The University of Alabama at Birmingham
Guidelines for Students Utilizing Service and Assistance Animals
The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) recognizes the importance of Service and Assistance
Animals (SAA) to individuals with disabilities, and is committed to allowing the use of SAA to
facilitate equal access to university programs and activities for individuals with disabilities.
Set forth below are specific guidelines established by UAB regarding the appropriate use of and
protocols associated with SAA. These guidelines are meant to ensure that individuals with disabilities
who require the use of SAA receive the benefit of the work or tasks performed by such animals, or the
therapeutic support they provide. It is the expectation that all members of the UAB community,
including students, faculty, and staff, follow the guidelines outlined below. UAB reserves the right to
amend these guidelines as necessary.
Animal Control Guidelines
The UAB Department of Occupational Health and Safety is responsible for promulgating
health and safety standards for students, faculty, staff and campus visitors. OH&S has
established the following guidelines regarding animal control, subject to the guidelines set
forth below for accommodating individuals with disabilities:
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Animals shall not be brought onto the UAB campus unless they are under the complete
control of the owner and present no hazard to people.
Animals are not permitted in any UAB building even though leashed, except for any animal
defined as a service animal, animals involved in research projects, or as otherwise set forth
herein.
Animals may not be tethered on campus.
Animals, including dogs and cats, found running at large or without evidence of current
rabies vaccination are subject to confinement in a local animal shelter.
Complaints concerning animals in UAB buildings or running loose on campus should be
reported to UAB Pest Control Services at 205-934-4126.
Concerns related to dead animals on the UAB campus should be referred to Campus
Services and Grounds at 205-934-3725.
Birmingham Municipal Ordinances may also apply.
Service Animals
Definition
A service animal is defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) as any dog1 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.
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ADA revised regulations include a separate provision regarding miniature horses which have been trained to do work or perform
tasks for individuals with disabilities. Entities covered by the ADA must modify their policies to permit miniature horses when
reasonable.
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Examples of such work or tasks include, but are not limited to, guiding people who are blind,
alerting people who are deaf, pulling a wheelchair, providing physical support and assistance
with balance to individuals with mobility impairments, alerting and protecting a person who is
having a seizure, reminding a person to take prescribed medications, calming a person with
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) during an anxiety attack, or performing other duties.
The work or task a service animal has been trained to provide must be directly related to the
person’s disability.
Assistance animals, therapy animals and companion animals are not service animals under the
ADA. Other species of animals, whether wild or domestic, trained or untrained, are not service
animals for the purposes of these guidelines. The crime deterrent effects of an animal’s
presence and the provision of emotional support, well-being, comfort, or companionship do
not constitute work or tasks for the purposes of this definition.
Position Statement
As a general rule, UAB will modify policies, practices, and procedures to permit the use of a
service animal by an individual with a disability. Service animals are exempt from the
university’s policy of no animals on campus and are generally permitted in all facilities and
programs on the UAB campus that are open to the public or to students except as described
below.
License or Documentation
A service animal does not have to be licensed or certified as a service animal. UAB officials
may, however, appropriately ask the individual to answer: a) whether the service animal is
required because of a disability, and b) what work or task(s) the animal is trained to perform.
Service Animals in UAB Non-Residential Facilities
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Students who use a service animal in UAB facilities are not required, but are strongly
encouraged, to contact UAB Disability Support Services (DSS), who can assist in making
recommendations on how the student can handle inquiries. It is helpful for DSS to know
the type of service animal, a description of the service animal (e.g. weight, breed, etc.), and
the animal's name.
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Visitors. Service animals accompanying individuals with disabilities are welcome in all
areas of campus that are open to the public, except as otherwise prohibited in this policy.
Specific questions related to the use of service animals on the UAB campus by visitors can
be directed to DSS (contact information below).
Assistance Animals
Definition
An assistance animal is defined as an animal that has been recommended by a healthcare or
mental health professional to provide emotional support to persons with disabilities who have
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a disability-related need for such support. Assistance animals include species other than dogs,
with or without training, and animals that provide emotional support. An assistance animal is
not a service animal. Unlike a service animal, an assistance animal does not assist a person
with a disability with activities of daily living, nor does it accompany a person with a disability
at all times.
Position Statement
As a general rule, assistance animals are permitted in the following instances: 1) a student may
have their assistance animal in the classroom if it has been approved by DSS as a reasonable
accommodation and 2) an assistance animal may be permitted to reside with a student in UAB
residential facilities (see “Animal Guidelines for UAB Residential Facilities” for more
information).
Assistance animals are generally not allowed to accompany their owner to other areas or
buildings on campus. However, students with disabilities may request approval for the use of
assistance animals as a reasonable accommodation by contacting DSS (contact information
below).
Assistance Animals in UAB Non-Residential Facilities
Students wishing to bring an assistance animal on to campus should contact DSS to request
accommodations. It is helpful for DSS to know the type of assistance animal, a description of
the assistance animal (e.g. weight, breed, etc.), and the animal's name.
Guidelines and Requirements for Service / Assistance Animals
Verification of Disability and Need for SAA
Where it is not readily apparent that an animal is a SAA and the person has indicated that
there is a need for the animal, DSS may require sufficient information and documentation to
determine whether the animal qualifies as a SAA under applicable law. The documentation
must be provided on the letterhead of a treating, licensed physician or mental health provider,
and permit DSS to determine 1) that the individual has a disability for which the animal is
needed, and 2) the relationship between the individual’s disability and the assistance that the
animal provides. Questions regarding documentation needed for SAA should be submitted to
DSS.
When a SAA May be Prohibited or Asked to Leave
In certain situations discussed below SAA may not be permitted, or UAB may ask that the
animal leave a UAB facility or program. In those instances, the individual with a disability will
be given the opportunity to participate in the service, program, or activity without having the
SAA on the premises.
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SAA must follow appropriate animal behavior in public settings. The animal must not be
allowed to sniff people, tables in eating areas, food, or the personal belongings of others;
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must not initiate contact with someone without the handler / owner’s direct permission;
must not display any disruptive or aggressive behaviors or noises such as barking, whining,
growling, or rubbing against people; must not block an aisle or passageway.
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SAA must not engage in unacceptable or disruptive behavior. If an animal does engage in
unacceptable behavior, the handler / owner is expected to use proper training techniques to
correct the behavior. UAB may ask an individual with a disability to remove a service /
assistance animal from the premises if the animal is out of control and the animal´s handler
/ owner does not take effective action to control it. UAB may bar the animal from the
facility until significant steps (such as additional training for the animal and handler) are
taken to mitigate the behavior.
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UAB may ask an individual with a disability to remove a SAA from the premises if the
animal is not housebroken.
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SAA may be excluded in areas where the presence of the animal fundamentally alters the
nature of a program or activity or poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others.
Examples may include, but are not limited to, medical facilities, research labs, areas
requiring protective clothing, food preparation areas, mechanical rooms, areas with sharp
objects on the floor or protruding from a surface, or any other place where the safety of the
individual or the animal may be threatened.
Responsibilities for Individuals Using SAA
The handler / owner is solely responsible for the care and supervision of the SAA, which
includes but is not limited to: maintaining full control of the animal at all times, the cost of
care, the well-being of the animal, ensuring cleanup of the animal’s waste, and any damage to
persons or UAB property caused by the animal.
The handler / owner is financially responsible for the actions of the SAA including, but not
limited to, bodily injury or property damage. The handler / owner’s responsibility covers, but
is not limited to, replacement of furniture, carpet, window, wall covering, and the like. UAB
reserves the right to seek indemnification from the handler / owner for any financial damages,
attorneys’ fees, or costs accrued by UAB that result from the SAA.
Infraction of any of the following behaviors or policies may result in the exclusion of the SAA
from campus property:
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Compliance with City Ordinances/Laws. All individuals must abide by current city
ordinances / laws pertaining to licensing and vaccination requirements for SAA. It is the
responsibility of the handler / owner of the animal to be familiar with these ordinances and
/ or laws, some of which are noted below.
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Immunization. Pursuant to Ala. Code § 3-7A-2, as applicable, a SAA must be immunized
for rabies when three months of age and annually thereafter. Proof of such immunization is
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required. Current rabies vaccination tags must be attached to a collar or harness worn by
the animal.
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Control. SAA shall be under the full control of the handler / owner at all times. A SAA shall
have a harness or leash. If the handler / owner is unable because of a disability to use a
harness, leash, or other tether, or if the use of a harness, leash, or other tether would
interfere with the animal´s safe, effective performance of work or tasks, then the animal
must be otherwise under the handler / owner’s control (e.g., voice commands, signals, or
other effective means). The care and supervision of the animal is the responsibility of the
handler / owner.
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Hygiene and Cleanliness. SAA must be clean. Daily grooming and occasional baths should
be utilized to keep animal odor to a minimum. Adequate flea prevention and control must
be maintained. If the animal’s odor is offensive to other individuals, the handler / owner
will be directed to bathe the animal prior to returning to the facility. Repeated occurrences
may result in the animal being temporarily barred from the facility until steps are taken to
comply with the guidelines regarding cleanliness.
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Cleanup Rule. Handlers / owners must clean up after the animal and appropriately dispose
of waste, unless they are unable to do so because of a disability. If a disability prevents the
handler / owner from cleaning up after the animal, this information must be provided to
DSS if a student, Human Resources Employee Relations AWARE Coordinator if an
employee, or the ADA/504 Compliance Officer for all other circumstances. These offices
will work with the individual on reasonable modifications to this rule.
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Health. SAA are expected to be in good health. Animals to be housed in UAB residential
facilities must have documentation from a licensed veterinarian dated within the past year
stating that the animal is in good health and has been immunized against diseases common
to that type of animal. This documentation should be submitted to Disability Support
Services (contact information below) prior to the move-in date each year.
Animal Guidelines for UAB Residential Facilities
Position Statement
For health and safety reasons, pets are prohibited in the residence halls. Students possessing a
pet in the residence halls will be asked to remove it. If the pet is not removed within 24 hours,
disciplinary and / or contract action will be taken. Additionally, the student may be assessed
for any pest control or cleaning costs.
As a general rule, UAB Student Housing & Residential Life will make reasonable
accommodations to modify rules, policies, and practices as necessary for students with
disabilities utilizing SAA.
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Obtaining Approval for SAA to Reside in Housing
Approval to possess a SAA in UAB residential facilities may not be granted if the animal poses a
direct threat to the health and safety of others; would cause substantial physical damage to the
property of others; would pose undue financial and administrative burden; or would
fundamentally alter the nature of UAB housing operations.
Students wishing to request a SAA in UAB residential facilities should notify DSS (contact
information below) within a reasonable amount of time (at least 60 days is preferred so the
needs of the student and animal can be considered when housing assignments are made)
before the desired move-in date so that UAB can best accommodate the student and the
animal.
Service Animals
The request to keep a service animal in UAB residential facilities will be reviewed
according to the definitions outlined in this policy. Students wishing to reside in UAB
residential facilities with their service animal are strongly encouraged to contact Disability
Support Services prior to the move-in date so that DSS may work with UAB Student
Housing & Residential Life to accommodate the student and the animal.
Assistance Animals
The request to keep an assistance animal in UAB residential facilities will be reviewed by
DSS to determine whether: 1) the request constitutes a reasonable accommodation for a
student with a documented disability, 2) the animal is necessary to afford the person with
a disability an equal opportunity to use and enjoy University Housing, and 3) there is an
identifiable relationship between the disability and the assistance the animal provides.
DSS may request supporting documentation as outline above (refer to page 3). If a student
is granted permission to have an assistance animal in UAB residential facilities, the animal
may be restricted to only housing areas, and may not be allowed in other campus facilities
or on campus grounds at large.
As stated above, students approved to reside in UAB residential facilities with a SAA should
submit documentation to DSS from a licensed veterinarian dated within the past year stating
that the animal is in good health and has been immunized against diseases common to that
type of animal.
Guidelines for Faculty, Staff, Students, and Other Members of the UAB Community
Members of the UAB Community are advised to abide by the following practices:
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Do not inquire for details about the individual's disability. The nature of a person's
disability is a private matter.
Allow the individual to have a service / assistance accompany him / her at all times and
in all places on campus, except where animals are specifically prohibited.
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Do not pet a service or assistance animal. It distracts them from the task at hand, and
service animals can be very protective of their handler / owner.
Do not feed a service or assistance animal.
Do not deliberately startle, tease, or taunt a service or assistance animal.
Do not separate or attempt to separate an individual from his / her service or assistance
animal.
If you have questions about the presence of an animal on campus, please contact
Disability Support Services (contact information below).
Students who fail to follow the guidelines outlined within this document may be subject to the
UAB Code of Non-Academic Conduct.
Conflicting Disabilities
Individuals with medical conditions that are affected by animals (examples include respiratory
diseases, asthma, severe allergies, etc.) who have a health or safety concern about exposure to a
SAA are asked to contact DSS (if a student) or Human Resources Employee Relations AWARE
Coordinator (if an employee). The individual will be asked to provide medical documentation
that identifies the condition(s) and the need for an accommodation. Action will be taken to
consider the needs of both parties and to resolve the problem as efficiently and expeditiously as
possible.
Grievance Procedure
A student who wishes to grieve or file a complaint about a decision or action taken by DSS
should be directed first to DSS. If DSS staff members cannot provide information and
suggestions that resolve an issue, a meeting with the student, the instructor (if appropriate), a
DSS staff member, and the Director of DSS may be requested. If an agreement is not reached
at this point, the student may file a formal, written appeal. The appeal should clearly describe
the complaint in detail, and should be submitted as a confidential document to:
Executive Director of Retention Initiatives and Academic Engagement
936 19th St. South
Birmingham, AL 35205
Students who believe the university or university representatives have violated or potentially
violated the ADA should report this claim to the university ADA/504 Compliance Officer. The
ADA/504 Compliance Officer for UAB is the Assistant Vice President for Student Life, Mr.
Andy Marsch (contact information below).
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Contact Information
Students with questions about having their SAA
at UAB
UAB Disability Support Services
Allison Solomon, Director
9th Ave Office Building, Suite 100
205-934-4205
www.uab.edu/dss
dss@uab.edu or asolomon@uab.edu
Employees with questions regarding service animals
at work
UAB Human Resources
Employee Relations
Sherrie Moultrie, AWARE Coordinator
701 20th St S
205-934-4458
srmoult@uab.edu
Faculty / Staff with questions about students’
accommodations / students who have an animal in class
UAB Disability Support Services
Allison Solomon, Director
9th Ave Office Building, Suite 100
205-934-4205
www.uab.edu/dss
dss@uab.edu or asolomon@uab.edu
Reporting an animal in housing that is
disruptive or poses a threat to safety
UAB Student Housing and Residential Life
Jennifer Griffin, Assistant Director
205-934-2092
www.uab.edu/students/housing
griffinj@uab.edu
studenthousing@uab.edu
Reporting an animal elsewhere on campus that is
disruptive or poses a threat to safety
UAB Dept. of Occupational Health & Safety
Emergency Management & Safety
Randy Pewitt, Executive Director
933 19th St S, Suite 445
205-934-7415
www.uab.edu/ohs
rpewitt@uab.edu
Reporting a concern about disability discrimination
or harassment
ADA / 504 Compliance Officer
Andy Marsch, Asst VP for Student Life
1715 9th Ave S
205-934-4175
marsch@uab.edu
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