Service Animal

Service Animal Rights and Responsibilities

Owner:

Is responsible to attend to and be in full control of the service animal at all times. A service animal shall have a harness, leash, or other tether(identifying as a SA or ESA) unless a) the owner is unable to use a harness, leash or tether, or b) using a harness, leash, or tether will interfere with the animal’s ability to safely and effectively perform its duties.
Is responsible for the costs of care necessary for a service animal’s well-being. The arrangements and responsibilities with the care of a service animal is the sole responsibility of the owner at all times, including regular bathing and grooming, as needed.
Is responsible for independently removing or arranging for the removal of the service animal’s waste.
Is responsible for complying with local and state licensing laws for animal rights and owner responsibilities. Service animals should be current with immunizations and wear a rabies vaccination tag.
Is responsible for paying for any damage to University property caused by the animal.
Animals must leave campus with the student anytime the student leaves overnight.
The University may prohibit the use of service animals in certain locations due to health and safety restrictions or places where the animal might be in danger.

University Community:

Must allow service animals to accompany their owners at all times and everywhere on campus where the general public (if accompanying a visitor) or other students (if accompanying a student) are allowed, except for places where there is a health, environmental, or safety hazard. The appropriate way to ascertain that an animal is a service animal is to ask only two questions:
- Is the Service Animal required because of a disability?
- What work or task is the dog trained to perform?
Do not ask questions about the disability.
Do not pet or feed a service animal.
Do not attempt to separate the animal from the owner.
Do not startle or tease a service animal.
Contact Office of Accessibility if faculty/staff have any additional questions regarding visitors to campus who have service animals.
Refrain from charging a fee for the service animal to reside in the residence hall, but may assess usual fees for any damages incurred
Report any service animals who misbehave or any owners (or other individuals) who mistreat their service animals to the Department of Public Safety and Office of Accessibility.

Office of Accessibility:

Is responsible for developing the necessary procedures for the University and facilitating the use of service animals by students on campus.
Assists owners and the University community when questions or concerns arise relating to service animals on campus and seeks legal advice when necessary.