Office of Student Disability Services
Eastern Illinois University
600 Lincoln Avenue
Charleston IL 61920-3099
217-581-6583 (Voice/TTY)
217-581-7208 (Fax)
SERVICE ANIMAL PROCEDURES FOR STUDENTS
The university is committed to compliance with state and federal laws regarding individuals with
disabilities. Students who seek reasonable accommodations for disabilities should contact the Office
of Student Disability Services.
With respect to a request for a service animal, the university will determine, on a case-by-case basis,
and in accordance with applicable laws and regulations, whether the animal is a reasonable
accommodation on campus. In doing so, the university must balance the needs of the individual with
the impact of animals on other campus patrons.
Where it is not readily apparent that an animal is a service animal as defined by the ADA, the
university may require sufficient information and documentation to determine whether the animal
qualifies as a service animal under the applicable law. The university may require that the
documentation be provided on the letterhead of a treating physician and permit the university to
determine:

That the student has a disability for which the animal is needed

The nexus between the student’s disability and the service that the animal provides
For students seeking reasonable accommodation, an accommodation review process will be
undertaken, and may involve additional conversations between the Office of Student Disability
Services and the requesting student.
I.
Requirements
a. Meet with the Director of Student Disability Services
b. Complete the SERVICE ANIMAL REGISTRATION FORM and submit it to the Office of
Student Disability Services once each year.
c. Submit proof of current vaccinations and annual clean bill of health from licensed veterinarian.
d. Sign an authorization form allowing OSDS to notify appropriate campus personnel/offices of
the presence of the animal and any special circumstances relevant to service animal usage.
e. Additional information may be needed by those living in campus housing.
II.
Handler Responsibilities
a. Care for the service animal at all times. Eastern Illinois University is not responsible for the
costs of necessary care of the service animal’s well-being.
b. Supervise the animal at all times. Handlers should not ask or allow others to watch or control
the animal.
c. Identify suitable areas where the service animal can relieve him/herself or use only those areas
designated by university offices (e.g. Housing and Dining Services). Handlers should (a) always
carry equipment and bags sufficient to clean up the animal's waste, and (b) properly dispose of
it. Persons who are not physically able to pick up and dispose of animal waste are responsible
for making all necessary arrangements for assistance. The university is not responsible for these
services.
d. If the service animal has an accident inside a building, the handler is responsible for cleaning
up, reporting it to someone in authority within the building and OSDS, and paying for the
cleaning of floors and carpets. Persons who are not physically able to pick up and dispose of
animal waste are responsible for making all necessary arrangements for assistance. The
university is not responsible for these services.
e. Indicate the service animal’s work status by having the animal wear identification at all times
(e.g. harness, cape, ID tag).
f. Have the service animal on a leash or harness at all times. If this is not possible for any reason
contact the Resident Director in Housing and the Director in OSDS.
III.
Prohibited Areas
Prohibited areas are those that may be a danger to the service animal, the handler or compromise
the health and safety of others, or the setting/environment.
a. Service animals are prohibited from kitchens and food-preparation areas except those in
apartments and other residence facilities. This does not include dining rooms.
b. Service animals are prohibited from utility rooms and other hazardous service areas (e.g.
wood/machine/electrical shops).
c. Service animals may be prohibited from laboratories in which the animal’s presence could
compromise the research environment.
d. Exceptions to prohibited areas may be granted on a case-by-case basis by contacting the Office
of Student Disability Services and the appropriate department and/or laboratory representative.
The person directing the work in the restricted area will make the final decision based on the
nature of the work in progress and the best interest of the service animal.
IV.
Service Animal Etiquette.
a. The animal must not sniff people, food or the belongings of others.
b. The animal must not initiate contact with others without the handler’s permission.
c. The animal must not display any disruptive behaviors such as barking, whining, growling or
rubbing against people.
d. The animal must avoid licking and scratching or other grooming behaviors in public.
e. The animal must not block an aisle or passageway.
f. The animal must never be more than 3 feet from the handler.
g. The animal must be trained not to be attracted to food that is nearby.
Handlers whose service animal displays disruptive behavior (e.g. barking, running around unleashed,
acting aggressively and/or other disruptive behavior) may be asked to muzzle the animal, seek refresher
training for the animal and the handler or remove the animal from university facilities.
f. Health and Cleanliness
a. Animals that are ill are not permitted in public areas on campus. A person with an ill animal
may be asked to leave university facilities or remove the animal from campus.
b. Regular bathing and grooming of service animals is required to avoid significant odors,
shedding and fleas. Animals are never to be bathed or groomed in community or public
bathrooms or showers. Groomers are available in the Charleston area. A handler with an
unclean service animal may be asked to remove the animal from university facilities.
g. Emergency Situations
a. In the case of an emergency, emergency and public safety personnel should be made aware
there is a service animal on the premises. Every effort should be made to keep the animal with
its owner. It may be necessary to leave the animal behind in certain disaster situations.