Service Animal Guidelines

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Last updated: May 23, 2023 by Kisa Barthel
2 min read

A service animal is defined as any animal that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability. The work or tasks performed by a service animal must be directly related to the employee’s disability.

An emotional support/comfort animal is defined as any animal that individuals with disabilities utilize for emotional support, well-being, or comfort. Because they are not individually trained to perform work or tasks, support animals are not considered service animals and do not assist a person with a disability with activities of daily living, nor does it accompany a person with a disability at all times. Therefore, requests for emotional support/comfort animals at work are not generally granted.

Requirements

Service animals are required to be licensed and in compliance with the State of Minnesota and Arden Hills city legislation which includes the following:

  1. An Arden Hills animal license must be obtained and kept current.
  2. The service animal must be registered and tagged to be recognized in the City of Arden Hills.
  3. The service animal must have all veterinarian-recommended vaccinations to maintain the animal’s health and prevent contagious diseases.

Whether in backpacks or with a leash, service animals must be under the control of the handler at all times. Handlers are responsible for properly containing and disposing of the animal's solid waste (e.g., feces). Handlers are financially responsible for the actions of the service animal including bodily injury or property damage.

Process

When presented with a request for a service animal accommodation, the University may grant the accommodation request if all of the following exist:

  1. The employee’s disability and the service animal’s function are related
  2. The service animal will improve the worker’s ability to perform their job
  3. The animal has had sufficient training to not be a disruptive presence in the workplace
  4. The accommodation does not present an undue hardship.

Requests should be submitted in writing to the Office of People and Culture.