prevents use of these devices. In that case, the person must use voice, signal, or other effective means to maintain control of the animal.