Access and Disability Resources

Handlers must ensure that their service animals:

• Are under control at all times (either by leash, harness, or verbal command)
• Are well-behaved and not disruptive to the campus environment.
• Are housebroken and in good health.
• Are responsible for feeding, walking, and cleaning up after their service animal

Service animals are necessary for some individuals to access campus programs. If you have concerns about allergies or fear, speak with Access to explore possible accommodations for both parties.

No. Service animals are working and should not be distracted. Always ask the handler before interacting with their service animal and respect their response if they prefer not to engage.

No. Emotional support, comfort, or therapy animals are not considered service animals under the ADA. ESAs may still be permitted in campus housing under the Fair Housing Act, but they do not have the same access rights as service animals.

College staff may ask two questions:

• Is the animal required because of a disability?
• What work or task has the animal been trained to perform?

Staff cannot ask for documentation of the animal’s training or the individual’s disability and cannot ask that the animal demonstrate its tasks.

Yes, if the service animal is out of control, aggressive, or not housebroken, security or staff may ask the handler to remove the animal. In such cases, an incident report must be filed with Risk Management for review. However, the handler must still be allowed to participate in the activity or service without the animal.