Clarkson University Policy on Service Animals
Definition: Service animals are animals trained to assist people with disabilities in the activities of normal living. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) defines service animals as "...any dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual or other mental disability."
This definition means that
- The dog is required because of a disability and
- The service dog has been trained to do specific work or tasks related to the disability
If a dog meets this definition, it is considered a service animal regardless of whether it has been licensed or certified as such by a state or local government or an animal training program. Clarkson University complies with the ADA in allowing use of service animals for both short-term and long-term students and employees.