3.9 Domesticated Animals on Campus

1. General Prohibition

1. Animals, including but not limited to pets, are prohibited on campus with the exception of:
   
   1. Service animals as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA);
   2. Service animals-in-training that are part of a certified or accredited program recognized within the service animal industry to train animals in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Animals-in-training must be clearly identified (i.e., wearing a vest) and trainers should notify the college’s administration in advance (via the Dean of Students) of the presence of a service animal in training. During work and classroom hours, no more than one service-animal-in-training is permitted on site per employee or student.
   3. Animals for instructional purposes as approved by the appropriate district or college authority; and
   4. Working dogs used by a law enforcement agency for law enforcement purposes.

2. Service Animals

1. The ADA defines service animals as those that are individually trained to provide work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability. If animals meet this definition, they are considered service animals under the ADA, regardless of whether they have been licensed or certified by a state or local government. Only dogs and miniature horses are recognized as service animals.
2. Service animals and service-animals-in-training shall be leashed and remain under the owner’s or caretaker’s control at all times, unless leashing prohibits the animal’s service function.
3. Dogs that are used as service animals and service-animal in training shall maintain current dog licenses and rabies vaccinations, as specified in Maricopa County Ordinance. (Maricopa County Ordinance No. 13 Rabies/Animal Control).
4. Exclusion of service animals: MCCCD is not required to modify policies, practices, or procedures if such modification would “fundamentally alter” the nature of the goods, services, programs, or activities, provided at the District; The ADA/504 does not overrule legitimate safety requirements. If admitting service animals would fundamentally alter the nature of a service or program, service animals may be prohibited. Additionally, if a particular service animal is out of control (and the handler does not take effective action to control it) or not housebroken, that animal may be excluded.

3. Service Animals on Campus—Owner’s Responsibilities

1. Owner is responsible to attend to and be in full control of the service animal at all times. A service animal shall have a harness, leash, or other tether unless a) the owner is unable to use a harness, leash or tether, or b) using a harness, leash, or tether will interfere with the animal’s ability to safely and effectively perform its duties.
2. Owner is responsible for the costs of care necessary for a service animal’s well-being. The arrangements and responsibilities with the care of a service animal is the sole responsibility of the owner at all times, including regular bathing and grooming, as needed.
3. Owner is responsible for independently removing or arranging for the removal of the service animal’s waste. 
4. Owner is responsible for complying with local and state licensing laws for animal rights and owner responsibilities.
5. Owner is responsible for paying for any damage to College property caused by the animal.
6. Owner may register the service animal with the Voluntary Registry at the College Disability Resources Services (DRS) Office. This registry is voluntary.

4. Service Animals on Campus—MCCCD Responsibilities

1. MCCCD may prohibit the use of service animals in certain locations due to health and safety restrictions or places where the animal might be in danger.  Restricted areas may include, but are not limited to, food preparation areas, research or instructional laboratories, boiler rooms, and other areas prohibited by law.
2. MCCCD must allow service animals to accompany their owners at all times and everywhere on campus where the general public (if accompanying a visitor) or other students (if accompanying a student) are allowed, except for places where there is a health, environmental, or safety hazard. 
3. Contact Disability Resource Services (DRS) if any questions or concerns arise relating to service animals.
4. MCCCD employees, when appropriate, will only ask two questions about service animals, and may ask these questions only if the services or tasks performed are not visible.
   
   1. Is the service animal required because of a disability?
   2. What work or task is the animal trained to perform?
5. MCCCD employees and staff will not pet or feed a service animal or attempt to separate the animal from the owner.
6. MCCCD employees will contact DRS if faculty/staff have any additional questions regarding visitors to campus who have service animals.
7. MCCCD employees will report any service animals who misbehave or any owners (or other individuals) who mistreat their service animals to the College or the Maricopa County Community Colleges Police Department. Behavior qualifying as “misbehavior” will be determined by the individual college, in consultation with District legal.
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5. Voluntary Service Animal Registry

1. The voluntary service animal registry is completely voluntary and there can be no mandatory obligation imposed on service animals to register with the college, nor can there be a restriction of access at the College for service animals not registered.
2. The voluntary service animal registry shall be maintained at the College’s DRS office (for students) and HR (for employees) office and shall contain the name of the owner, the name of the service animal, a copy of current rabies vaccination/license, and contact information for the owner.
3. The purpose of the voluntary service animal registry is to serve a public purpose. For example, to ensure that the College Police Department or other College staff know to look for service animals during an emergency or evacuation process.

6. Emotional Support Animals

1. Emotional support animals are not considered service animals because they are not trained to perform work or tasks specific to a person’s disability.
2. Emotional support animals are not generally permitted on MCCCD property.

7. Animal Use to Further Instructional Purpose

1. Animals used specifically to further an instructional purpose as part of a college or District program are permitted at the college and may also be kenneled at that location.
   
   1. These animals shall be kenneled and handled in such a way that does not pose a danger to any person on campus.
   2. Any injuries resulting from interaction with these animals shall be reported immediately to the College Police Department for documentation. Injuries may also be subject to reporting with Maricopa County Animal Care and Control.

8. Oversight

1. EEO/AA has oversight and monitoring responsibility for these processes as it pertains to employees—both paid and unpaid.
   
   1. Employees should work with EEO/AA to resolve any concerns regarding this policy. If attempted resolutions are not successful, employees may contact the Compliance Office for resolution.
2. The District Compliance Office has oversight and monitoring responsibility for these processes as it pertains to students.

Students should work with their College to resolve any concerns regarding this policy. If attempted resolutions are not successful, employees may contact the Compliance Office for resolution.