SERVICE ANIMALS ON CAMPUS

The following definitions apply to service animal information at KCC:

• Emotional support/comfort animal: Prescribed by a medical professional, an emotional support/comfort animal is a companion animal that provides therapeutic benefit for its owner’s mental or psychiatric disability. They are prohibited in KCC facilities unless they meet the definition of a service animal because they have been trained to perform a specific job or task that mitigates the handler’s disability.
• Handler: A person with a service animal.
• Place of public accommodation: A space that is open and accessible to all, regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, age, or socio-economic level (i.e., student commons, offices, library and hallways).
• Service animal: Service animals are working animals, not pets. An individual with a service animal must have a disability as defined by the ADA, and the accompanying animal must be trained to do specific tasks directly related to the handler’s disability. Service animals can only be dogs or miniature horses. Service animals are permitted to accompany their handler in any space of public accommodation. Provided they meet all other requirements, KCC will allow service animals on all campuses in places of public accommodation.
• Service animal in training: A dog or miniature horse that is being trained by a handler to become a service animal. Provided they meet all other requirements, KCC will allow service animals in training on all campuses in places of public accommodation.
• Therapy animal: A therapy animal is trained to provide therapeutic benefit to individuals other than their handler. They are prohibited in KCC facilities unless they meet the definition of a service animal because they have been trained to perform a specific job or task that mitigates the handler’s disability.
• Work or tasks: Includes specific jobs performed to assist the handler with a disability.

The following requirements apply to service animals at KCC:

• Service animals must be in good health, licensed in accordance with county regulations, and wear appropriate vaccination tag(s).
  • KCC reserves the right to request current registration and/or vaccination records.
• Service animals must be on a leash, harness or under the owner’s full control at all times.
  • If the handler is unable to use a leash because of their disability, or if the leash would interfere with the safe and effective performance of work being performed, the service animal must always be under the handler’s control (i.e., voice control, signals or other effective means).
• Service animals must be housebroken and only void where allowed/instructed by KCC.
• Service animals must not sniff or jump on people, KCC property or personal belongings of others.
• Service animals must not initiate contact with someone without the handler’s and individual’s direct permission.
• Service animals must not display any behaviors or noises that are disruptive to others, such as barking, whining, growling or roaming.
• Service animals must not block an aisle or passageway.
• Service animals must be trained not to pursue food that may be in common areas.
• Consideration of others must be taken into account when providing maintenance and hygiene of a service dog. For instance, daily grooming and occasional baths should keep dog odor to a minimum, and adequate preventative measures should be taken for flea and tick control.
• Human allergic reactions are common to many animals including service animals. Individuals who are asthmatic, allergic or have other documentable medical concerns should direct concerns to the Center for Student Success, located in Room 207 of the Ohm Information Technology Center on KCC’s North Avenue campus in Battle Creek (the CSS can be reached by phone at 269-965-4150). The individual must show medical documentation to support medical concerns. Action will be taken to consider the needs of both persons and to resolve the problem as efficiently as possible.

The following requirements apply to service animal handlers at KCC:

• Service animals must be under control (i.e., voice or leash) at all times.
• Handlers must take effective action should their animal stray from behavioral expectations.
• Disruptive and aggressive service animals may be asked to leave College facilities immediately. If improper behavior persists, the handler may be told not to bring the service animal into any facility until they take significant steps to mitigate the behavior.
• Handlers must ensure their service animal is housebroken and voids appropriately.
• Handlers are responsible for cleaning up animal excrement while on campus.
• While handlers are not required to register service animals with the College, voluntary registration is available and encouraged. Certain settings may require advance permission to ensure the health and safety of all.
• Handlers must respond to the following questions when asked by an agent of the College:
  • Is the animal required because of a disability?
  • What work or task has the animal been trained to perform?
• If these requirements are not followed and the handler is a student, sanctions under the Student Code of Conduct may apply.

The following information is factored into consideration for the potential use of miniature horses as service animals at KCC:

• Type, size, weight of the horse and whether the facility can accommodate those features.
• Handler has exhibited sufficient control of the horse.
• Horse must be housebroken.
• Determination of the potential for the horse’s presence in a specific facility to compromise legitimate safety requirements.