Service Animal & Emotional Support Animal Policies
Service Animals and Emotional Support Animals
For detailed information on ADA service animal laws, visit https://www.ada.gov/regs2010/service_animal_qa.html.
The ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) recognizes only dogs (and sometimes miniature horses) as service animals since March 15, 2011. These animals must be individually trained to perform tasks related to a person's disability. Emotional support animals are not considered service animals.
The ADA only allows two questions regarding service animals:
- Is the animal necessary for the person's disability?
- What work and/or task is the animal trained to perform?
According to ADA laws, service animals are allowed on campus wherever students and the public are normally permitted. Access cannot be denied based on allergies or fear of dogs. There is no requirement for vests, ID tags, or specific harnesses for service animals. Students with disabilities requiring service animals may voluntarily complete the Service Animal Registration E-form. Questions can be directed to Disability Support Services.
Responsibilities of Service Animal Owner:
- Make sure the service animal has all required vaccinations and wears a visible tag (proof may be needed).
- Ensure the service animal is licensed in the city or state where it's registered.
- Take responsibility for any damage or harm caused by the service animal on campus or to others during college events.
- Care for, control, and supervise the service animal; it must be clean and leashed on campus.
- Use harnesses, leashes, or tethers unless they interfere with the service animal's work or the individual's disability.
- Ensure the dog is housebroken, clean up litter immediately, and dispose of it properly.
- Remove the service animal from the premises if it exhibits unacceptable behavior that cannot be controlled.
- Understand that violating these responsibilities may lead to disciplinary action.
Service Animals in Training:
An individual training a service animal can bring it to campus if:
- Accompanied by an approved trainer from a reputable organization.
- The individual provides proof to DSS that they are an approved trainer
Emotional Support Animal (ESA)
Under federal disability laws, Emotional Support Animals (ESA) are not Service Animals and cannot be with an individual at all times. Approval from DSS is required to bring an ESA to campus housing. Submit requests and documentation at least 60 days before the anticipated move-in date. Approval is not guaranteed.
If approved by DSS, the ESA is allowed only in the student's assigned room and the residence hall's outdoor space for waste disposal. ESA must be in an animal carrier, on a leash, or under harness control when outside.
The ESA must be at least 4 months old and proof of rabies vaccination is required. A picture of the animal must also be provided.
The student must request approval for the ESA for housing with DSS by completing all the required forms below:
- Student Intake E-Form
- ESA Registration E-Form
- Housing Accommodation E-Form
- Verification Form for Housing Accommodations
Requests are reviewed yearly. The owner is responsible for the animal's care, complying with laws, cleanliness, and control. The animal must not pose a threat, and waste must be promptly cleaned. No excessive noise or disruptive behavior is allowed. Students will be required to sign a liability form with DSS before final approval for ESA.
- The College is not responsible for the animal during emergencies, and it cannot be left alone for over 6 hours.
- The owner is financially responsible for any damage or bodily injury caused by the animal. Maintenance staff entry requires the owner's presence.
The College/DSS may remove the ESA if the animal poses a threat, the owner does not comply with responsibilities, or the animal causes uncontrollable disturbances. Failure to comply with ESA policies may result in the loss of the ESA housing accommodation.
If maintenance staff needs to enter a student's room, the owner must be present. Work cannot be done without the owner being there.