Student Handbook

2.3.8.9 - SUPPORT ANIMALS

I. Introduction and Purpose

Xavier University (“Xavier” or “University”) recognizes the importance of “Service Animals” as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), “Service Animals in Training” defined by the Ohio Revised Code (955.43), and the broader category of “Support Animals” under the Fair Housing Act that are trained or untrained animals that do work, perform tasks, provide assistance, and/or provide therapeutic emotional support to individuals with disabilities. Xavier is committed to extending equal access to individuals with disabilities who use a Service Animal on the University’s campus and in its programs and activities. Xavier is also committed to affording students with a documented disability an equal opportunity to use and enjoy University Housing through the accommodation of a Support Animal.

This policy specifically outlines the requirements applicable to an individual’s use of a Support Animal in University housing. This policy does not apply to “Service Animals”, nor does it apply to “Service Animals in Training”. Furthermore, this policy does not apply to dogs participating in the Xavier 4 Paws Student Organization; the presence of these dogs on campus, including in University housing when applicable, is governed by the Office of Student Involvement Student Organization policies, guidance from the Office of Student Affairs, and applicable Xavier policies not limited to health and safety policies. While individuals are generally prohibited from having animals in University housing, Xavier will consider requests for reasonable accommodations to allow a Support Animal when necessary to allow a person with a disability to participate fully in University housing. No Support Animal may be kept in University housing prior to receiving approval as a reasonable accommodation under this Policy. Xavier reserves the right to amend this Policy as needed.

II. Definitions

  • Support Animal: A category of animals that may work, provide support, perform tasks for an individual with a disability, and/or provide necessary emotional support that alleviates identified symptoms of a disability. These are not considered Service Animals under the ADA. They may or may not have formal training. Any animal may serve as a Support Animal. A Support Animal may also be identified as a companion animal, therapy animal, or emotional support animal. When conducting an individualized assessment, the key determinations are whether the animal is necessary for the individual to have an equal opportunity to use and enjoy University housing and if its presence is reasonable.  
  • Puppies/Dogs being socialized: A dog actively participating in the Xavier 4 Paws student organization's program. In this program, student volunteers, who have received training from Xavier 4 Paws, are responsible for providing foundational obedience training and broad exposure to diverse environmental stimuli. This exposure includes, but is not limited to, various sounds, sights, smells, interactions with different people, and experiences in new places encountered in everyday life. A puppy being socialized through the Xavier 4 Paws program is considered to be undergoing early-stage foundational training, focusing on general good manners and adaptability and is not covered by this policy.
  • Service Animal: A dog (or in some cases a miniature horse) that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability.
  • Service Animal in Training: A dog (or in some cases a miniature horse) being trained by a nonprofit special agency to perform tasks for a person with a specific type of disability (blindness, deafness/hearing impairment, or mobility impairment) and that dog is covered by a liability insurance policy from the nonprofit agency. Puppy raising, fostering, and socialization activities are not considered training.
  • Owner: The individual who has requested the accommodation and received approval to bring a Support Animal into University Housing.  
  • Accessibility & Disability Resources (ADR): The University office that collaborates with individuals, faculty, and staff to ensure equal access for individuals with disabilities.  

III. Requesting a Support Animal Accommodation

Student must register with ADR, following the procedures in the general Access and Accommodations for Persons with Disabilities Policy (ADA Policy), with this policy controlling in case of conflict.  If, after the interactive process and assessment, ADR approves the accommodation, the owner must submit required forms (e.g., Veterinary Form, Approval and Procedure Form) to ADR, which will be forwarded to Residence Life. The animal may not occupy the space until this process is complete.  

IV. Approval Criteria & Standards

  1. Determining Reasonableness: During the interactive process and individualized assessment, ADR will consult with Residence Life to determine if the animal's presence is reasonable on a case-by-case basis. A request may be denied if the animal's presence:  
    • Imposes an undue financial and/or administrative burden.  
    • Fundamentally alters a University housing program, policy, or operation.  
    • Poses a direct threat to the health and safety of others.  
    • Would cause substantial property damage.  

    Factors considered include:

    • Whether the animal is housebroken and can live reasonably with others.  
    • Whether vaccinations are up-to-date.  
    • Past or present direct threats (aggression, injury).  
    • Past or present excessive damage caused by the animal.  

    To manage potential impacts, Xavier reserves the right to assign an individual with a support animal to a single room without a roommate. Assignments will not be limited to specific buildings.  

  2. Standards for Approved Animals: All approved Support Animals must comply with applicable laws and meet these standards:
    • Health & Vaccinations: Must have up-to-date required immunizations. Copies must be on file with ADR and Residence Life. Must have a recent Rabies vaccination.  
    • Licensing: Must be licensed according to applicable laws. A copy of the license must be on file with ADR and Residence Life.  
    • Spay/Neuter: Dogs and cats must be spayed or neutered. A copy of the veterinarian's report must be on file with ADR and Residence Life.  
    • Identification & Control: Collars and tags must be worn at all times. Must be leashed when outside the residence hall room or apartment. Must never run freely.  
    • Temperament: Must possess friendly and sociable characteristics. Cannot exhibit threatening or territorial behavior.  
V. Owner's Responsibilities

The Owner is solely responsible for the custody, care, control, and cost of the Support Animal at all times. Responsibilities include:  

  • Compliance: Fully comply with all state/local laws and University policies regarding licensing, vaccination, and reporting (e.g., bites/attacks). Provide documentation upon request. Abide by all applicable residential policies.  
  • Care: Ensure the animal is well-cared for, including daily food, attention and health assessment. Mistreatment or abuse can lead to removal and student conduct procedures.
  • Supervision & Containment: Control of the animal, including, properly housing, leashing, and restraining the animal. Ensure the animal is crated in an animal/breed specific container (e.g. crated or within their animal/breed specific self-contained enclosure) when the Owner is not present during the day.  
  • Absences: Animals cannot be left unattended overnight. If the Owner is absent overnight or longer, the animal must accompany the Owner or arrangements must be made for off-campus care. An alternate/emergency caregiver contact must be provided, and the alternate caregiver may not reside in University housing.  
  • Waste Disposal: Clean up after the animal and dispose of waste properly and immediately in designated outdoor dumpsters. Waste cannot be disposed of inside any University buildings. Cat litter boxes must be maintained and contents disposed of regularly and properly. Dogs must use designated outdoor relief areas, to the extent such are provided.  
  • Cleaning & Damages: Promptly clean any animal accidents. Maintain regular cleaning of living space, kennels, cages, litter boxes. Control animal odors. The Owner is financially responsible for any damage caused by the animal beyond reasonable wear and tear and for any extraordinary cleaning or pest control needed.
  • Health & Behavior: Ill animals should not be taken to public areas and may need to be removed from housing. Animals must not disrupt others (e.g., excessive barking). Take precautions to protect others and property, and notify Residence Life if the animal escapes. The Owner is responsible for all liability for the animal's actions (bites, scratches, etc.), and must report any attacks/bites to authorities and University offices.   The University recommends consulting with an insurance carrier.
  • Cooperation: Cooperate with University personnel regarding policy terms and animal care procedures.  
  • Notification: Notify ADR in writing if the animal is no longer needed or no longer in residence. Follow policy procedures to request a replacement animal.  
VI. Access to University Facilities

Support Animals must be contained within the Owner’s privately assigned individual living accommodations (room, suite, apartment). If the student lives in an apartment, the animal is only permitted in that student’s bedroom. The only exception is when taking the animal out for natural relief. When outside the private living area, the animal must be in a carrier or controlled by a leash or harness. Support Animals are not permitted in any other University facilities (e.g., dining halls, libraries, academic buildings, classrooms, athletic facilities).  

VII. Removal of Support Animal

The University may require the removal of a Support Animal if:

  • The animal poses a direct threat to health or safety or causes substantial property damage.  
  • The animal’s presence fundamentally alters a University program or housing operations.  
  • The Owner does not comply with the responsibilities outlined in this policy.  
  • The animal or its presence creates an unmanageable disturbance or interference.  
  • An ill animal poses a risk.  
  • The animal exhibits threatening behavior or causes harm.  

Removal decisions are based on the specific animal's behavior, not speculation, and are made in consultation with the ADR Director. If behavior can be corrected, a written action plan may be submitted for approval. If an animal is removed, the Owner remains responsible for their housing contract obligations. Failure to comply with removal directives can result in disciplinary action. Animals found running loose are subject to capture and immediate removal.  

VIII. Emergency Procedures

University personnel are not required to provide care, food, or evacuation for Support Animals during emergencies (e.g., fire alarms). Emergency personnel will decide whether to remove the animal and are not responsible for its care, damage, or loss.  

IX. Roommates/Neighbors

The Owner must provide written consent for ADR to disclose limited information regarding the presence of the Support Animal (not the Owner's disability) to those potentially impacted, such as Residence Life staff and potential or actual roommates/neighbors. This is done to prepare for the animal's presence and resolve potential issues. Staff may acknowledge the animal's presence if noticed by others. The animal's presence should not violate others' right to peace and quiet enjoyment or force someone from housing due to issues like severe allergies.  

X. Non-Retaliation

Xavier University will not retaliate against any person for requesting or receiving a reasonable accommodation, including a Support Animal.  

XI. Appeals

Any removal decision or other decision made by Accessibility & Disability Resources or Residence Life under this policy may be appealed. The Owner may appeal the decision under the procedures set forth in the University's Disability Discrimination Procedure. The Owner will be afforded the process and appeal outlined in that procedure.   

XII. Policy Acknowledgement and Forms

Owners must acknowledge they have read, understood, and agree to abide by this policy by completing required forms. Failure to comply may result in the animal's removal, referral to Student Conduct, and potential loss of housing, while the Owner remains responsible for housing contract obligations. Required forms include the Support Animal Approval and Procedure Form, which collects resident and animal details, veterinarian verification of health and vaccinations, and emergency contact information. This agreement integrates into the housing contract.

For more information on support animals and the process to request approval, visit the Accessibility & Disability Resources website.