Handler’s Responsibilities

Registering A Service Animal

1. While registering a service animal is not mandatory, students who wish to bring a service animal to campus are encouraged to contact the Office for Students with Disabilities at their College, especially if academic accommodations are required.

Service Animal Control & Behavior Requirements

1. Handlers are expected to maintain control of service animals. If a service animal exhibits unacceptable behavior, the handler may be required to employ appropriate training techniques to correct the situation. Failure to maintain control of the service animal always may be grounds for immediate removal of the service animal from campus.
   1. Service animals can be controlled with leashes, harnesses, or tethers unless those devices interfere with the service animals’ ability to perform tasks or unless the handler has a disability that prevents him/her from using such a device.
   2. The service animal should always respond to voice or hand commands and be in full control of the handler.
   3. To the extent possible, the service animal should be unobtrusive to other individuals and the learning, living, and working environment.

1. To the extent possible, the handler should ensure that the service animal does not,
   1. display any behaviors or noises that are disruptive to others unless part of the service being provided to handler.
   2. block an aisle or passageway to fire egress.

Vaccinations

1. Service animals should be vaccinated in accordance with state and local laws.
   1. Colleges may require proof that a service animal has any vaccinations required by state or local laws that apply to all animals.

Waste Cleanup

1. Cleaning up after the service animal is the sole responsibility of the handler. In the event the handler is not physically able to do so, he/she must hire someone to perform this task. The following are guidelines for animal waste cleanup:
   1. The handler is required to take the animal to an appropriate area on campus (if applicable) for relief.
   2. The handler should carry equipment sufficient to clean up the animal’s feces or urine whenever the animal is on campus.
   3. Properly dispose of waste and/or litter in appropriate containers.

Costs Associated with Service Animal

1. Handlers are responsible for any costs, damage or injuries caused by their animals and must take appropriate precautions to prevent property damage or injury.
   1. Costs associated with any damage to the campus facilities or properties resulting from the animal’s behavior are the sole responsibility of their handlers.
   2. The cost of care, along with maintaining the well-being of the service animal, are always the sole responsibility of the handler.
   3. Any cost incurred for assistance with waste cleanup is the sole responsibility of the handler.