Service Animals at RCC

Rogue Community College is committed to serving and supporting people with disabilities who require the use of service animals on campus. Service and Emotional Support animals are not the same as they perform different functions; they are not interchangeable.

Service Animals: Under the ADA, a service animal is defined as a dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities (includes physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability.) The task(s) performed by the dog must be directly related to the person's disability.

Except in rare circumstances, service animals are allowed access to all areas of Rogue Community College's campuses that are open to the public and students. Service animals do not need an accommodation or be affiliated with the Access and Disability Resources office.

Service Animals and the ADA

FAQ about Service Animals and the ADA

Service/Assistance Animal Defined

Please note that Oregon law uses the term “assistance” animal and federal law uses “service” animal but defines them the same way. RCC is using the “service” animal term.

A “service animal” for purposes of this procedure means any dog or miniature horse that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability. Disabilities include, neurological and orthopedic that effect mobility, sensory such as vision and hearing, intellectual, and those related to mental health. 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 handler's disability. The crime deterrent effects of an animal's presence and the provision of emotional support, well-being, comfort, or companionship do not constitute work or tasks for the purposes of this definition.

RCC Board Policy: AP-3340-Service/Assistance Animals

Service Animal Handler's Responsibilities:

RCC is not responsible for the care or supervision of service animals.

Service animals must be accompanied and under leash or voice control at all times.
The handler is responsible for the behavior of their service animal. Unacceptable behaviors such as uncontrolled barking, jumping, sniffing, growling, and whining, not related to the service the animal is providing are prohibited.
The handler is responsible for feeding, walking, and cleaning up after their service animal whenever the animal is on campus.
The handler must be compliant with any laws pertaining to animal vaccinations, licensure, ID tags, etc., that are mandated by State and/or local ordinances.
Identification is not required, but it is recommended that a service animal wear recognizable identification. This will help others know that the animal is working and not a pet.

RCC may restrict, even exclude, a service animal in certain instances such as:

The service animal is out of control and the handler has not made effective actions to control it.
The service animal Is not housebroken
The service animal is a direct threat to the health and safety of others

If a service animal is restricted or becomes excluded from campus, RCC gives the handler the option of continuing to enjoy its programs and services without having the service animal on the premises. CFR § 36.302(c)(2)

Faculty & Staff

Faculty and staff may not inquire about a person's disability, but when it is not obvious what service an animal provides, staff and faculty may ask two questions:

Is the dog a service animal required because of a disability?

What work or task has the dog been trained to perform?

Public Etiquette Towards Service Animals

Always speak to the handler, not to the service animal.
Do not ask personal questions about the handler's disability.
Do not pet a service animal. It distracts them from the task at hand, and service animals may be protective.
Do not feed the service animal.
Do not deliberately startle a service animal.
Do not separate or attempt to separate a partner/handler from his/her service animal.
Do not hesitate to ask the handler if they would like assistance if the team seems confused about a direction to turn, an accessible entrance, entrance to an elevator, etc.
Do not draw unnecessary attention to a service team
Do not photograph/video a team without permission
Do not ask a handler to have their dog demonstrate a task

Questions regarding service animals should be directed to the following:

Andrew Childress, Access and Disability Resources Coordinator
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 541-956-7337