Service Animals

Q: What is a Service Animal?
A: Under the ADA, a service animal is defined as a dog or miniature horse that has been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability. Service animals are working animals, not pets. The work or task performed by the dog must be directly related to the to the person’s disability.

Q: Are Faculty/Staff allowed to ask an individual about their service animal’s purpose if one enters their office or classroom?
A: No, only Public Safety can as two questions permitted by law. Faculty/staff cannot ask a person about their disability or their service animal.

Q: What are some basic etiquette rules for service animals and their handlers?
A:  Do not feed or pet service animals when you see them on campus; Do not try to separate the handler from service animal; Do not harass or startle a service animal

Q: What needs to happen if a service animal is behaving aggressively towards their handler or others, or if there are other concerns around the service animal’s behavior?
A: Call Campus Public Safety at 805-922-6966 ext. 3649

Q: Do service animals have to wear a vest or patch or special harness identifyingthem as service animals?
A: No, the ADA does not require service animals to wear a vest, ID tag or specific harness.

Q: Do service animals need to be on a leash?
A: The ADA requires that service animals be always under the control of the handler. The service animal must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered while in public places unless these devices interfere with the service animal’s work or the person’s disability prevents the use of these devices. In that case, the person must use voice, signal, or other effective means to maintain control of the animal.

AHC Board Policy 3440-Service Animals and Other Animals on District Property