Animals are not permitted on the premises of the OCCC, except in conjunction with an approved exhibit, or in accordance with American with Disabilities Act (ADA) as a service animal trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability. Emotional support animals are permitted within the OCCC. 

Animals that are approved to be on the premises must meet the following guidelines:

• Animal(s) is to be on a leash at all times, if not confined to a pen.
• Animal(s) is to be confined within a pen, if not on a leash.
• Animal(s) must be under constant control at all times.
• Animal exhibits are not permitted on carpeted OCCC areas.
• The owner or handler will be fully responsible for their animal(s) at all times.
• The animal must go in/out of a loading dock each day.
• The animal should never be left unattended and must be removed from the show floor daily.
• The animal handler/owner is responsible for the prompt removal of any waste left by an animal and the area must be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected immediately.
• If attendees are going to interact with the animal, IAAPA strongly suggests a waiver is signed by the participant. Depending on the type of animal, interaction with attendees may not be allowed.
• If necessary, arrangements should be made in advance with GES for any vehicles associated with the move-in/move-out of an animal display, either inside the exhibit hall or outside on the loading dock.

IAAPA must be notified in advance of any planned exhibit and/or any intended public interaction with live animal displays. A request for approval, along with a detailed schedule outlining the nature of the animal exhibit and all appropriate move-in, show, and move-out information, must be provided in advance to [email protected].

Please contact IAAPA at [email protected] with any questions.