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Student Access and Accommodation Services

Service Animals in Training Policy

Policy

Illinois State University is committed to providing a safe, welcoming and accessible campus for students who are choosing to be trainers/puppy raisers of service dogs. Service Dogs in Training and the trainer are afforded the same access to the campus as a Service Dog.

Service Dog in Training as Defined by Illinois Law

Specific laws in the State of Illinois state that that a trainer of guide dogs or support dogs shall have the right to be accompanied by a dog that is being trained for the purpose. These laws are The Guide Dog Act, Public Act 93-0532, The White Cane Law and the Guide Dog Access Act, 720 ILCS 630.

Procedure

Requesting Recognition as a Trainer/Puppy Raiser of a Service Dog on Campus

Any student requesting to be recognized as a trainer/puppy raiser of a service dog on the Illinois State University campus is required to complete a request to be identified as a trainer of a service dog through Student Access and Accommodation Services. Student Access and Accommodation Services requires documentation specific to this request and will assist the student through the appropriate process. The student training a service dog is expected to adhere to the responsibilities outlined and to follow the University established guidelines addressing the safety interests of the individual and the general community.

Documentation Requirements

A requesting student should provide Student Access and Accommodation Services appropriate documentation at least 30 days before the student will be bringing the service dog in training to campus. If the student is requesting to also reside in University Housing, the student should provide Student Access and Accommodation Services notice and appropriate documentation a semester in advance in order to allow time to provide the appropriate Housing assignment.

The student is required to provide Student Access and Accommodation Services documentation from the established service dog training facility/organization that the dog is a registered participant of the training program, has the required qualifications to be assigned to the puppy raiser/trainer and that the student has fulfilled the requirements to be is a registered puppy raiser/trainer with that organization/facility.

The student is required to provide Student Access and Accommodation Services documentation from a licensed veterinarian that the service dog has completed and passed an annual physical examination and has been immunized against diseases common to that animal. The dog must wear the appropriate tags indicating compliance with all required immunizations.

The University has continuing authority to direct that the puppy raiser/trainer and the service dog in training must maintain the qualified status with the designated facility/organization and proof that the dog continues to receive annual veterinary attention as required by the facility/organization.

Responsibilities of the Student who has a Service Dog in Training on Campus

  • The care and supervision of a service dog in training is the responsibility of the student designated as the puppy raiser/trainer. The student must maintain control of the dog and its behavior at all times.
  • The student is responsible for the health of the animal.
  • The student is responsible for maintaining annual vaccination of the animal.
  • The student is responsible for maintaining licensure of the animal.
  • The service dog in training must wear a vest identifying the animal as a service dog in training at all times that the animal is outside the residence hall room.
  • The student must carry identification at all times that designates them as the qualified puppy raiser/trainer.
  • The service dog in training must be on a leash at all times that the dog is outside the campus residence.
  • The student is responsible for the clean-up and the proper disposal of all animal waste in an appropriate receptacle.
  • The student who has a service dog in training on the University grounds or facilities is financially responsible for: (1) property damage caused by his or her dog; (2) injury to another individual or an animal owned by an individual that is caused by the dog.
  • The student must never leave the service dog in training alone at any time. If the trainer cannot be with the animal, a “sitter” must be engaged to take responsibility for the animal. The dog is not to be taken beyond the residence hall complex in which the dog and puppy raiser/trainer reside while it is in the care of a “sitter”.
  • If a service dog in training is allowed in University Housing, the student is required to sign the Animal Agreement.
  • Service dogs in training and the puppy raiser/trainer are allowed to live in either the residence halls in the West Campus Complex or the Cardinal Court Complex. Service dogs in training will not be allowed to live in any other Housing residence halls.

Prohibited Areas for Services Dogs in Training

The University will allow a service dog in training to accompany the puppy raiser/trainer at all times on University grounds or facilities except where animals are specifically prohibited due to safety or health restrictions, or where the animal may be in danger, or the integrity of research may be compromised due to the presence of chemicals and/or organisms. Exceptions to restricted areas may be granted on a case-by-case basis by contacting the Student Access and Accommodation Services Office.

Removal of Service Dogs in Training

If at any time, while the service dog in training is on the University campus, it is reported or observed that the animal is unclean, ill, or exhibits aggressive or disruptive behavior, Student Access and Accommodation Services will ask the student to correct the issue. If the condition(s) persists, the student may be directed to not bring the dog onto University grounds or facilities until the problem is remedied. For the service dog in training to be again permitted on campus, the dog and puppy raiser/trainer must have completed appropriate steps to rectify the situation that caused the removal as specified by Student Access and Accommodation Services. These steps will be determined on a case-by-case basis as per the situation. This removal will not affect the student’s ability to remain on campus and complete classes toward his/her degree. The student can complete the semester classes without that specific service dog in training.

Appeals and Grievances

Illinois State University is committed to a prompt and effective resolution of any grievance. If the student disagrees with a decision made concerning the service dog in training, the student should bring them to the attention of their Case Coordinator. If the student feels the Case Coordinator has not addressed their concerns, the student can contact the Director of Student Access and Accommodation Services at (309) 438-5853. If the student feels that the Director has not addressed their concerns, the student may contact Office of Equal Opportunity, Ethics, and Access located on campus in 208 Hovey Hall, or by calling (309) 438-3383.

The student has the right at any time during the process to contact the Office of Equal Opportunity, Ethics, and Access.