What are services animals?
Service animals are dogs (or occasionally, miniature horses) that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability.
Service dogs can accompany a person with a disability in any area the handler can be, unless the dog’s presence would compromise a sterile environment. University employees should contact SAS before denying a service animal entry to such an environment. The handler is not required to have an accommodation on file with SAS for a service dog, though handlers are encouraged to contact SAS to discuss other potential accommodation needs. Service dogs are not required to wear a vest or other item identifying themselves as such.
What documentation is required for service animals?
The handler is not required to provide documentation or “proof” of the handler’s disability or the service animal’s training. Unless the need for the service animal is readily apparent, university employees with responsibility for maintaining or controlling that specific area of campus may ask individuals the following questions in order to determine whether an animal is a service animal:
"Is this dog required because of a disability?" and if the answer is yes,
"What work or task is the dog trained to do?"
If the handler answers no to the first question or is unable to answer either question, the animal may not be a service animal.
Use of the service animal must not fundamentally alter the nature of the university service, program, or activity. Handlers found to be falsely characterizing their animal as a service animal may be subject to discipline in accordance with other applicable university policies.
What are the guidelines for service dogs in lab settings?
These guidelines are intended to ensure the safety of both students and service dogs within the laboratory environment. Because hazardous chemicals, open flames, glassware, and electrical equipment pose unique risks, Student Accessibility Services (SAS) recommends the following precautions:
- Alternative seating at the end of benches or using gates, pens, or kennels (for kennel-trained service dogs) may be appropriate. Students should be permitted to keep the service dog as close as is safe for the student and the dog. Students may wish to visit the lab before the class to familiarize themselves and their dog with the lab's layout and its smells and sounds.
- Service dogs entering laboratories must be similarly protected as is expected of the student to prevent exposure to hazardous chemicals, broken glass or other hazards that might be present in the laboratory environment. This equipment would be provided by the owner and include disposable or reusable boots to cover the feet, eye protection, and/or lab coats. SAS recommends disposable, plastic-backed, absorbent lab paper or pet pads for the dog to lie on rather than direct contact with the floor. If appropriate protective equipment is not provided, the service dog may not be permitted into the lab.
- Service dogs in labs are expected to maintain the same level of appropriate behavior as in other University settings. This includes no jumping, barking unless in the proper context, growling, or interfering with lab activities. Interaction with the dog is by the owner's permission and may only be permitted outside the laboratory.
- Service dog access can be restricted if the presence of the dog can interfere with the outcomes of the experiments or if substances used can be hazardous to a dog. Access should not be denied without consultation between the student, lab instructor or manager, and SAS. Students and faculty should contact SAS at 330-672-3391 or sas@kent.edu with questions or concerns.
Contact your Access Advisor with questions or concerns.