Service Animals
This section outlines the use of service animals by students, employees, visitors, and other participants in services, programs or activities. UT Austin permits service animals into university buildings where other animals would typically not be permitted, this includes any UT Austin housing assigned to the individual after following the required approval steps outlined in the Animals on Campus policy. The service animal must be trained in the work or tasks directly related to the disability of the person who needs the service animal’s assistance.
In very limited circumstances, arrangements may need to be made to ensure the integrity of UT Austin’s research enterprise due to the potential hazards a service animal poses that a human being does not. Individuals who work in certain laboratory or other sterile environments may need to work with Institutional Accessibility and Accommodation or Disability & Access to determine if the service animal can be accommodated in these unique spaces. Due to the presence of research animals, certain buildings may also pose limitations to the presence of service animals. Additionally, state health code regulations prevent service animals from entering the water of swimming pools.
Federal regulations define service animals as dogs, or in some cases, miniature horses, that are trained to do work or perform tasks for a person with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability. Tasks performed can include, among other things, pulling a wheelchair, retrieving dropped items, alerting a person to a sound, reminding a person to take medication, and pressing an elevator button. An animal that meets this definition, is considered a service animal regardless of whether or not the animal has received formal training through an agency. A service animal is a working animal, not a pet.
Other species of animals, whether wild or domestic, trained or untrained, are not service animals for the purposes of this definition. The work or tasks performed by a service animal must be directly related to the disability of the person who needs the service animal’s assistance. The crime deterrent effects of an animal’s presence and the provision of emotional support, well-being, comfort, and companionship do not constitute work or tasks for the purposes of defining a service animal.
Students
Service Animals in University Buildings
A student is not required to submit an accommodation request to bring a service animal into a university building, with the exception of university housing. UT Austin students living in university housing must seek registration for a service animal to reside in university housing space as outlined in the Animals on Campus policy. UT Austin students are highly encouraged to let Disability and Access know they are planning to use a service animal; this helps UT Austin address any logistical issues with the animal’s presence, such as access to restricted areas and ensuring appropriate space for the animal.
Service Animals in University Housing
Before a service animal can move into university housing with a student with a disability, a request must be submitted to and approved by Disability and Access. Failure to obtain approval may result in the animal being removed from university housing. To initiate the approval process, students should follow the process outlined on the Disability and Access website.
Freshman Orientation
If you are attending Freshman Orientation and need housing accommodations due to a disability, follow the process outlined on the Disability and Access website.
Employees
Service Animals in University Buildings
Employees interested in bringing a service animal to their workplace are required to consult with Institutional Accessibility and Accommodation and initiate the ADA workplace accommodation process. However, if the need for the service animal is obvious (e.g. guide dog) a consultation is not required.
Service Animals in University Housing
Requests made by employees residing in university housing should be directed to Institutional Accessibility and Accommodation. Before a service animal can move into university housing with an employee with a disability, a request must be submitted to and approved by Institutional Accessibility and Accommodation. Failure to obtain approval may result in the animal being removed from university housing.
Visitors
Service Animals in University Buildings
Visitors with service animals are permitted into UT Austin buildings providing they follow federal, state and local laws and the rules and expectations covered in the Animals on Campus policy.
Service Animals in University Housing
University Housing and Dining provides lodging for participants of special groups, conferences or workshops, and summer camps, which are affiliated with or sponsored by UT Austin. Before a visitor with a service animal can stay in university housing, a request must be submitted to and approved by Institutional Accessibility and Accommodation. A minimum stay is not required for visitors with service animals. However, failure to obtain approval may result in the animal being removed from university housing.
Service Animals
Guidance on Service Animals
Emotional Support Animals
Guidance on Emotional Support Animals
Service Animals in Training
Guidance on Service Animals in Training
Guidelines and FAQs
Guidance on the Animals on Campus policy and frequently asked questions
Contact Us
Contact Institutional Accessibility and Accommodation via email at ada@austin.utexas.edu or submit the contact form.
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Dr. Jennifer Maedgen
Senior Associate Vice President
ADA/Section 504 Coordinator
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Report a Barrier
We want to know about any physical barriers you may encounter on your journey through campus. Use our form to report a barrier so we can review and create an action plan.