Pictona Pet & Dog Policy

Updated: 08/14/25

Pictona Pet and Dog Policy(Service Animals Only – Sec. 10-38 & 10-45, Holly Hill City Code & Florida Statute § 413.08)

Per the City of Holly Hill ordinance, Sec. 10-45. - Animals prohibited on municipally owned property; pets are not allowed inside the Pictona facility at any time, except for law enforcement dogs, service dogs and dog guides. Pictona allows Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) with restrictions outlined in the Pictona Pet and Dog Policy.

1. Purpose

Pictona welcomes guests with disabilities who use service dogs as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Florida Statute § 413.08. This policy ensures accessibility while maintaining a safe, comfortable environment for all guests.

2. Definitions

Service Dog – A dog individually trained to do work or perform tasks for a person with a disability.

Handler – The individual responsible for controlling and caring for the service dog.

Designated Responsible Person – An individual chosen by the handler to assist in controlling the service dog when needed.

Emergency Medical Service (EMS) Dog – A specially trained dog that assists individuals during medical emergencies by performing tasks such as retrieving medication, alerting others to a medical crisis, calling for help via specialized devices, or providing physical stability during or after a medical episode. EMS dogs are distinct from general service dogs in that their training focuses on rapid-response, life-saving, and medically supportive tasks tailored to the handler's specific medical condition.

Emotional Support Animal (ESA) – An animal that provides comfort and companionship but is not trained to perform specific tasks for an individual with a disability. ESAs do not qualify as service animals under the ADA and do not have the same public access rights.

3. Control Requirements

In accordance with Sec. 10-38 of the Holly Hill City Code, the owner or custodian of any animal must keep the animal under restraint and control at all times while on Pictona's property. An animal is deemed under control when: (1) it is securely confined within a vehicle, parked or in motion; (2) it is properly confined within a secure enclosure with the property owner's permission; or (3) it is securely restrained by a leash or other device held by a competent person.
Service dogs and ESA dogs must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered at all times, and the leash must be held by the handler or a designated responsible person and under their direct supervision at all times.
Exception: If these devices interfere with the service dog's work, or if the handler's disability prevents use, the handler must maintain effective control through voice, signal, or other commands.

4. Behavior Standards

ALL Dogs must be housebroken.
ALL Dogs must not show aggression toward people or animals.
ALL Dogs must not bark, growl, lunge, or behave disruptively (unless such behavior is part of their trained work).

5. Access Rights

Service dogs and EMS dogs are welcome in all indoor and outdoor areas of Pictona where the public is permitted.
Emotional Support Animals are not permitted inside the facility under Sec. 10-45 of the Holly Hill City Code, with the limited exception of direct, uninterrupted passage through the building to access the outdoor courts. During such passage, animals must remain leashed and under control at all times and may not stop or linger indoors.
Emotional support animals (ESAs) are not permitted in places where only service animals are allowed. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), service animals, which are specifically trained to perform tasks for individuals with disabilities, are granted public access rights. Emotional support animals, while providing comfort and companionship, do not require the same level of training and are not considered service animals under the ADA.

6. Emergency Medical Service (EMS) Dogs

EMS dogs, trained to assist in emergency medical situations, are recognized as service animals under the ADA and Florida Statute § 413.08. These dogs are welcome in all areas of Pictona where the public is permitted. Guests and staff should not pet, feed, or otherwise distract EMS dogs while they are working. EMS dogs must be under the control of their handler or designated responsible person at all times, except when performing emergency tasks that require temporary independence.

7. Removal Criteria

The animal is not on a leash and leash held in the handler hand or designated person's hand.
The animal is not housebroken (One or more incidents involving the dog urinating or defecating.)
The animal poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others.

If removed, the handler may remain at Pictona without the animal.

8. Misrepresentation Penalty

Knowingly misrepresenting an animal as a service animal is a second-degree misdemeanor in the State of Florida under § 413.08(9), punishable by a fine and/or community service.

This policy aligns with the ADA, Sec. 10-38 and 10-45 of the Holly Hill City Code, and Florida Statute § 413.08.

Pictona Vehicle Pet Safety Statement

For the welfare of pets and to comply with Florida law (Florida Stat. § 768.139), which allows intervention when an animal is in imminent danger, Pictona discourages leaving any animal unattended in a vehicle. Determinations of whether an animal is in danger initially will be made by Pictona employees. The employee will make an attempt to find the pet's owner and to determine whether to call 911, if the owner is not available. Final determination will be made solely by law enforcement or other officials authorized under the statute. Pictona staff are not responsible for making such final determinations but will promptly notify the appropriate authorities if they observe circumstances that may place an animal at risk.