Service Animals on Campus
This document outlines the procedures for students and employees to use service animals, as well as emotional support animals, while attending Kentucky State University (KSU). KSU complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by permitting the use of service animals by students, faculty, and visitors. KSU complies with the Fair Housing Act, allowing students to use of approved emotional support animals as an accommodation. Employees may not bring their emotional support animals to work.
KSU's Definition of Service Animals:
A service animal as per the ADA is defined as: “Any dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability. For the purposes of this definition, other animal species—whether domestic or wild, trained or not—do not qualify as service animals. Dogs must be trained to perform tasks that are directly related to the person's handicap. According to the ADA, a dog is not considered a service animal if its only purpose is to offer comfort or emotional support.
Qualifying Guidelines to have Service Animals on Campus
For those who qualify to have a service animal on campus:
● The student must have a disability as defined by the ADA
● The accompanying animal must be trained to do specific tasks for the qualified individual
● If a service animal will be kept on campus, students are asked to register with the ADRC so that accommodations can be made
Responsibilities and Considerations
ADRC Office:
Is responsible for developing KSU specific procedures and facilitating the usage of service animals by students on campus.
Housing Office:
Pets and animals are typically not allowed in residential facilities. Students who use service animals on campus are allowed to keep them in the residence halls, but they must follow all rules set forth in this policy as well as any other relevant regulations and procedures. According to the relevant disability rules, an exception may be granted as an accommodation for a student with a handicap who employs a service animal. Although there is no formal procedure for requesting a service animal, students should inform University accommodation when they apply for accommodation or as soon as they become aware that a service animal will be entering the residence hall.
KSU Community:
In compliance with the applicable laws, KSU generally allows Service Animals in its buildings, classrooms, residence hall rooms, common area spaces, meeting areas, dining areas, recreational facilities, activities, and events when accompanied by a person with a disability who indicates that the Service Animal is trained to provide, and does provide, a specific service to the