Approved Accessibility Animals on Campus
Your guide to paws, purpose, and policy.
We love animals鈥攁nd we know many of you do, too. Whether they鈥檙e guiding, comforting, alerting, or just being their fuzzy, fantastic selves, approved accessibility animals play a vital role in campus life. This page outlines the types of animals allowed at 国产伦理, who approves them, and how to keep things running smoothly for animals and humans alike.
1. Types of Approved Accessibility Animals on Campus
2. Behavior, Access, and Housing Expectations for Approved Accessibility Animals
All approved accessibility animals must meet behavior and access standards to ensure a safe and respectful campus environment:
Control: Animals must be under the control of their handler at all times鈥攂y leash, harness, or verbal command.
Cleanliness: Handlers are responsible for cleaning up after their animals. Repeated issues may result in action.
Disruption: Minor distractions (like a short bark) are acceptable. Aggressive or unsafe behavior is not.
Distraction: Curiosity or discomfort from others is not a reason to exclude an approved accessibility animal.
In University Housing
Most assistance animals are confined to the student鈥檚 assigned room. Roommates cannot deny the presence of an approved accessibility animal outright; concerns are reviewed case by case. Housing staff coordinate animal care expectations, cleaning responsibilities, roommate notifications, and safety measures. An optional 鈥淎nimal in Residence鈥 sticker is available to alert custodial or facilities staff when entering a room.
3. Role-Based Guidance for Interacting with Approved Accessibility Animals
4. When Approved Accessibility Animals and Human Needs Conflict
Conflicts involving approved accessibility animals, such as allergies, fears, or competing animal needs, are handled on a case-by-case basis. These cases are assessed by SAS (for students) or EOAA (for employees and visitors). Accommodations might include room changes, alternate classroom seating, or spatial separation. No one is automatically excluded- the goal is always to create a solution that respects everyone's legal rights and safety.
Examples include:
A student with severe allergies sharing a room with an emotional support animal.
Two individuals with animals that are incompatible.
Someone with a documented fear of a specific species.
5. Help, Questions, or Concerns 国产伦理 Approved Accessibility Animals?
If you鈥檙e unsure about the policies or procedures related to approved accessibility animals, the following offices can assist:
Student Accessibility Services (SAS)
sas@kent.edu | 330-672-3391
kent.edu/sas/animals-campus
Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action (EOAA) Office
aa_eeo@kent.edu | 330-672-2038
Office of General Counsel
legal@kent.edu | 330-672-2982
(And yes, they welcome dog pictures.)