Information and resources to help you understand more about Service Animals on Penn State campuses.

Information and Resources for Service Animals on Campus

There are 3 types of Assistance Animals:

  1. Service Animals
  2. Emotional Support Animals
  3. Therapy Animals

Below is some pertinent information about each type of Assistance Animal:

  1. Service Animals
  • Are trained to perform a specific task for a disabled person
  • Qualify as medical equipment
  • Are permitted almost anywhere
  • Do not have to have special harnesses or collars
  • Can only be removed if it poses a direct threat or causes a disruption (More information: University Police Policy)
  • We are only allowed to ask two questions when someone has a Service Animal:

        "Is this a Service Animal required for a disability"

        "What is its job?"

  • Faculty and Staff contact about getting an animal registered - ADA coordinator at 814-863-0471
  • Student contact about getting an animal registered (for those living on campus) - Student Disability Resources Office
  • Students living off-campus: Not required to register with the Student Disabilities Resources Office, but they do recommend it.

   2. Emotional Support Animals

  • Is an accommodation provided for students, mostly in dorms or specially approved locations
  • Provides therapeutic benefit to its owner through companionship
  • Provides emotional support and comfort for psychological disorders and other mental impairments
  • Not specially trained to perform tasks for someone with disabilities
  • Not automatically granted access to places of public accommodation
  • Needs to be approved by the Student Disability Resources Office

   3. Therapy Animals

  • Is a pet trained to interact with may people to make those people feel better
  • Have a handler
  • Are trained to behave safely around a diverse range of people
  • Are typically only allowed in places like hospitals and skilled nursing facilities

What should I do if there is an animal causing a disruption in my area?

  • Most responsible handlers will remove an animal that is not behaving appropriately
  • If it is not behaving appropriately, we are only allowed to ask two questions when someone has a Service Animal:

          "Is this a Service Animal required for a disability?"

          "What is its job?"

  • We are not allowed to ask for proof that it is an ADA Animal, or what the persons disability is.
  • If the animal is a Service Animal:

         -You can ask them to get it under control

         -If they are not able to get it under control, you can ask the person to remove the animal

         -If the person refuses, you can contact University Police at 863-1111.

  • If the animal is not a Service Animal:

         -You can ask that it be removed immediately

         -If the person refuses, you can contact University Police at 863-1111.

Please follow these links provided for more additional information about animals on campus and the process for getting registered.

Emergency Contacts

  • Emergency (Police-Fire-Ambulance): 911
  • University Police: 814-863-1111
  • University Health Services: 814-865-6556
  • Environmental Health and Safety: 814-865-6391
  • Physical Plant Work Reception Center: 814-865-4731