Approved Service/Support Animals in Residence
Definition
A Service or Support Animal is an animal that can be kept lawfully and is required by an individual with a disability as a reasonable accommodation to afford him/her an equal opportunity to use and enjoy University housing. Such a requirement must be documented by an appropriate healthcare or mental health professional.
Determination
The determination of whether a service or support animal will be permitted in University housing is made on a case-by-case basis, through an interactive process involving the individual requesting the accommodation and relevant campus personnel. In all cases, the needs of the individual are balanced with the impact of an animal on other campus residents and patrons.
Process
The following tasks will comprise the process for approval of a service or support animal under this policy:
- Register with Disability Services. Students with a documented disability must follow the appropriate steps for applying for services outlined on the Disability Services website and completing the appropriate documentation requirements to establish the need for a service or support animal.
- Meet with Residence Life. If all criteria are met to establish the need for the accommodation, as set forth by staff at Disability Services, a meeting will be arranged between the resident and Residence Life to discuss how to best accommodate the student, the service or support animal, and the campus community.
- Provide information about the animal. The resident must provide evidence that the animal is in good health and has been vaccinated against diseases common to that breed of animal, as recommended by the American Veterinary Medical Association. Veterinary records must be provided attesting to that fact that the animal is not aggressive or dangerous prior to the animal being allowed in the residence hall.
- Review and sign the Service/Support Animal in Residence Agreement. Initial each requirement indicating that you understand and will comply with it.
Exclusions
Service/Support animals are only allowed within a student’s dwelling in University housing, and in areas on campus where domesticated animals are permitted. Service/Support animals may be excluded from all campus areas, including University housing, when the presence of the animal:
- fundamentally alters the nature of a program or activity;
- would result in substantial physical damage to the property of others;
- would substantially interfere with the reasonable enjoyment of the area by others; or is disruptive.
Permits and Legal Restrictions
All potential service or support animals must meet the requirements of New Jersey state regulations regarding the Possession of Nongame and Exotic Wildlife. These requirements include obtaining appropriate state, municipal, or Federal permits and/or licenses for certain Nongame or exotic species of any mammal, bird, reptile, or amphibian. Additionally, no student may possess as a service or support animal any “potentially dangerous species” as defined by New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.
Visitors
Service or Support animals accompanying campus visitors are only allowed in areas of campus where domesticated animals are permitted.