There will be cases when a reasonable accommodation for an individual will be the use of a service animal. As with other accommodations, a person who needs the accommodation of a service animal should contact the Disability Services Office to make this request.

Service Animals are animals trained to assist people with disabilities in the activities of normal living. The Americans with Disabilities Act defines a service animal as "...any animal individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including, but not limited to, guiding individuals with impaired vision, alerting individuals who are hearing impaired to intruders or sound, providing minimal protection or rescue work, pulling a wheelchair or fetching dropped items." A service animal may also be trained to assist a person with a mobility or health impairment, perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a mental/psychiatric disability or to assist a person with a seizure disorder. If an animal meets this definition, it is considered a service animal regardless of whether it is licensed or certified by a state or local government training program. A domestic animal kept for pleasure or companionship is not a service animal.

There are some guidelines to keep in mind so that the service animal may perform service for their handler in an effective manner. Do not pet or otherwise engage a service animal such as playing or feeding the animal. Do not deliberately startle a service animal or attempt to separate a handler from the service animal.

Requirements for Service Animals and Their Handlers

• Service animals must be immunized for common diseases such as distemper, parvovirus, and rabies. Proof of current vaccinations must be on file with the Disability Services Office.
• The handler mist be able to demonstrate that the animal has been trained to provide a service.
• The handler must demonstrate that he or she can control the animal.
• The handler is responsible for the disposal of any waste. (Not to be disposed in any container located inside of a university building.)

Residential Students:

• The Director of Residence Life, will make on campus housing assignments in consultation with the student and the Director of Disability Services.
• The animal must be in good health as verified annually by a licensed veterinarian.
• Roommate must be found who will consent to the animal.

Unruly or disruptive behavior that interferes with the educational environment or housing community may result in limited use of the animal. Repeated disruptions may result in the animal not being admitted to any university facility until the handler takes significant steps to mitigate the behavior.

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• Reasonable Accommodations Available to Qualified Students with Disabilities
• Descriptions of Reasonable Accommodations
• Examples of Unreasonable Accommodations
• Service Animals
• Grievance Procedure

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