PURPOSE / SCOPE:
ICOM seeks to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and to provide a safe, healthy, positive learning environment. To that end, ICOM provides rules concerning individuals bringing animals onto ICOM property.
DEFINITIONS:
- Service Animal – a dog, or in some circumstances a miniature horse, that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability. The provision of emotional support, well-being, comfort, or companionship does not constitute work or tasks for the purpose of this definition.
- Service Animal in Training – an animal who is participating in a formal program to learn to become a Service Animal.
- Support Animal – an animal that provides emotional or other support that improves one or more symptoms or effects of a person’s disability. Companionship and emotional support dogs are not considered service animals.
POLICY:
On Campus Grounds
Animals are allowed on ICOM campus grounds, but they must be leashed, under the control of the handler, not a threat to people or other animals, and do not bother nor distract others. Other than for service animals, ICOM reserves the right to ask owners to remove their animals from campus grounds at any time.
Inside Campus Buildings
ICOM does not permit animals inside ICOM facilities with the following exceptions:
- Services animals for the disabled
- Animals approved for academic research.
- Animals brought on campus for a purpose specifically approved by the President or Dean, such as a Therapy Dog event.
Service Animals
Service Animals are permitted to accompany people with disabilities in all areas of ICOM where students, members of the public, and other participants in services, programs, or activities are allowed to go. ICOM does not require documentation that a service animal has been certified, trained, or licensed as a Service Animal. ICOM employees may ask two questions of the owner to determine if the animal qualifies as a Service Animal: (1) is the animal required because of a disability? (2) what work or task has the animal been trained to perform?
Service Animals are expected to:
- have current vaccinations evidenced by a tag on the animal or the vaccination certificate in the immediate possession of the owner
- behave appropriately at all times
- be leashed or some other effective means of control if the owner is unable to hold a leash or such use would interfere with the Service Animal’s performance of work.
If a service animal behaves in a manner that poses a threat to the health or safety of others, if it is not housebroken, or if it is not under the control of the handler, the animal may be required to leave the campus.
A Service Animal in Training is allowed on campus to the same extent and subject to the same limitations as a Service Animal.
Responsibilities
Owners are required to clean up after their animals and are responsible for the cost, care, and supervision of their animals, including licensing and vaccination.
Guidelines for the ICOM Community
- Allow Service Animals to accompany people with disabilities on campus
- Do not ask for details about a person’s disability
- Do not pet a Service Animal as it distracts the animal from its work
- Do not feed a Service Animal
- Do not separate or attempt to separate a Handler from their Service Animal
- Community members are encouraged to report any animals that misbehave or Handlers who mistreat their animals.
PROCEDURE OWNER:
Sr. Director of Facilities
APPROVAL:
Effective: 5/31/23
Last Reviewed: 5/31/23
Review Requirement: 3 Years