In compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (“ADA”), Service Animals are permitted on campus for individuals with disabilities. As a non-residential day-use higher educational campus, MTSA does not allow emotional support animals or pets on campus. These guidelines address animals utilized for disability purposes.
Service Animals
In Tennessee, only dogs are considered to be Service Animals. A Service Animal is a dog individually trained to do work or perform work tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability. The work or work tasks performed by a Service Animal must be directly related to the individual’s disability. Providing emotional support, well-being, comfort, or companionship does not constitute work or work tasks for this definition. A Handler is a person with a Service Animal.
Service Animals are permitted on campus when both of the following conditions are met:
- The Handler has a disability as defined by the ADA
- The accompanying Service Animal is trained to do a specific task for the Handler
MTSA has a right to request the Handler to request the following:
- Affirmation that the Service Animal is required due to disability
- A description of the specific tasks or work the Service Animal has been trained to perform
- Proof of the Service Animal’s current vaccination and registration (to be updated annually)
Handler Responsibility for Service Animals
- Handler is responsible for attending to and being in complete control of the Service Animal at all times.
- A Service Animal must wear a leash, harness, or cape that identifies the animal as a Service Animal when on duty anywhere on campus, unless the Handler is able to use a harness, leash, or tether; or using a harness, leash, or tether will interfere with the animal’s ability to safely and effectively perform its duties.
- Costs of care necessary for the well-being of the Service Animal
- Arrangements and sole responsibility for the care of the Service Animal at all times, such as including regular bathing and grooming, as needed
- Independently removing or arranging for the removal of the Service Animal’s waste
- Complying with local and state licensing laws, the Service Animal should be current with immunizations and wear a rabies vaccination tag.
- Paying for any damage to MTSA property caused by the Service Animal.