Accessibility Services: Service Animal Policy

Service Animal Policy

Purpose
The University is committed to providing an inclusive and accessible environment for all members of its community. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and applicable state laws, the University permits the use of service animals by individuals with disabilities in campus facilities, programs, and activities.

Definition of Service Animal

  • A service animal is defined by the ADA as a 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.
  • In some cases, a miniature horse may also qualify as a service animal if it has been trained to perform disability-related tasks and can be reasonably accommodated.
  • Emotional support, comfort, therapy, or companion animals are not service animals under the ADA, though they may be considered for accommodation under the University’s Emotional Support Animal (ESA) Policy in housing.

Animal Requirements

  • Be house-trained and under the control of the owner
  • Be current on all required vaccinations
  • Be licensed according to local regulations
  • Not pose a direct threat to others or property
  • Not cause substantial property damage
  • Not create unreasonable disturbance to others

Where Service Animals Are Allowed

  • Service animals are permitted in all areas of campus where members of the public or students are allowed, including classrooms, residence halls, dining facilities, offices, and public spaces.
  • The presence of a service animal may be restricted only if:
    • The animal is out of control and the handler does not take effective action to control it.
    • The animal is not housebroken.
    • The animal’s presence fundamentally alters the nature of a program or service.

Handler Responsibilities

  • Service animals must be under the control of their handler at all times, typically through a harness, leash, or tether.
  • Handlers are responsible for the care, supervision, and cleanup of their service animal.
  • The University is not responsible for the care, feeding, or veterinary services of a service animal.

University Rights

  • Staff may ask only two questions to determine if an animal is a service animal:
    1. Is the animal required because of a disability?
    2. What work or task has the animal been trained to perform?
  • Staff may not ask about the person’s disability or require documentation of training.
  • The University reserves the right to remove a service animal if it poses a direct threat, is disruptive, or is not housebroken.

Conflicts and Concerns

  • Students, staff, or faculty with allergies, phobias, or other concerns should contact Accessibility Services (or equivalent) for assistance with accommodations.
  • Conflicts will be addressed on a case-by-case basis to ensure equal access for all parties.

Process for Notification (Optional but Encouraged)

  • While students are not required to register their service animal with the University, they are encouraged to notify Accessibility Services if they will be bringing a service animal to campus.
  • Notification allows the University to provide support, resolve potential conflicts (e.g., housing assignments), and ensure a welcoming environment.

Contact

Please contact Accessibility Services to discuss your service animal accommodation and receive application materials:

Quick Links
Contact
Office of Student Success – Accessibility Services
Hours
Monday 8:00 am - 5:15 pm
Tuesday 8:00 am - 5:15 pm
Wednesday 8:00 am - 5:15 pm
Thursday 8:00 am - 5:15 pm
Friday 8:00 am - 5:15 pm
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed