Dateline: 03-25-2006

Pet/Animal Policy

Pets are not allowed at CONvergence. This means NO dogs, cats, birds, ferrets, snakes, lizards, etc. While one pet is usually not a problem, we would soon have many pet related problems if we allowed them.

An exception is made for Service Animals such as Seeing Eye Dogs, Guide Dogs, and other Helper or Aid Animals, which are allowed. These are easily recognizable as Working Animals with appropriate harness. Some even have logos or signs as part of their apparel stating that they are Working Animals. For more information on Service Animals as defined by the ADA (American with Disabilities Act), please visit http://www.usdoj.gov/crt/ada/animal.htm.

Because of CONvergence's No Pets policy, we foresee that a Service Animal's owner would face constant reminders that animals are not allowed and requests to remove the animal from convention space and the hotel. We would like to help avoid any inconvenience and confusion by providing badges for the Service Animal to be worn by the animal or carried by the owner that would readily identify to our staff that the animal is a recognized exception to the policy.

Bring any certification paperwork for the animal to the Operations Bridge (Verandas 1-2, Second Floor) as soon as you arrive at the convention (Friday if possible). A badge will be issued for the Service Animal at no charge.

The goal of the convention and its staff is not to single out individuals that use service animals or to keep those individuals from participating in the convention. Our goal is actually quite the opposite. We want ALL of our members to have the best convention experience possible.