SERVICE ANIMAL PROCEDURE

The definition of service animal in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is:

“any animal individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability including, but not limited to, guiding individuals with impaired vision, alerting individuals who are hearing impaired to intruders or pulling a wheelchair, or fetching dropped items.” 

If an animal meets this definition it is considered a service animal regardless of whether or not it has been certified by a training program.

Service animals must be permitted to accompany a person with a disability everywhere on campus.  If there is any question about whether an animal is a service animal, the DSPS Coordinator will resolve the question after consulting with the student and/or the District ADA Compliance Officer.

Requirements for the use of service/therapy animals at College of the Redwoods activities, its facilities and programs.

1. Dogs must be licensed in accordance with county or city regulations and wear a current vaccination tag.  Other types of animals must have current vaccinations appropriate for that type of animal.
2. All service/therapy animals must be on a leash at all times.
3. The handler/partner must be in full control of the animal at all times.
4. The handler/partner of a disruptive or aggressive animal may be asked to remove the animal from the activity, facility, or program.  If the improper behavior occurs repeatedly, the partner/handler may be told not to bring the animal to the activity, facility, or program until the partner/handler takes significant steps to mitigate the disruptive behavior.  This mitigation may include, but is not limited to, muzzling a barking dog, or refresher training for animal and partner/handler.
5. Documentation of service/companion animal as appropriate to disability must be on file with DSP&S.
6. All other campus policies pertaining to animals on campus must be adhered to.

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