Service Animal Policy

Updated 3/2026

Are you bringing a service animal to SOAK?

Please consider completing the Accessibility Accommodation Request form to let us know. This helps us quickly reunite handlers with their dogs if they become separated and supports event safety planning.

Only Service Animals are allowed at SOAK. No other pets or animals of any sort will be allowed entry. Under federal and Oregon law, a service animal is defined as a dog or miniature horse that has been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for a person with a disability. Emotional support, therapy, or comfort animals are not considered service animals under the law and are not permitted at SOAK. 

  1. SOAK provides service animals with a collar tag at the gate to support event safety planning. We ask that you keep the tag on their collar (or otherwise attached to them) at all times if possible, so that they may be identified in the unlikely event you are separated.

  2. Service animals must be under the control of their handler at all times. Service animals must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered, unless the handler’s disability prevents using these devices or these devices interfere with the service animal’s safe, effective performance of tasks. In that case, the handler must maintain control of the animal through voice, signal, or other effective controls. 

  3. Handlers are responsible for picking up and properly disposing of all of their service animal’s feces/poop during the entire event. You should  be vigilant and carry appropriate receptacles for collecting and disposing of your service animal’s poop at all times. Please help us ensure we follow the Burning Man principle of Leaving No Trace. Failing to clean up service animal’s poop poses a hygiene and health threat to others. If handlers refuse to clean up their service animal’s poop, SOAK has the right to require the service animal’s removal from the event. 

  4. SOAK Production may require a handler to remove their service animal from the event if the animal is out of control and the handler does not take effective action to control them. Unwarranted and unprovoked unsafe behavior, such as uncontrolled barking, growling at other participants, jumping on other people, dangerous and destructive actions, or running away from you are examples of uncontrolled behavior. You may also be charged for property damage caused by your service animal.

  5. If appropriate and possible, SOAK requests that you attach a light to your service animal (e.g. to their costume, collar, leash/lead, etc.) during dark times so that they can be seen at night by other participants, vehicles/art cars, bicycles, etc. 

  6. If any participant at SOAK complains about your service animal or you have any concerns regarding you and your service animal’s participation or treatment during the event, please notify any staff member with a radio.

If you have any questions or concerns about this policy, please reach out to radicalinclusion@soakpdx.com.