Service Animal Guidelines and Considerations:

The Americans with Disabilities Act defines a service animal as "any guide dog, signal dog, or other animal individually trained to provide assistance to an individual with a disability." (Department of Justice, 1996)

Title II directly references service animals … "Generally, a public accommodation shall modify policies, practices, or procedures to permit the use of a service animal by an individual with a disability." 2B CFR Section 36 302 ©

Service Animal Definition:

A Service Animal is one that has been individually trained to perform specific tasks for a person with a disability.

Service Animal Guidelines for Amarillo College:

A Service Animal is one that has been individually trained to perform specific tasks for a person with a disability. It is an animal that is well in control in public areas and is a working animal for the individual with a disability.

Procedures:

• A student must identify the animal as a Service Animal to disAbility Services
• Student must have a documented disability
• disAbility Services will determine the status of the animal and issue the appropriate paperwork.
• The animal must have individualized training related to the specific disability
• The animal must comply with leash laws, vaccination policies and other City ordinances governing animals
• The animal may be certified and if so a copy of this certificate may be requested

Amarillo College may:

• Request the student meet with disAbility Services
• Ask a student if the animal is a Service Animal
• Ask that an animal be removed if it is out of control or the animal poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others. (Allergies and fear of animals are generally NOT valid reasons for denying access or refusing service to people)

Amarillo College does NOT allow an animal that is not a Service Animal on campus. These are identified as:

• A Pet
• Therapy Animal
  • Used to: lower blood pressure, relieve stress, or raise the spirits of patients
  • They may be used by other persons than persons with disabilities
  • They are NOT covered under the ADA
  • They are generally a personal pet and others are encouraged to pet them
  • They are NOT allowed in public places that have pet policies