Service Animals on Campus
Is a student be required to register with SAS in order to bring a Service Animal to campus?
No. While it is recommended that students meet with Student Accessibility Services (SAS) to receive information about the use of a Service dog on campus, this is not required under the current laws.
Are service dogs allowed on campus and in classrooms?
Yes. Service dogs are allowed on campus and in classrooms.
When it is not obvious what service the dog provides, what may we ask of the person?
College personnel may ask only two questions:
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Is the service dog required because of a disability?
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What work or task has the dog been trained to perform?
College personnel cannot ask about the person’s disability, require medical documentation, require a special identification card or training documentation for the dog, or ask that the dog demonstrate its ability to perform the work or task.
May an individual be asked about the nature of their disability?
No. It is illegal to ask a person to disclose what their disability is or the reason they have a service dog.
What is considered work or tasks that the dog performs?
The work or tasks performed by a service dog must be active, not passive, and directly related to the disability. A few examples of such work include:
- Guiding people who are blind
- Alerting people who are deaf to the presence of people or sounds
- Reminding a person to take prescribed medication
- Alerting and protecting a person who is having a seizure
- Pulling a wheelchair
- Alerting a person when blood glucose levels are low
- Retrieving items such as medicine, keys or a phone.
- Providing physical support and assistance with balance and stability to individuals with mobility disabilities.
- Helping individuals with psychiatric and neurological disabilities by preventing or interrupting impulsive or destructive behaviors.
What if the “work or task” described is passive?
Passive activities such as the crime deterrent effects of an animal’s presence, the provision of emotional support, well‐being, comfort, or companionship do not constitute work or tasks. Such animals may be deemed ‘Therapy Dogs’ or “Emotional Support Animals” and would require an Academic Accommodation authorized by DSPS. Please refer the student to DSPS for further guidance.
Are animals other than dogs recognized as service animals?
No. Under the law only dogs (or in some instances, miniature horses) are recognized as service animals.
What if another student or instructor is allergic or afraid of dogs?
Allergies and fear of dogs are not valid reasons for denying access or refusing service to people using service animals. It may be possible to accommodate by requesting that the fearful or allergic students use different locations within the classroom or take a different section of the course.
Can the service dog be removed from the classroom or campus?
A person with a disability cannot be asked to remove his service animal from the premises unless:
- It is not controlled;
- It is not housebroken; and/or
- It is a threat to the health and safety of others
If any of the above three concerns exist, the service dog (not the student) may be removed from the classroom or campus location. The student should be referred to DSPS for further guidance. Faculty may contact DSPS directly if support is needed.
THE STUDENT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR:
Keeping the dog clean and pest free; in a harness or on a leash unless either the student is unable because of a disability to use a harness or leash, or the use of a harness or leash would interfere with the service animal’s performance of work or tasks; and any harm or injury caused by the animal to other students, staff, visitors, and/or property.
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