A service animal is typically a dog individually trained to do work or perform tasks for a person with a disability. Some examples of such work or tasks include guiding people who are blind, alerting people who are deaf, pulling a wheelchair, or alerting/protecting a person who is having a seizure. The provision of emotional support, well-being, comfort, or companionship does not constitute work or tasks for the purposes of defining a service animal.

TSTC permits service animals into campus buildings where other animals would typically not be permitted. This practice follows Titles II and III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Individuals living in college housing will be permitted to have no more than one service or support animal. Under Titles II and III, a service animal handler does not need to provide certification for their service animal, nor are they required to register with the ALA office.

In all cases, the owner of the animal is responsible for the animal’s behavior. If restraints, such as a leash or harness with a handle, interfere with a service animal’s work, or if the individual’s disability prevents using these devices, the individual must maintain control of the animal through voice, signal, or other effective controls. 

A service animal in training is typically a dog undergoing training by an approved trainer who is an agent of a reputable organization and competent to provide training for assistance animals and/or their handlers. Service animals in training are allowed on campus if they are in active training by an approved trainer. The individual (trainer) may be asked to submit proof to the Access and Learning Accommodations Office that they are an approved trainer as required in Texas Human Resources Code Dec. 121.003.  

For individuals participating in an internship off campus, ALA may serve as a liaison for the student and the entity’s ADA designee regarding the requirements for service animals (or service animals in training) to enter their facility. 

Public Etiquette Toward Service Animals

Faculty, staff, students, visitors, and members of the general public should avoid the following: 

• petting a service animal, as it may distract them from the task at hand; 

• feeding the service animal; 

• deliberately startling a service animal; 

• and separating or attempting to separate a handler from their service animal. 

Individuals found in violation of this may be subject to disciplinary action.