10: Service Animals

Service Animals (SAs)

What Is a Service Animal?

A Service Animal is:

  • A dog or miniature horse
  • Trained to perform specific tasks directly related to the handler’s disability
  • Considered an extension of the handler and allowed in all campus buildings

How to Identify a Service Animal

  • Service Animals may wear a vest but are not required to.
  • Students are encouraged (but not required) to register their SA with the SAR Center for support.

Handler Responsibilities

The handler must:

  • Keep the SA with them at all times—it cannot be left with others or unattended.
  • Ensure the SA is harnessed, leashed, or otherwise under control.
  • Maintain the SA’s appropriate behavior (e.g., no uncontrolled barking, jumping, or sniffing unless task‑related).
  • Clean up after the animal.
  • Ensure the SA does not block aisles or emergency exits; additional precautions may be needed in labs.

What Faculty Can Ask

If it is not obvious that the animal is a Service Animal, faculty/staff may ask only two questions:

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

Faculty may not ask about the student’s diagnosis or request documentation.

Emotional Support Animals (ESAs)

What Is an ESA?

An Emotional Support Animal:

  • Provides comfort or companionship to mitigate disability impacts
  • Does not require specialized training
  • Is not considered a Service Animal under the ADA

Where ESAs Are Allowed

  • ESAs are permitted only in campus housing.
  • ESAs are not allowed in classrooms, labs, offices, or other non‑residential buildings.