Service Animals on Campus

Students and employees with a disability* who need a service animal may use a service animal (including a service animal in training) on district and college property. Therapy animals and pets are not allowed.

*Disability must be consistent with guidelines set forth by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA).

Service Animal Guidelines

Service animals are subject to the following guidelines:

1. A service animal is any dog or miniature horse that is trained to do work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability.
2. Faculty, staff, or student owners of service animals who wish to bring the animal to campus are requested, but not required, to register their service animal with the Vice President of Student Services or Vice President of Administrative Services. Registration provides a quick way to demonstrate that the service animal is properly on campus.
3. If the owner applies for registration, the owner must provide documentation of their service animal's current shot/vaccination records at the time of registration. Visitors should check in with the Vice President's offices.
4. If the owner applies for registration, the owner must provide documentation of appropriate licenses.
5. If the owner applies for registration, the owner should carry proof of service animal registration when accompanied by that service animal on campus.
6. The owner is responsible for caring for and supervising the service animal, which includes toileting, feeding, grooming, and veterinary care. Los Rios employees are not obligated to supervise or otherwise care for a service animal. (See ADA Service Animal FAQs.)
7. A service animal must be under the control of its handler. Under the ADA, service animals must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered, unless the individual's disability prevents using these devices or these devices interfere with the service animal's safe, effective performance of tasks. In that case, the individual must maintain control of the animal through voice, signal, or other effective controls. (See ADA Service Animal Requirements.)
8. The service animal must be in good health and free of fleas and external parasites.
9. The service animal must be on a leash at all times.
10. The owner is responsible for all cleanup of animal feces.
11. Service animals that disrupt the learning environment and the ability of others to learn may be excluded from campus.
12. Service animals that are ill, unclean, noisy, or bedraggled will not be allowed on campus.
13. Service animals that show unprovoked aggressive tendencies or are deemed potentially dangerous will not be allowed on campus.
14. Service animals are not permitted to be in the following areas: mechanical rooms/custodial closets, any room where protective gear is worn, or any room that poses a potential danger to the animal.
15. The owner will be financially responsible for any damage or cleaning costs resulting from the animal being brought onto campus. Animals that cause damage may be excluded from the campus.

Individuals who bring a service animal to campus must extend courtesy and respect to colleagues, students, and visitors in the area. Owners are required to keep service animals on a leash and should consider safety, health, and the possible fears others may have in the presence of animals.

Questions or Concerns?

Owners of service animals who have concerns or questions should contact the equity officer.

Employees who have concerns or questions should contact their dean or supervisor.

Students who have concerns or questions should contact the ADA/504 coordinator.