Can an employer exclude a service animal from the workplace if it poses a direct threat?
Yes, an employer can exclude a service animal from the workplace if it poses a direct threat that cannot be mitigated through reasonable accommodations. However, the decision to exclude the animal must be based on an individualized assessment and not on general assumptions or fears. Employers should document the reasons for the exclusion and engage in an interactive process with the employee to explore alternative accommodations that would allow the employee to perform their job duties without the service animal.