Disability Resource Center

Animal Policy

Service animals are welcome on the UT campus and in student housing. However, owners are encouraged to notify the Disability Resource Center (DRC) to coordinate with faculty and Housing and Resident Life department.

UT recognizes that service or assistance animals can play an important role in facilitating the independence of individuals with certain types of disabilities. Allowing individuals with disabilities to be accompanied by their appropriately trained service animal on UT campus and facilities (where animals are typically prohibited) is a reasonable modification of general UT policies and practices concerning animals on campus. However, the health and safety of all UT students, faculty, staff as well as the service animal are equally important. Therefore, only service animals that meet the criteria described in the Americans with Disabilities Act and supported by UT policies will be exempt from the rules that otherwise restrict or prohibit animals on UT premises. Policy 405

Animal Clasification

Service Animal

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), defined as a dog that has been individually trained to do work or performs specific task(s) for a qualified individual with a disability. The task(s) performed by the dog must be directly related to the person’s disability. Other species of animals, whether wild or domestic, trained or untrained, are not service animals. The University may permit miniature horses on campus on a case-by-case basis, consistent with applicable law.

Assistance Animals (sometimes called Emotional Support Animals or Therapy Animals)

Provide companionship, relieve loneliness, and sometimes help with depression, anxiety, and certain phobias, but do not have special training to perform tasks that assist people with disabilities. Assistance or Support animals are not service animals even if prescribed by a physician or therapist.

Pet

Any domesticated animal that does not meet the definition of a service animal or assistance animal. A pet is an animal kept for ordinary use and companionship. A pet is not considered a service animal or a support animal.

Utah Tech University Reasonable Accommodation & Assistance Animal Policy

Utah Tech University provides reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities in accordance with University policy, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and the Fair Housing Act (FHA). A disability is defined as: (a) a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, (b) a record of such an impairment, or (c) being regarded as having such an impairment. The University reviews all requests promptly and may deny accommodations if they pose an undue financial/administrative burden or lack a clear connection to the disability. All disability-related information is kept confidential unless the student authorizes release or disclosure is legally required. Retaliation or discouragement of requests is prohibited.

Assistance Animals

  • While pets are not allowed in campus housing, Assistance Animals are permitted when approved as a reasonable accommodation. They are not considered pets.
  • Students must request approval and, if needed, provide documentation establishing the link between disability and the animal.
  • Approved animals must remain in the owner’s assigned living space, except for exercise or elimination. They are not allowed in classrooms, common areas, or other facilities.
  • Animals must be restrained, cared for properly, and not left alone for extended periods. Abuse, neglect, or mistreatment may result in removal.

Removal of Assistance Animals

The University may remove an animal if it:

  • Poses a direct threat to health or safety,
  • Causes substantial property damage, or
  • Is not properly cared for in compliance with these policies.

Decisions are made case by case, in consultation with appropriate offices, and based on actual behavior, not speculation. Removal decisions may be appealed through the Student Housing grievance process. If removal occurs, the owner remains responsible for fulfilling their housing contract.

Owner Responsibilities

  • Owners are subject to all housing agreements and local animal laws, including licensing and vaccination.
  • Owners must clean up after their animal and are liable for any damages it causes.

Procedure for a Student Seeking an Emotional Support Animal

  1. The applicant shall obtain documentation from a health or social service professional such as a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist attesting to the applicant’s disability. This document should verify that the applicant has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities and has need for an Assistance Animal.
  2. The applicant shall fill out the Application for Reasonable Accommodation for an Assistance Animal in Campus Housing. The application is available at the Housing and Resident Life Office and the Disability Resource Center. The completed and signed application should be returned to the Disability Resource Center for processing.
  3. If the request is approved, the applicant will be notified promptly. If the request is not approved, the applicant will be provided with documentation of the reasons for denial. If the requested accommodations are found to impose an undue financial and administrative burden, the Disability Resource Center will schedule a meeting with the applicant to discuss possible alternative accommodations. Utah Tech University is committed to participating in an interactive process with the person requesting the accommodation to reach an alternative.
  4. If request is approved the applicant must schedule an appointment with the Director of Housing and Resident Life to discuss the accommodation including discussion on responsibilities such as keeping the animal and other residents safe and free from disruption.
  5. The applicant shall inform the Disability Resource Center and the Director of Housing and Resident Life in the event that he or she no longer has a disability necessitating an Assistance Animal.

Related Resources

Student Eligibility Accommodations Rights and Responsibilities Grievances & Complaints

Contact

Meet Our Team

Disabilities Resource Center

Email: drc@utahtech.edu

Phone: 435-652-7516

Fax: 435-879-4038

Office: North Plaza Building Beside the Testing Center