Service Animals on Campus

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.

• AD66 - Service Animal Policy
• SY07 - Governing control of Animals on University Property
• Student questions on Assistance Animals