A Service Animal is defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act as a dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other psychological disabilities. Service animals are allowed in a public place due to the owner's need for the animal at all times. However, there may be exceptions due to putting an animal in harm's way or other circumstances that would not be deemed reasonable/appropriate for either the handler/animal.
Examples of such work or tasks include but are not limited to:
- Alerting an individual of a seizure/change in blood sugar
- Alerting people who are deaf to the presence of possible danger
- Calming a person with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder during an anxiety attack
- Guiding an individual who is blind or has a vision impairment with navigation
- Helping an individual retrieve a needed item
- Pulling a wheelchair
- Reminding a person with a psychological disorder to take prescribed medications
- Performing other duties regarding necessary daily living activities
Students must request accommodations each semester of enrollment. The following are steps to be taken by students who are continuing. Students are not required to meet with the Access Center counselor.
Service Animals on Campus
Under the ADA, colleges and universities are required to allow individuals with disabilities to bring their service animals in all areas of the facility that are open to the general public or attending students.
Handler's Responsibilities
A service animal must be under the control of its handler at all times. The Americans with Disabilities Act requires the animal to be leashed, tethered or harnessed unless the individual's disability prevents the use of these devices or the use of these devices interferes with the service animal's ability to perform safe or effective work/task(s). In this case, the individual must maintain control of the animal through voice, signal, or other effective measures.
The handler is responsible for the overall supervision and care of the animal:
- Feeding
- Grooming
- Veterinary Care
- Uncontrollable barking
- Approaching or jumping on people unless task trained to do so for the purpose of the handler's needs.
- Trying to get away from the handler
If the service animal is out of control or disruptive, staff may request that the animal be removed from the premises.
Animal Classification Guide
Service Dogs
A dog individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of a disability is a service animal.
- Recognized by the ADA (It is the handler's right to have the dog provide a service).
- Can go everywhere the handler goes; trained to respond to handler's needs.
- The use of this animal on campus does not prompt registration with the Access Center: Office of Students Disabilities
Services Dogs in Training
A dog you are training to perform a task for the benefit of a disability dog must be accompanied by an approved trainer at all times. This is a service animal in training.
- ADA recognizes one's ability to train their own animal. However, ADA does not recognize a service animal in training as a service dog and does not allow the same access.
- Texas Law allows for Service Animals in Training, but must be accompanied by approved handler at all times. An approved trainer is determined by the Counselor for Students with Disabilities.
- The use of this animal on campus must be approved by the Counselor for Students with Disabilities. If the student is NOT an approved trainer, the student and service dog in training must be accompanied by an approved trainer at all times.
- A meeting with the Counselor for Students with Disabilities is required. The individual requesting to be recognized as an approved trainer and the potential service dog in training must attend and in person meeting.
- Vaccination Records will be submitted prior to campus meeting.
- The SDIT must have a Service Animal in Training Vest on at all times.
- SDIT must be at least one year old. There may be some exceptions.