Information for Students
Service Animals
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a Service Animal is defined as...
"...any dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability. Other species of animals, whether wild or domestic, trained or untrained, are not service animals for the purposes of this definition. The work or tasks performed by a service animal must be directly related to the individual's disability..." 28 C.F.R. § 35.104 and 28 C.F.R. § 36.104.
Animals other than dogs are not considered Service Animals (although in some instances, miniature horses may be), nor are animals that provide emotional support, comfort or companionship. To qualify as a Service Animal, the dog must be trained to respond to the individual's needs which are directly related to the individual's disability. [Note: Students in campus housing should contact Housing and Residence Life regarding the use of Assistance Animals in that context. Faculty or staff desiring the use of a Service Animal on campus should contact the Office of Human Resources]
Service Animals must be permitted to accompany a person with a disability anywhere on campus or off campus as the activity (e.g. internship, field work, etc.) pertains to the curriculum. If there are any questions as to whether an animal qualifies as a Service Animal, a determination will be made by the Section ADA Coordinator in consultation with Disability Services.
In compliance with the ADA, Service Animals are welcome in all buildings on campus and may attend any class, meeting, or other event. Disabled students desiring to use a Service Animal on campus are encouraged to first contact Disability Services to register as a student with a disability. On the student's request, the Documentation Review Committee will evaluate the student's disability and recommend any additional accommodations appropriate to the functional limitations of the disability.
Service Dogs must be licensed in accordance with county regulations and wear a vaccination tag.
Service Animals must be in good health. Service Animals must be on a leash at all times. The owner must be in full control of the Service Animal at all times. The owner should provide DS information as to how the Service Animal accommodates for their disability.
Reasonable behavior is expected from Service Animals while on campus. If a Service Animal exhibits unacceptable behavior, the owner is expected to employ the proper training techniques to correct the situation.
The owners of disruptive and aggressive Service Animals may be asked to remove them from University facilities. If the improper behavior happens repeatedly, the owner may be told not to bring the Service Animal into any facility until they take significant steps to mitigate the behavior. This mitigation may include muzzling a barking dog, or refresher training for the service animal and its owner.
Cleanliness of the Service Animal is mandatory. Daily grooming and occasional baths (at a vet or a family home) should keep service dog odor to a minimum. Flea control is essential and adequate preventative measures should be taken. If a flea problem develops, it should be dealt with immediately and in an effective manner.
Consideration of others must be taken into account when providing maintenance and hygiene of service animals.
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