Service Animals in Training

Service Animals in Training in University Buildings

Students who are approved trainers, as defined by the Animals on Campus policy, may bring a service animal in training to campus. The individual, upon request, may be asked to submit proof to UT Austin that they are an approved trainer as required in Texas Human Resources Code Sec. 121.003.

A student is not required to submit a request to bring a service animal in training into a university building, with the exception of university housing and the workplace environment. If a student establishes an employment relationship with UT Austin, they are subject to the approval process outlined for employees. UT Austin students are highly encouraged to let Disability and Access know they are bringing a service animal in training to campus; 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 Training in University Housing

Students who are approved trainers, as defined by the Animals on Campus policy, may submit a request to have a service animal in training in their university housing assignment. Before a service animal in training can stay in university housing, a request must be submitted to and approved by Disability and Access. To evaluate the request, students will need to provide a letter, written on official letterhead, from the organization they are affiliated with that attests to their competence as trainer.

Service Animals in Training in University Buildings

Employees may submit a request to bring a service animal in training to their workplace. Employees must be an approved trainer as defined by the Animals on Campus policy. Employees are required to consult with Institutional Accessibility and Accommodation to set up a consultation. To evaluate the request, employees will need to provide a letter, written on official letterhead, from the organization they are affiliated with that attests to their competence as trainer. An employee who wishes to bring a service animal in training onto campus while performing his or her work duties must maintain compliance with HOP 5-2011, Conflict of Interest, Conflict of Commitment, and Outside Activities.

Service Animals in Training in University Housing

Requests made by faculty or staff residing in university housing should be directed to Institutional Accessibility and Accommodation. Employees who are approved trainers, as defined by the Animals on Campus policy, may submit a request to have a service animal in training in their university housing assignment. Before a service animal in training can stay in university housing, the employee must consult with Institutional Accessibility and Accommodation. To evaluate the request, employees will need to provide a letter, written on official letterhead, from the organization they are affiliated with that attests to their competence as trainer.

Service Animals in Training in University Buildings

A visitor with a service animal in training may enter university buildings with the animal, provided the individual is an approved trainer as defined by the Animals on Campus policy. The individual, upon request, may be asked to submit proof to the University that they are an approved trainer as required in Texas Human Resources Code Sec. 121.003. UT Austin, at its discretion, may require training organizations to schedule a mutually agreeable date and time to visit campus with a group of service animals in training. Training organizations planning to visit university buildings that house permanent collections of art and other special exhibits (e.g., The Blanton Museum of Art) should contact museum staff directly.

Service Animals in Training in University Housing

UT Austin will not process requests to bring a service animal in training into university housing from visitors.