Suffolk Law Student Handbook

Training: Service Animals must be individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of the individual with a disability. Control: If appropriate, the Service Animal must be on a leash, unless the leash would inhibit the Service Animal's ability to be of service. Otherwise the Service Animal must be under voice control. Health: The Service Animal must be in good health. Service Animals living in University housing must have an annual clean bill of health from a licensed veterinarian. Vaccination: In accordance with local ordinances and regulations, the Service Animal must be immunized against diseases common to that type of animal. Dogs must have current vaccination against rabies and wear a rabies vaccination tag. Local licensing requirements must be followed. Other Conditions: The Office of Disability Services, the Law School Dean of Students, Residence Life & Housing or Human Resources may place other reasonable conditions or restrictions on the Service Animal depending on the nature and characteristics of the Service Animal. Guidelines for Maintaining a Service Animal: The following guidelines apply to all Service Animals and their Owners unless the nature of the documented disability of the Owner precludes adherence to these guidelines, and permission for a variance from the guidelines has been granted by the Office of Disability Services, Law School Dean of Students Office or Human Resources Office. Care and Supervision: Care and supervision of a Service Animal are the responsibility of the Owner. The Owner is required to maintain control of the Service Animal at all times. The Owner is responsible for ensuring the cleanup of the Service Animal's waste. Indoor animal waste must be placed in a sturdy plastic bag before being disposed. Removal of Approved Animals: Suffolk University may exclude/remove a Service Animal when (i) the Service Animal poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others; (ii) the Service Animal’s presence results in a fundamental alteration of the University's program; or (iii) the Owner does not comply with Owner’s responsibilities in University housing, in University facilities and/or at University events. Disruption: The Owner of a Service Animal that is unruly or disruptive may be asked to remove the Service Animal from University facilities. If the improper behavior happens repeatedly, the Owner may be required to take significant steps to mitigate the behavior before bringing the Service Animal into any University facility. Mitigation may include, but is not limited to, muzzling a barking animal, obtaining refresher training for both the Service Animal and the Owner, and other appropriate measures. Damage: Owners of Service Animals are solely responsible for any damage to persons or University property caused by their Service Animals. Areas off Limits to Animals: The University may prohibit the use of Service Animals in certain locations because of health and safety restrictions. Restricted areas may include, but are not limited to: custodial closets, boiler rooms, facility equipment rooms, research laboratories, classrooms with research/demonstration animals, areas where protective clothing is necessary, wood and metal shops, motor pools, rooms with heavy machinery, and areas outlined in state law as being inaccessible to Service Animals.

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