Lanier Technical College welcomes individuals with disabilities who use service animals as outlined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Police K-9 units are also authorized to be on campus as needed.
Definition of a Service Animal
Under the ADA, a service animal is defined as a dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for a person with a disability. The task(s) performed by the dog must be directly related to the person’s disability.
Note: In some cases, miniature horses may also qualify as service animals under specific guidelines.
Emotional Support Animals
Emotional support, therapy, comfort, or companion animals are not considered service animals under the ADA because they are not trained to perform specific tasks related to a disability.
Where Service Animals Are Allowed
Service animals are allowed to accompany people with disabilities in all areas where the public is normally allowed to go. This includes:
- Restaurants and cafes
- Hotels and lodging facilities
- Retail stores
- Government buildings
- Public transportation
- Parks and recreation areas
Animals of any kind may not be left unattended on campus grounds or inside vehicles at any time. For the safety and well-being of students, staff, and animals, the college reserves the right to contact local authorities if unattended animals are discovered in vehicles or other areas on campus.
Permitted Questions
If it is not obvious what service the animal provides, staff may ask only two questions:
- Is the dog a service animal required because of a disability?
- What work or task has the dog been trained to perform?
Staff may not ask:
- About the person’s disability
- To see documentation or certification
- For the animal to demonstrate its task
Service Animal Handler Responsibilities
- The animal must be under control at all times, typically by a leash, harness, or voice command.
- The handler is responsible for cleaning up after the animal.
- The animal must be housebroken.
- Disruptive, aggressive, or uncontrolled behavior may result in the animal being excluded, but not the handler, as long as they are offered access without the service animal.
When a Service Animal Can Be Excluded
A service animal can only be asked to leave if:
- It is out of control and the handler does not take effective action.
- It is not housebroken.
Even in these cases, the person with a disability must be given the option to receive goods or services without the service animal.
At Lanier Technical College, we welcome service animals as part of our commitment to accessibility and inclusion. To help ensure a smooth and supportive campus experience, we offer a voluntary service animal registration with our Accessibility Services Office.
