Pets and service animals

While we understand the strong bonds between our patients and their companion animals, Salem Health and its outpatient clinics on campus do not allow pet visits.

This policy does not apply to service animals and certified pet therapy animals.

This decision is strictly based on maintaining a safe, healthy environment and respecting patients, visitors and staff who have allergies and respiratory challenges.

Service animals provide assistance to people with disabilities and are protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Therapy pets and handlers need to be certified in animal-assisted therapy and be part of a patient’s care plan.

Exceptions will be considered (for example, at the request of a terminally ill patient). A 30-minute visit may be allowed, provided that:

• A handler is with the pet at all times.
• Approval has been given by the nurse manager in the patient’s unit.
• The animal has been checked in with our security department (503-814-0311). Security is located on the first floor of Bldg. A.