Yes, trained and vaccinated service animals as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) are permitted with visitors with disabilities.
While your service animal has been socialized for most public settings, touring the wildlife center - especially for the first time - can be an unusual experience. To ensure the safety of our animals and to provide an enjoyable experience for both you and your service animal, please read the following information:
Service animals must be properly leashed, harnessed, or otherwise under the control of the handler as defined by law. Please notify the Admissions attendant upon arrival to Oatland Island that you have a service animal. Animal care staff will be notified for the safety of all of our guests and animals.
Some species at Oatland Island have a natural instinct to view certain animals as threats or as predators, and these natural instincts can result in serious injury. Therefore, for the safety of the animals, there are some areas of the center where service animals are not permitted. These areas include the Georgia Barnyard and Cougar Crossing.
Please watch for any indications that the animal residents are upset. These behaviors may include excessive flying, running, or vocalizing. Should you see any of these behaviors, please step away from the animal in question.
Please also be aware that Oatland Island is not able to provide a rest area or supplies for service animals. Please come prepared with anything you think your service animal might need during your visit and please pick up after them.
Service Animals vs Emotional Support Animals: What’s the difference?
Emotional support animals are not permitted on the grounds of Oatland Island Wildlife Center. Service animals (such as dogs) are trained to perform tasks for the benefit of individuals with physical or mental disabilities. This includes, but not limited to, guiding individuals who are blind, alerting those who are deaf, protection individuals prone to seizures and various other tasks directly related to a disability. Pets and other animals whose sole function is to provide comfort, companionship or emotional support do not qualify as service animals under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Georgia State law.
