Apply for Services

Students and third parties who wish to bring a service animal onto college property – including classrooms and college buildings open to the public – may do so without prior approval. However, students are strongly encouraged to contact Access and Accommodation Resources to ensure that their experience bringing the animal to campus is without issue.

When it is not obvious or apparent what disability-related service an animal provides, college personnel may ask: (1) if the animal is a service animal required because of a disability, and (2) what work or task the animal has been trained to perform. College personnel cannot ask for details about the individual’s disability, require medical documentation, or require proof that the animal has been certified, trained, or licensed as a service animal.

Service Animals in Training

Service animals in training are permitted in all public facilities on the same basis as working service animals, provided that the animal is on a leash and is being led or accompanied by a trainer for the purpose of training the animal and the trainer has documentation confirming the trainer is affiliated with a recognized or certified service animal training organization.

Control of Service Animals

A service animal must be under the control of its handler. Service animals must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered, unless the individual’s disability prevents using these devices or these devices interfere with the service animal’s safe and effective performance of tasks. In that case, the individual must maintain control of the animal through voice, signal, or other effective controls.

Please refer to Ozarks Tech policy 4.11 for further information.

Frequently Asked Questions about Service Animals and the ADA

Students who requesting to bring an ESA onto college property must apply for and complete the process to receive accommodations through Access and Accommodation Resources. Application for services that may include an ESA accommodation should be submitted at least 30 days before the student plans to bring the animal onto college property. The student’s qualified current provider (psychiatrist, psychologist, or other licensed mental health professional) must complete the ESA Request for Information Form.

An ESA will not be allowed until formal approval has been established. The student will be informed of any restrictions or delays in the approval process.

To ensure that the presence of an ESA is not an undue administrative burden or fundamental alteration of a college program or activity, the college will consider each request for an ESA on an individualized basis.

Please refer to Ozarks Tech Policy 4.11 for further information.