Definition of a Service Animal:

According to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a service animal is defined as any dog (or in some cases a miniature horse) that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities. These disabilities can be physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disabilities. The tasks performed by the service animal must be directly related to the person’s disability. Examples include but are not limited to:

  • Guiding individuals who are blind or have low vision.
  • Alerting individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing to sounds.
  • Pulling a wheelchair.
  • Alerting and protecting a person during a seizure.
  • Reminding a person to take medication.
  • Pressing an elevator button.

Access Rights:

Under the ADA, colleges and universities such as Missouri Western must allow people with disabilities to bring their service animals into all areas of the facility that are open to the public or students. This includes classrooms, offices, libraries, cafeterias, and other campus facilities.

Documentation Requirements:

Individuals with service animals are not required to provide documentation of their disability or the animal’s training, except for vaccination records. Staff should refrain from asking about the nature or extent of a person’s disability but may inquire whether the dog is a service animal required because of a disability and what tasks it has been trained to perform.

Responsibilities of Service Dog Handlers:

  1. Control and Behavior:

    • Service animals must be under the control of their handler at all times.
    • The animal should be on a harness, leash, or tether, unless it interferes with the animal’s work or the handler’s disability prevents using these devices.
    • The service animal should behave well and not disrupt the environment.
    • If the animal behaves aggressively or poses a direct threat to others’ health or safety, the handler may be asked to remove it from the premises.

  2. Access:

    • Service animals are generally allowed to accompany their handlers in all public areas on campus.
    • In areas where animals are legally prohibited (e.g., certain research labs), alternative arrangements should be made to accommodate the individual with the disability.

  3. Accommodations:

    • Reasonable accommodations should be provided to allow service animals to accompany individuals with disabilities. This may involve adjusting policies, practices, or procedures.

  4. Cleaning and Hygiene:

    • Handlers are responsible for cleaning up after their service animals, including disposing of waste in appropriate receptacles.
    • Campus facilities accessible to service animals should be sanitary, possibly including designated relief areas.

  5. Education and Awareness:

    • Campus staff, faculty, and students should receive education on the rights of individuals with disabilities who use service animals.
    • Training programs or informational materials can promote awareness and foster understanding and acceptance of service animals on campus.

By adhering to these guidelines, MWSU ensures compliance with ADA regulations while fostering inclusivity and accessibility for individuals with disabilities who rely on service animals.