The University of Oregon is committed to ensuring that individuals with disabilities who require the assistance of a Service Animal or an Emotional Support Animal (also referred to as assistance, therapy, comfort, or companion animals) are afforded an equal opportunity to fully participate in, and benefit from, the University’s educational, employment, and public activities. Pets are only permitted in outdoor, public areas of the University. Pets are not permitted in University buildings or facilities or at University events. Pets and other animals that do not meet the definition of a Service Animal or Emotional Support Animal are allowed on campus only to the extent permitted by administrative rule as outlined by the Animal Control policy.
Service Animals and Emotional Support Animals receive different protections and it is important to understand the distinction set forth below.
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Service Animals
A Service Animal is a dog or miniature horse specifically trained to perform a task or work on behalf of an individual with a disability (referred to herein as a “handler”). Untrained animals that provide emotional support are not Service Animals. Service Animals do not have to be identified by a vest or provide any proof of certification.
In the state of Oregon, Service Animals in training are afforded the same protections as Service Animals that are fully trained.
As a general rule, a Service Animal is permitted to accompany its handler in any university location that is open to the public, unless the presence of the Service Animal would be a fundamental alteration of the program or service. Generally, Service Animals are permitted in all areas of the University’s facilities and programs where the handlers are allowed to go. Such areas include, but are not limited to, public areas, event spaces, classrooms, Housing, and other areas where University programs or activities are held. Service Animals are permitted in University food establishments, defined as all University restaurants and stores that serve the general public. Departments, faculty, and employees cannot determine that a Service Animal is a fundamental alteration without first consulting the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access.
Any individual bringing a Service Animal on University property is responsible for complying with the Animal Control policy and Service Animal Guidelines.
A handler need not obtain prior approval justifying the Service Animal’s presence in the location, unless involving employment and requesting the accompaniment of their Service Animal in the work location. Students are welcome to connect with the Accessible Education Center (AEC), and members of the public are welcome to connect with the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access (OEOA), so that the presence of the animal on campus is documented. Frequently, individuals find it useful to have the presence of the Service Animal noted to help facilitate understanding. Only trained Service Animals (or Service Animals in training), or approved Emotional Support Animals, are typically allowed in campus buildings.
For more information, please see Guidelines for Service Animals.
Emotional Support Animals
Emotional Support Animal encompasses a broader category of animals than that of Service Animals. For example, an Emotional Support Animal is typically a dog or cat but can sometimes be another type of animal. Emotional Support Animals also include animals whose sole purpose is to provide emotional support, and they need not be trained to perform a specific task or work to qualify (although, in some circumstances, they may have such training).
Emotional Support Animals are not allowed access to University buildings without an approved accommodation. Students may request an accommodation to have their ESA in University Housing through the Accessible Education Center. If a student wishes to take an Emotional Support Animal into campus buildings or other parts of campus in which animals are typically restricted, they must meet with the AEC to engage in an interactive process to assess the individual’s need for this accommodation. Employees may request an Emotional Support Animal as a disability accommodation through the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access (OEOA). Approval must be obtained from AEC or OEOA before an Emotional Support Animal is permitted in a University building.
For more information including responsibilities and expectations applicable to Emotional Support Animals, please see Guidelines for Emotional Support Animals.
Please be reminded that the distinction between Service Animals and Emotional Support Animals is nuanced, and that the right for these animals to access university buildings may not be readily apparent. We encourage you to contact the AEC or OEOAif you have any specific questions that are not addressed above or in the Service Animal or Emotional Support Animal guidelines.
Grievance or Appeal
All university employees should follow the grievance procedures as outlined in their collective bargaining agreements, or the request for reconsideration process as outlined in the Interactive Accommodation Process Guide.
Students should follow the appeal process as outlined by the Accessible Education Center.
Questions and requests for assistance should be directed to the appropriate office based on your relationship with the University:
- Students(LINK NEEDED: Students contact page (AEC))
- Employees(LINK NEEDED: Employees contact page (OEOA))
- Members of the Public(LINK NEEDED: Members of the Public contact page (OEOA))
If you have concerns about an animal on campus, please visit the Primary Contacts webpage for information about reporting a concern.
In accordance with applicable federal and state law and regulations, the University of Oregon does not discriminate on the basis of disability or any other classification protected by law.