Procedure 3: Guidelines for Service and Support Animals on Campus and in Classroom
Grenfell Campus, Memorial University

3.1 Introduction

Animals play an important role in supporting individuals with disabilities, particularly by performing specific tasks that help them overcome environmental challenges. These animals undergo specialized training to assist with various needs, such as guiding individuals with vision loss or alerting those with hearing impairments.

In recent years, more people have recognized that animals can provide significant emotional and psychological support to individuals facing a wide range of difficulties. In many cases, these animals offer comfort simply through their calming presence, even without formal training. These companions are commonly known as emotional support animals (ESAs). However, allowing animals on campus can raise concerns about hygiene, safety, allergic reactions, and the overall well-being of both the campus community and the animals.

The following guidelines aim to clarify expectations and support a balanced, inclusive approach for all members of the campus community when a student accommodation is to have their support animal attend classroom lectures and labs.

3.1.1 Definitions

Service animals, in accordance with the Service Animal Act, are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability. Such animals might guide individuals with impaired vision, alert individuals who are hearing impaired to intruders or sounds, pull a wheelchair, or fetch items used in daily living.

Special Considerations: Certain types of animals may not be permitted even if such animals are permitted to be owned in the City of Corner Brook. If the support animal is not a dog or cat, other restrictions may apply.

Support animals are prescribed by a healthcare or mental health professional to play an integral part in the provision of emotional support, comfort or therapy, and/or the treatment process for an individual. A support animal is not a service animal and need not be individually trained or certified to perform any disability-related task.

3.1.2 Guiding Principles

Service Animals

Grenfell Campus is committed to the inclusion and accommodation of students with disabilities. Under Newfoundland and Labrador’s provincial legislation, service animals have the legal right to be present anywhere on campus with their respective handler. These animals must be identified with an appropriate vest.

Emotional Support Animals (ESAs)

Students who request to have an emotional support animal on campus will be provided reasonable accommodation in accordance with the university’s policy and procedures on Accessibility for Students with Disabilities. ESAs require no specialized training and do not have the same legal rights as a service animal; therefore, the presence of any ESA on campus must be approved by the office of Accessibility Centre and Education Support (ACES).

In cases where a student is requesting the accommodation of an emotional support animal on campus and in classrooms, the student will be asked to register documentation with the ACES office verifying:
(1) a disability
(2) the animal is necessary to afford the student with a disability an equal opportunity to pursue post-secondary studies
(3) a clear, established relationship between the animal and the student
(4) an identifiable relationship between the disability and the assistance the animal provides.

ACES staff will review the documentation and communicate their recommendations to the respective student. All documentation submitted is kept strictly confidential.

Prior to arriving for the respective semester, the student must contact ACES and schedule a meeting and agree to a list of responsibilities and guidelines.

 

3.2 Guidelines for Animal Care at Grenfell Campus

These guidelines will be reviewed with the respective student by an ACES staff member once the accommodation of emotional support animal on campus is approved. The student requesting this service must complete this form in the presence of the ACES employee. This serves as an agreement of the university’s expectations while the animal is on campus that must be renewed each academic year.

First Name: _____________________ Last Name: ______________________________

Student Number: ____________________________

Contact Phone: ____________________________

Contact Email: ____________________________

The student must clearly initial each statement to signify agreement to the responsibility.

____ Animals must be examined by a veterinarian annually. In addition, animals must be spayed or neutered prior to coming to campus. Veterinary records are required to be submitted to ACES.

____ Animals must be housebroken. The student is responsible for properly containing and disposing of all animal waste. Indoor animal waste must be placed in a sturdy bag and tied securely before being disposed in outside trash dumpsters. Outdoor animal waste, such as dog feces, must be immediately cleaned up by the owner, placed in a plastic bag, and securely tied before being properly disposed.

____ Routine maintenance of the animal is expected. This includes flea and tick prevention, and deworming. If fleas, ticks or other pests are detected through inspection, the student must remove the animal from campus. The physical area will be treated using approved fumigation methods by pest control services. The student will be held financially responsible for the expense of any pest treatment necessitated by the presence of the animal on campus. In addition, the student will provide documentation to ACES that the animal has received appropriate treatment before returning to Campus.

____ An approved animal must wear an appropriate identification vest indicating SUPPORT ANIMAL. Additionally, the student’s contact information and applicable vaccination information should always be located on the animal.

____ The animal must receive proper care, which is the responsibility of the student.

____ The animal must never be left alone while the student is on campus.

____ The animal must never be left in the care of another person while on campus.

 

3.3 Guidelines for Interaction (with campus community)

____ The student is responsible at all times for the actions of their animal. The student is responsible for any odors, noise, damage, or other conduct of their animal that disturbs others or damages the premises.

____ The animal cannot pose a direct threat to the health or safety of others.

____ If the owner cannot effectively control the animal or if it poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others, the owner must remove the animal from campus immediately and report the incident to ACES. Permission to have the animal on campus will be rescinded until such time that the problem is rectified.

____ If the support animal is a dog or a cat who is trained to walk, it must on a leash/lead when in a public area unless the animal is required to perform a task that it could not accomplish while on a leash/lead. All other animals should be placed in approved, animal-safe crates anytime the animal is present on campus.

____ The student is responsible for assuring that the animal does not interfere or cause difficulties for other students. Sensitivity to students with allergies and to those who fear animals is important to ensure a positive experience for all.

____ The student is responsible for instructing others on appropriate interactions with the animal and setting clear boundaries.

_____ All faculty members must be notified of the presence of a support animal prior to the student attending classes via accommodation forms sent by ACES staff.

3.4 Additional Agreements

____ The student agrees to be fully responsible for the health, care, and behaviour of their animal while on university property. The student understands that they are personally liable for the actions of their animal, and the student agrees to fully compensate the university in respect of any damage or injury caused or contributed to by the presence of the animal on campus (e.g. pest control services, property damage, replacement of furniture, flooring, blinds, etc.)

___ The student agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the university, its board members, officers, employees, agents and other students from and against any costs, losses, damages, liabilities, expenses, demands and judgments, including court costs and attorney fees, arising out of or in connection with (a) any injury to persons or damage to property caused by the animal, (b) the animal’s presence or behaviour on university property, or (c) any failure by the student to comply with applicable laws, university policies, or the terms of this agreement, for which the student would be liable in law or equity. This indemnity obligation shall survive the termination of this agreement and the student’s enrolment at the university.

___ Grenfell Campus has the right to reassign the student to another course section if interactions with other students/faculty becomes a concern.

___ If the student violates any provision of this agreement, they may be required to immediately remove the animal from campus.

___ Students must register each semester with ACES to receive the accommodation to have their support animal on campus.

I have read and agree to all of the terms of the Guidelines for Service and Support Animals on Campus. I understand that if I have questions, concerns, or need assistance that I will contact ACES immediately.

 

Student Signature: ____________________________

 

Accessibility Centre and Education Support Witness: ____________________________

Date: ____________________________

Animal Information

Animal Name: ____________________

Animal Type: ____________________

Animal Breed: ____________________

Fur color (if applicable): ____________________

Emergency Contact Information

Name: ____________________

Phone Number: ____________________