Interacting with Service Animals

Where are service animals allowed to be on campus?

In general, service animals are allowed into campus buildings and most locations that their handler would have access to. The only reason a service animal can (or should be) barred or removed from a space is if:

• They are not under the control of the handler
• They pose a direct threat
• Their presence would fundamentally alter an essential function of a class, program, or event.
  • For example,  sterile environments.  

How can you know if a dog is a service animal?

While many handlers choose to identify their service animals with a vest or ID tag, this is not strictly required nor guarantees an animal is a service animal. 

If unsure whether an animal is a service animal, College personnel may ask the following two questions:

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

It is important to know:

• College personnel may not ask for certification and may not ask for the task to be performed as evidence.
• Emotional support is not a trained task that fits the definition of a service animal. There are different campus rules for emotional support animals (ESAs).
• While non-violent protection may be a trained task (e.g., a dog that stands guard over their handler during a seizure), animals trained to aggressively respond to provocation are not considered service animals.

What should I expect of someone with a service animal?

Handlers are expected to ensure that their animals meet the behavioral standards for service animals.

What kinds of behaviors are appropriate around service animals?

• Service animals should not be touched, distracted, or interfered with while the animal is working.
• Always ask before approaching, acknowledging, or touching an animal. Remember, not all service animals are identified by vests or other identifying objects.
• Always keep your own dog on a leash so they do not interfere with service (or other) animals on campus. Animals that do not follow IC rules and regulations may be reported to the Office of Public Safety and removed from campus.

What are some examples of when it is appropriate to ask a handler to remove their service animal?

Some examples of situations where an animal can be asked to leave may include:

• If the animal is not housebroken.
• If the service animal is uncontrollably barking, growling, jumping, or running around and the handler cannot take control of the animal upon request.
• If the service animal would jeopardize the safety or health of specific spaces like sterile environments or pools (this does not include places where people can eat.)

In the very limited situations where a legitimate concern arises, both the animal and handler should be asked to leave. The service animal and the handler should not be separated.