Service and Assistance Animals on Campus Policy

Approving University Official(s): University Cabinet and Office of the University Provost
Responsible Office: Office of Accessibility Resources
Effective Date: March 1, 2019
Next review date: January 31, 2020

Table of Contents

I. Policy Statement and Purpose of Policy 3
II. Audience 3
III. Definitions 3
Service Animal 3
Assistance Animal 4
Pet 4
Individual with a Disability 4
Approved Animals 4
Owner 4
IV. Procedures 5
Service Animals 5
Assistance Animals 6
Non-approved Animals 7
V. Responsibilities of the Owner of Service or Assistance Animal 7
VI. Public Etiquette by the Community 10
VII. Exclusion of Animals from Campus 10
VIII. Notice and Education to the Drew University Community 11
IX. Designated Services within University Housing 11
X. Conflicting Needs 11
XI. Related Information 12
XII. Contacts 12

XIII. History 12

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I. Policy Statement and Purpose of Policy
Animals, including pets, are not permitted in Drew University’s facilities, academic and
administrative buildings or residence halls with the exception of approved Service or Assistance
Animals for individuals with disabilities and as outlined within this policy and within the terms
and conditions of the resident agreements for off-campus housing and CREs of Residence Life.
Drew University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals
with disabilities. Students or employees with disabilities who require the use of Service or
Assistance Animals as a reasonable accommodation may be permitted to bring such animals on
campus provided that they comply with Drew University’s policies regarding such animals.
Students or employees* who seek to bring a Service or Assistance Animal to campus must first
contact the Office of Accessibility Resources (OAR). OAR will determine, on a case-by- case
basis, and in collaboration with other offices on campus, whether to approve the individual’s
request for a Service or Assistance Animal. In making this determination, OAR will consider the
needs of the individual, as well as the impact of the animal on the campus community. Students
seeking to have a Service or Assistance Animal in housing must submit a request for review
each academic year. A request for a Service or Assistance Animal should be submitted along
with the student’s application for housing. The animal must not be in residence prior to
approval by OAR. The approval of a request is animal-specific and is not transferable to another
animal.
Research, clinical or teaching animals used for instructional purposes may be permitted.
On-duty police dogs and non-meat eating fish in small containers, can also be permitted.
One-time exceptions may also be granted for events on campus.
(*Employees should contact the Office of Human Resources.)
II. Audience
The entire campus community.
III. Definitions
A. Service Animal
A “Service Animal” or “Retired Service Animal” is any dog that has been individually
trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability. In 1
some limited cases which generally are not applicable to Drew University’s campus, a
miniature horse may be permitted as a Service Animal. Other animals, whether wild or
domestic, trained or untrained, do not qualify as Service Animals. Examples of work or
tasks provided by a Service Animal include, but are not limited to, guiding a person with
impaired vision, alerting a person with a hearing impairment, pulling a wheelchair, and
1 Americans with Disabilities Act (2010). Office of Civil Rights, Department of Justice.
https://www.ada.gov/service_animals_2010.htm

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alerting and protecting a person who is having a seizure. Service Animals are working
animals, not pets. The work or task that a Service Animal has been trained to provide
must be directly related to the functional limitations of the person’s disability. Animals
whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as Service
Animals. Employees must register their “Retired Service Animal” with The Office of
Human Resources.
B. Assistance Animal
“Assistance Animals” (sometimes referred to as “emotional support animals or ESAs,”
“social or therapy animals,” “companion animals,” and/or “comfort animals”) are
animals that perform tasks and/or provide service, assistance, or emotional support
which alleviates one or more identified symptoms or effects of an individual’s disability.2
Assistance Animals do not assist with daily living tasks and are not required to have
received special training. They must provide relief for an identified emotional or
psychiatric disability. Assistance Animals stay only in residence; they do not accompany
an individual with a disability at all times (i.e., Assistance Animals do not attend class,
enter the library, Academic buildings and additional Facilities-related buildings or visit
other residence halls, dining halls or entertainment venues on the University’s
property).
C. Pet
A “Pet” is an animal kept for ordinary use and companionship. A pet is not considered a
Service or an Assistance Animal. Drew University is committed to a safe and healthy
learning and working environment that shows respect and courtesy for the entire
community, and reduces the potential of health risk and facility damage. In keeping with
this commitment, pets, i.e. dogs, are strictly prohibited from all University-owned
buildings, facilities and residences, except as outlined in this policy and within the terms
and conditions of the resident agreements for off-campus housing and CREs of
Residence Life. Furthermore, the pet owner must adhere to and be in compliance with
applicable state and federal laws and regulations, as well as local and municipal codes
and ordinances. (See Section IV. C. below for information regarding walking animals on
campus.)
D. Individual with a Disability
An Individual with a Disability is a person who (1) has a physical or mental impairment
that limits one or more of a person’s major life activities or (2) has a record of having, or
being perceived as having, a physical or mental impairment. (42 U.S.C.A.§12102)
E. Approved Animals

2 Service Animals and Assistance Animals for Individuals with disabilities in housing and HUD-Funding Programs
(2013). Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
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An “Approved Animal” is a Service Animal or an Assistance Animal that has been
registered and/or permitted in Drew University housing, with the limitations described
above in Section III. A. and B., as a reasonable accommodation under this policy.
F. Owner
The “Owner” is the student, employee or visitor who has requested the accommodation
and has received approval to bring the “Approved Animal” on campus.
IV. Procedures
A. Service Animals
Individuals Students that will have a Service Animal on campus should register with
OAR. Resident students seeking to keep a Service Animal in housing must complete the
online Disclosure form available on the OAR website or at
http://www.drew.edu/center-academic-excellence/about-us/accessibility-resources/.Re
quests for a Service Animal in housing should be submitted as soon as possible. We
strongly recommend that the student submit the Disclosure Form at least 90 days prior
to the following semester’s move-in date, unless documentation dictates otherwise, so
that the request can be processed and reviewed on time. Requests submitted after this
period or after the student is already placed in housing may still be considered but
might take longer to process, which can hinder the scheduling of the housing
arrangement.
When the need for a Service Animal is not readily apparent, Drew University may
request additional documentation, via the Director of Accessibility Resources, in support
of the request for the purpose of determining whether an animal qualifies as a Service
Animal, namely: (1) that the Service Animal is required due to the functional limitations
of the requesting individual’s disability; and (2) what work or tasks the Service Animal
has been trained to perform for the benefit of the owner. Any necessary documentation
must be dated within the last 12 months.
Once the request for a Service Animal is received, processed and approved, the
requesting student will be asked to acknowledge, in writing, receipt of, and their
agreement to comply with, this policy. Service Animals may travel freely with their
owner throughout Drew University. A Service Animal shall have a harness, leash, or
other tether, unless either the handler is unable because of a disability to use a harness,
leash, or other tether, or the use of a harness, leash, or other tether would interfere
with the Service Animal’s safe, effective performance of work or tasks, in which case the
Service Animal must be otherwise under the handler’s control (e.g., voice control,
signals, or other effective means).
For Residential Students: Upon acceptance and processing of the request for a Service
Animal by OAR, the Residence Life staff will then make a reasonable effort to notify the

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other residents that a Service Animal will be in the living area. This notice will be limited
to information about the animal’s presence; there will be no disclosure of the student’s
disability. Other resident students with medical conditions who are affected by animals
(e.g., severe allergies, respiratory diseases), are asked to contact OAR if they have a
health or safety related concern about exposure to a Service Animal. Such affected
students may be eligible for a disability accommodation when living in proximity to a
Service Animal. OAR and Residence Life staff will collaborate as necessary to resolve
conflicts related to a Service Animal. Staff members will consider the needs and/or
accommodations of all resident students involved. Residence Life may relocate the
Owner and Approved Animal if necessary to accommodate other students with medical
condition(s) who are affected by animals or in other circumstances as deemed
appropriate in the sole discretion of Drew University.
All employees with service animals or retired service animals must register with the
Office of Human Resources.
B. Assistance Animals
Resident students seeking to keep an Assistance Animal in housing must complete the
online Disclosure form available on the OAR website or at
http://www.drew.edu/center-academic-excellence/about-us/accessibility-resources/.Re
quests for a Assistance Animal in housing should be submitted as soon as possible. We
strongly recommend that students submit the required documentation at least 90 days
prior to the date that they would like to bring the animal to housing, unless
documentation dictates otherwise, so that the request can be processed and reviewed
on time. Requests submitted after this period or after the student is already placed in
housing may still be considered but might take longer to process, which can hinder the
scheduling of the housing arrangement.
Once the resident student submits the online disclosure form, the following procedures
must be adhered to as outlined in OAR’s Assistance Animal Procedures:
1. submission of official written documentation of the disability from a physician,
psychiatrist, or other mental health professional, via OAR’s physician evaluation
form, including the following information,
a. verification of the student’s disability,
b. a statement on how the animal serves as an accommodation for the
documented disability, and
c. a statement on how the need for the Assistance Animal relates to the
ability of the student to use and gain benefit from Drew University
housing;

2. personal intake meeting with OAR at which time the student is given a form
outlining the policy and specific limitations of Assistance Animals and request for
medical documentation of animal, if applicable; and

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3. resident student is required to receive the consent of roommate(s)/suitemate(s)
which is given directly to OAR via email.

Please Note: All necessary written documentation as discussed above must be dated
within the last 12 months. Therefore, each academic year, updated documentation
must be submitted by the student to OAR in order to renew the assistance animal
accommodation and to confirm that the same animal is approved for this service.
If the request for an Assistance Animal is approved, the requesting student will be asked
to acknowledge, in writing, receipt of, and their agreement to comply with this policy.
Additionally, upon approval by OAR of the request for an Assistance Animal, Residence
Life staff will make a reasonable effort to notify the other residents that an Assistance
Animal will be in the living area. This notice will be limited to information about the
animal’s presence; there will be no disclosure of the student’s disability. Other resident
students with medical condition(s) who are affected by animals (e.g., severe allergies,
respiratory diseases) are asked to contact OAR if they have a health or safety related
concern about exposure to an Assistance Animal. Such affected students may be eligible
for a disability accommodation when living in proximity to an Assistance Animal. OAR
and Residence Life staff will collaborate, as necessary to resolve conflicts related to an
Assistance Animal. Staff members will consider the needs and/or accommodations of all
resident students involved. Residence Life may relocate the Owner and Approved
Animal, if necessary, to accommodate other students with medical condition(s) who are
affected by animals or in other circumstances as deemed appropriate in the sole
discretion of Drew University.
Assistance Animals must be contained within the privately assigned residential area
(room, suite, apartment) at all times, except as otherwise expressly provided. When
transported outside the private residential area, assistance animals must be in an animal
carrier or controlled by leash or harness. When outside the residence, the Owner of an
Assistance Animal shall carry the letter, or otherwise be able to produce documentation
provided by OAR, identifying the animal as an Approved Animal.
Employees requesting an Assistance Animal accommodation must be directed to the
Office of Human Resources.
C. Non-approved Animals
Walking animals on campus: Recognizing that as a university in a forest, some of our
neighbors, community members or others may wish to exercise their pets on university
property. All pet owners that choose to walk their pet on University grounds must
ensure their pets are leashed, harnessed or contained in a carrier at all times and never
be left unattended. The owner of the animal is responsible, per local ordinances, to

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clean up after their pet and assume all risks associated with bringing their pet on private
property.
All animals found on campus that have not been approved are subject to the rules and
regulations outlined within this policy and all applicable off-campus housing agreements
and CRE agreements. If it is found that individuals do not adhere to University rules and
regulations for non-approved animals, then they will be subject to immediate removal
by the University’s Staff (e.g., Residence Life Staff or designee and/or the Department of
Public Safety).
V. Responsibilities of the Owner of Service or Assistance Animal
A. The Owner is responsible for assuring that the Approved Animal does not unduly
interfere with the routine activities of the residence or cause difficulties for students
who reside there. In addition, the Approved Animal must not pose a threat to the
health, safety, or property of anyone in the Drew University community. If Drew
University determines that the Approved Animal threatens the health, safety, or
property of anyone in the Drew University community, or that the Approved Animal is
adversely affecting Drew University’s programs and activities, Drew University will take
appropriate measures, up to and including a determination that the Approved Animal
may no longer be permitted on campus. This decision will be made by the Dean of
Students, Director of Human Resources, or designee.
B. The Owner must always be in control of the animal. The care and supervision of the
Approved Animal is solely the responsibility of the Owner. The Owner is responsible for
ensuring the safety of the Approved Animal and the University community. The Owner
must take corrective action when the Approved Animal’s behavior becomes disruptive
or uncontrolled. If the corrective action taken by the Owner is deemed insufficient, the
University will take appropriate measures, including dismissal of the Approved Animal
from campus pursuant to the decision made by the Dean of Students, Director of
Human Resources, or designee.
C. The Owner must not have any past or current issues that may impact the Owner’s ability
to care for and effectively control an animal. If Drew University determines that such
conduct issues are negatively impacting the safety of the Approved Animal or the Drew
University community, Drew University will take appropriate measures, up to and
including a determination that the Approved Animal may no longer be permitted on
campus as determined by the Dean of Students, Director of Human Resources, or
designee.
D. The Owner is financially responsible for the actions of the Approved Animal, including
bodily injury or property damage. The Owner’s responsibility covers but is not limited to
replacement of furniture, carpet, windows, wall coverings, and the like. The Owner is
expected to cover these costs at the time of repair.

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E. The Owner is responsible for any expenses incurred for cleaning above and beyond a
standard cleaning or for repairs to University premises that are assessed after they
vacate the residence or office. Drew University shall have the right to bill the Owner or
the Owner’s account for unmet obligations.
F. The Owner is responsible for ensuring the cleanup of the Approved Animal’s waste and,
when appropriate, must toilet the Approved Animal in designated areas, when marked,
and in areas that are non-intrusive to the community, i.e., not on any campus pathways
or planted areas, and consistent with the reasonable capacity of the Owner. Indoor
animal waste, such as cat litter, must be placed in a sturdy plastic bag and securely tied
up before being disposed of on the main floor trash receptacles. Litter boxes should be
placed on mats so that waste is not tracked onto carpeted surfaces.
G. The Owner may choose to walk their Approved dog on University grounds must ensure
their dog is leashed, harnessed or contained in a carrier at all times and never be left
unattended. The owner of the approved animal is responsible, per local ordinances, to
clean up after their approved animal and assume all risks associated with bringing their
approved animal on private property.
H. The Owner is financially responsible for any expense of pest treatment that is beyond
routine pest control. The Owner’s residence may be inspected for pests as needed and
the Residence Life staff will schedule any such inspection. If pests are detected upon
inspection, the residence or residence hall will be treated using Drew
University-approved pest control methods and the Owner is expected to cover these
costs at the time they are incurred.
I. The Owner understands that Drew University may use pesticides, pest-control devices,
de-icing materials, cleaning supplies and other materials for the maintenance and
operation of housing and the Owner acknowledges and agrees that Drew University is
not responsible for any harm to Approved Animals caused by such materials.
J. The Owner is responsible for the overall health and well-being of the Approved Animal.
This includes but is not limited to:
1. Vaccinations: In accordance with local ordinances and regulations, the Approved
Animal must be immunized against diseases common to that type of animal.
Dogs must have current vaccination against rabies and wear a rabies vaccination
tag. Cats should have the normal shots required for a healthy animal. Local
licensing requirements must be followed
https://www.rosenet.org/218/Pet-Licensing.
2. Approved Animals to be housed in Drew University housing must have an annual
clean bill of health from a licensed veterinarian. Documentation can be a
vaccination certificate for the animal or a veterinarian’s statement regarding the
Approved Animal’s health. Drew University has authority to direct that the
Approved Animal receive timely veterinary attention (e.g., if fleas, ticks, or other

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pests are detected through inspection) and to require documentation
demonstrating the Approved Animal has been treated.
3. Approved Animals must be properly licensed in compliance with New Jersey
state law and municipality regulations for the Borough of Madison. Drew
University reserves the right to request documentation showing that the
Approved Animal has been licensed.
4. Compliance with all applicable New Jersey state laws and municipality
regulations for the Borough of Madison.

K. Approved Animals must be taken with the owner if they leave campus for a prolonged
period of time. Approved Animals may not be left overnight in University housing to be
cared for by another student or staff member.
L. The Owner must notify OAR in writing if the Approved Animal is no longer needed or is
no longer in residence. (Employees must direct such notifications to the Office of
Human Resources.)
M. The Owner agrees to continue to abide by all other policies, including residential
policies. A reasonable accommodation which may constitute an exception to a policy
that otherwise would prohibit having an animal does not constitute an exception to any
other policy.
N. The Owner shall indemnify and hold harmless Drew University from all expenses,
injuries, or claims arising out of the Owner’s control and/or use of the Approved Animal.
VI. Public Etiquette by the Community
Service Animals are working animals and not pets. The University asks that members of
the Drew community, neighbors, and visitors adhere to the following best practices when
interacting with Service Animals. Individuals should not:
A. Assume that the Service Animal is a pet.
B. Pet/touch a Service Animal. Petting distracts them from their responsibilities.
C. Restrict the Owner and the Service Animal from full participation in programs and
activities of the University. This includes off campus activities and activities involving
transportation.
D. Assume the Owner may have visible disability. Do not make assumptions about the
necessity of the Service Animal or ask the handler about their specific medical or
psychological condition.
E. Feed a Service Animal.
F. Deliberately startle, tease or taunt a Service Animal.

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VII. Exclusion of Animals from Campus
In situations where an immediate threat to others becomes apparent, the Dean of Students,
Director of Residence Life, Director of Human Resources and/or the Director of Department of
Public Safety or designee may order the immediate removal of the approved animal from
University property. In the case of non-emergency removals, the Dean of Students or designee
may remove the approved animal when warranted under the requirements discussed herein.
As a result, the owner will be notified in writing, via University email and/or hand delivery, that
the animal must be removed and outline the reasons for the decision. When appropriate, the
Dean of Students, Director of Human Resources, or designee can approve an appeal of this
decision.

A. Service Animals may be excluded from the University premises or specific areas
of the campus for the following reasons:
1. The animal is out of control and the Owner does not take effective action
to control the animal.
2. The animal is not housebroken.
B. Assistance Animals may be excluded from the University premises or specific
areas of the campus for the following reasons:
1. The animal’s behavior is unruly or disruptive, not controlled and the
owner does not take effective corrective action. Disruptive behavior may
include, but is not limited to the following examples: barking, whining,
growling, jumping up on people, initiating contact with someone without
permission, or escaping from leash or crate.
2. The animal poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others.
3. Animal illness.
4. Uncleanliness. Owners must ensure that their animals are kept in sanitary
conditions, and are clean and groomed. Removal of an approved animal
may be ordered if the animal is excessively unclean or unsanitary, foul
smelling and/or shedding excessively, urinating or defecating
inappropriately or exhibits signs of fleas, ticks, or other pests.
5. Animal is not on a leash.
6. There is evidence to support possible abuse or neglect of the animal by
the owner.
7. Aggressive behavior.
8. The owner does not comply with the Animals on Campus policy and
procedures.

VIII. Notice and Education to the Drew University Community

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Where appropriate, at the sole discretion of Drew University, OAR staff and/or the Office of
Human Resources may provide notice of or offer targeted training to members of the Drew
University community most likely to come in contact with a Service or Assistance Animal.
IX. Designated Services within University Housing
Where appropriate and as deemed necessary by both OAR and the Director of Residence Life,
specific designated laundry services may be assigned to animal owners in order to avoid
cross-contamination with the clothing of students with animal allergies.
X. Conflicting Needs
It is important for individuals who have allergy/respiratory/medical issues, when exposed to
animals, to disclose this information (with appropriate medical documentation) to OAR and/or
appropriate supervisors. OAR cannot make reasonable accommodations without prior notice.
The University will consider the needs of all parties requiring reasonable accommodations in
resolving conflicting accommodations requests.
Students requesting to reside within University residence halls should advise the OAR of this
accommodation request prior to the start of the semester in order to best enable the
scheduling of housing arrangements. It should not be expected that such disclosure is only
required after receiving notice of the presence of service or assistance animals in University
housing.
XI. Related Information
All forms required for students requesting assistance animals can be found under the policies
tab of the Office of Accessibility web page. All applicable forms in connection to employee
requests for accommodations under this policy can be found on the Office of Human Resources
webpage.
XII. Contacts
Please contact Dana Giroux at the Office of Accessibility Resources at dgiroux@drew.edu or
(973) 408-3962 to address questions regarding this Policy.
Please contact the Office of Human Resources at humres@drew.edu or (973) 408-3223 to
address all employee-related questions regarding this Policy.
XIII. History
This policy is a new policy and supersedes the existing policy previously found at:
http://www.drew.edu/policies/policy/animals-on-campus/ in relation to animals on campus.
Additionally, the link to the prior assistance animal application process found previously at:
http://www.drew.edu/wp-policies/wp-content/uploads/sites/154/Assistance-Animal-Applicati

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on-Process.pdf is no longer effect. This policy with an effective date of March 1, 2019, as
approved by the University Cabinet, and all related information discussed herein supersede all
policies and forms prior to this date.

______________________________________________________________________________
(For Use with the Office of Accessibility Resources and/or the Office of Human Resources)

I understand, acknowledge and agree to comply with the requirements discussed within the above
policy. I acknowledge that non-compliance with this policy would result in the removal of an approved
animal from the Drew University campus and/or other disciplinary penalties discussed herein.
Owner Name (print): _____________________________________________________________

Signature: ______________________________________________________________________

Date: _________________________________________________________________________