Assistance Animal Policy
Service Animals
A service animal is a dog (or miniature horse) trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability. Service animals are permitted on the Cal Poly Pomona campus and individuals with service animals are entitled to the same access as their peers. Individuals with disabilities who utilize service animals on campus grounds are strongly encouraged to connect with the Disability Resource Center (DRC). Students must take responsibility for meeting legal requirements, ensuring that animals are under their control, and adhering to cleanup rules. Service animals may not reside in University Housing without prior notification and registration. Contact the Disability Resource Center (DRC) for more information. Please note that no student or employee should be required to disclose his/her disability in order to work or study at the University.
Requirements for Service Animals:
- The animal must be under the control of the individual using the animal.
- If the animal displays out of control behavior (i.e. aggressive or disruptive behavior such as uncontrolled barking), the individual using the animal must attempt to get the animal under control. If unable to do so, then you may inform the individual that the service animal must be removed from the room or activity.
- The animal must be “housebroken” and the individual using the animal is responsible for cleaning up after the animal.
Emotional Support Animals
Emotional Support Animals (ESA), sometimes called assistance, therapy, support or comfort animals, are not, in most cases, recognized by the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) as Service Animals. Such animals must follow the general policies regarding animals on campus unless they are service animals. The right to have an emotional support animal (ESA) in and around University Housing facilities is based upon establishing that the use of the animal is a reasonable and necessary accommodation.
Process for Use of an Emotional Support Animal
- Student follows DRC Registration Procedures.
- Student engages in the interactive process with the DRC to determine eligibility for use of the requested accommodation.
- The DRC notifies University Housing Services or University Village of the accommodation determination.
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