ÌÒ×ÓÊÓƵ

Impact Area at ÌÒ×ÓÊÓƵ:

• Morrisville Campus
• Norwich Campus
• Syracuse EOC

General Subject Area: Animals on Campus

Author: Human Resources

Supersedes Policy #: HR-104 Animals Prohibited Policy with effective date of 10/13/2021

Policy Summary

In consideration of personal safety and sanitation, pets and other animals are prohibited on the ÌÒ×ÓÊÓƵ campus and athletic facilities. This includes all ÌÒ×ÓÊÓƵ buildings, food venues, classrooms, offices, instructional spaces, and residence halls unless otherwise permitted by this or another ÌÒ×ÓÊÓƵ Policy.

This policy safeguards the health and welfare of the ÌÒ×ÓÊÓƵ community, preserves the integrity of the buildings and grounds, and supports a healthful educational and work environment that respects the rights of individuals.

The animal owner is responsible for knowing, understanding and abiding by this Policy and all animals must always be under control by the handler or owner. The College is responsible for enforcement of this Policy.

Policy Statement

states: No person shall introduce or possess any animals within a State facility except for service animals and police and fire dogs under the control of their handler, without authorization from the commissioner. No person shall abandon an animal on State property.

The following types of animals are permitted on ÌÒ×ÓÊÓƵ property, including college buildings, athletic facilities, and outdoor events, when necessary and appropriate:

1. Service animals, as ;
2. Assistance, emotional support or therapy animals, when determined by the Accessibility Services Office to constitute a reasonable accommodation for an individual’s documented disability;
3. Animals used by law enforcement or emergency personnel in the exercise of their official duties;
4. Animals used for research in compliance with all applicable laws, regulations and other college policies, and teaching activities that are part of an approved curriculum; and
5. Short term visits of animals under the control of a qualified handler, when such visits are not in conflict with, and advance the educational mission of the college; and do not infringe upon, delay, or conflict with the normal operation of the campus; by special permission only, and with proper insurance and permitting. Contact Human Resources with questions.

All animals must always be under control by the handler or owner. Confinement of any animal, including service and companion animals, in a motor vehicle is a violation of New York State law. Animals found to be confined in a motor vehicle parked on campus property may be removed and placed with a local animal control agency.

The Agriculture and Markets Law Section 109 indicate all dogs over 4 months old need to be licensed and their proof of rabies vaccination is also required during the licensing process. The full details of this law can be found at .

Applicability

This Policy applies to all members of the ÌÒ×ÓÊÓƵ community including, but not limited to, employees, students, visitors and contractors who utilize, visit or work on the main campus, or any other physical location for which ÌÒ×ÓÊÓƵ is responsible.

Definitions

According to the

Disability:

1. a physical, mental or medical impairment resulting from anatomical, physiological, genetic or neurological conditions which prevents the exercise of a normal bodily function or its demonstrable by medically accepted clinical or laboratory diagnostic techniques.
2. a record of such impairment; or
3. a condition regarded by others as such an impairment.

Service Animal:

Any guide dog, signal dog, or other animal individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability.

Emotional Support Animal

An animal that provides comfort just by being with a person. Emotional support animals can provide comfort and support for people with many different emotional conditions. A few examples are anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder/mood disorder, panic attacks, fear/phobias and other psychological and emotional conditions.

For more information regarding Emotional Support Animals for students, please refer to the Accessibility Services website, where you can find the Emotional Support Animal Request Form and Agreement.

Under the ADA, colleges must allow service animals (specifically trained dogs) to accompany individuals with disabilities into all public campus areas, classrooms, and housing. Schools cannot require registration, proof of training, or details about the disability, only if the animal is needed for a disability-related task.

ADA Policy For Animals On College Campuses:

Service Animals (Protected by ADA)

• Definition: Dogs are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for a person with a disability.
• Access: Must be allowed in all areas where the public, students, and employees are allowed.
• Restrictions: Cannot be excluded unless the dog is out of control, not housebroken, or poses a direct threat to health/safety. They may be restricted from specialized areas like food prep or high-hazard labs.
• Inquiries: Staff may only ask:
  1. Is the animal required because of a disability?
  2. What work or task has the animal been trained to perform?

Key ADA Rules for Campuses

• No Mandatory Registration: Colleges cannot force students to register service animals, though voluntary registries may exist.
• No Proof Required: Schools cannot require documentation, certification, or training licenses.
• Housing: Service animals are permitted in campus housing under ADA/Fair Housing rules.
• Fees: No surcharges can be applied for service animals.

Service Animals vs. Emotional Support Animals (ESAs)

It is crucial to distinguish between them:

• Service Animals (ADA): Trained dogs with full access rights to classrooms, dining halls, and public spaces.
• Emotional Support Animals (ESAs/Assistance Animals): Provide comfort but are not trained tasks; they are generally not covered by the ADA for public spaces/classrooms but may be allowed in housing as reasonable accommodation under the Fair Housing Act. ESAs usually require documentation and approval.

Exceptions and Limitations

• Fundamental Alteration: Animals can be excluded if they fundamentally alter the nature of a service or program.
• Safety Hazards: They may be restricted from areas like BSL-2 labs, research animal facilities, or sterile environments.
• Allergies: While dander concerns exist, they rarely justify excluding a service dog entirely, though separation might be arranged.

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