Accessibility Resources

Service and Emotional Support Animals

Service Animals

Service animals are defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) as dogs—and in some cases, miniature horses—that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for individuals with disabilities. These animals are not pets; they are working animals whose tasks must be directly related to the individual's disability.

Where Are Service Animals Allowed?

Service animals are permitted to accompany individuals with disabilities in all areas of campus where the public, students, or employees are normally allowed to go, including but not limited to:

  • Classrooms
  • Dining areas
  • Libraries
  • Administrative offices
  • Campus housing (in accordance with housing policies)

Important Information for Campus Community

Service animals are not required to wear a vest, ID tag, or specific harness. When it is not obvious that a dog is a service animal, you may only ask the following two questions:

  1. Is the dog a service animal required because of a disability?
  2. What work or task has the dog been trained to perform?

You may not ask for:

  • Proof of the individual's disability
  • Medical documentation
  • Certification or training documentation for the animal

These protections are in place to respect the privacy rights of individuals with disabilities.

If a service animal is acting aggressively or is out of the handler’s control, it may be appropriate to ask the handler to remove the animal from the premises. This determination must be based solely on behavior, not appearance or labeling.

Emotional Support Animals

Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) provide comfort or emotional support but are not considered service animals under the ADA. However, individuals may request to bring an ESA into the workplace through the University’s reasonable accommodation process.

Workplace accommodation requests for emotional support animals should be submitted to the Accommodation and Accessibility Services (OEOC-AAS) for review.  To submit a request, visit the Accommodations Form.  

Additional Important Information

For workplace accommodations, service and emotional support animals should be registered with the Office of Accommodation and Accessibility Services. To submit a request for an accommodation, visit the Accommodations Form.  

For students who need academic and/or housing/dining accommodations related to service and emotional support animals, contact the Center for Educational Access

For more information, please refer to Fayetteville Policies and Procedures 718.0: Animals on Campus.