The information below explains how service animals are supported at RCC and outlines shared responsibilities that help maintain a positive experience for everyone.
Access and Inclusion
Service animals are permitted in all areas of RCC where students and members of the public are allowed. This includes:
- Classrooms
- Libraries
- Dining areas
- Offices
- Recreational facilities
- Event spaces
Responsibilities of Handlers
Handlers are responsible for the care, supervision and behavior of their service animals at all times. Service animals must remain under control and should not disrupt learning, working or campus activities.
Respect and Etiquette
Service animals are working animals and should not be distracted while performing their duties.
Please remember to:
- Avoid petting or feeding service animals.
- Refrain from speaking to or distracting a service animal while it is working.
- Respect the handler’s space and needs.
These actions help ensure the safety and effectiveness of the service animal and its handler.
Documentation and Registration
Handlers are not required to provide documentation or proof of training for their service animal.
Students are encouraged to register with Access & Disability Resources. Registration helps the college provide appropriate support and respond to any specific needs related to campus access.
Vaccination Requirements
All service animals must be current on vaccinations, including the initial set of required vaccinations. It is the handler’s responsibility to ensure this requirement is met before bringing a service animal to campus.
- Vaccination records will be requested during an initial meeting with Access.
- Records must be provided within two weeks of the meeting or before the start of the academic term, whichever comes first.
Students who choose not to work directly with Access may instead provide vaccination records to the Office of Risk Management.
Vaccination records must still be submitted before the beginning of the academic term.
Employees, volunteers and visitors work directly with Risk Management to submit vaccination records.
Service animal vaccination records are stored in a secure location that is jointly accessible to Access and Risk Management.
FAQ: Service Animals at RCC
Explore answers to common questions about service animals on campus.Handlers must ensure their service animals:
- Are under control at all times by leash, harness or voice command.
- Are well-behaved and do not disrupt the campus environment.
- Are housebroken and in good health.
- Receive proper care, including feeding, walking and cleaning up after the animal.
No. Emotional support, comfort or therapy animals are not considered service animals under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Emotional support animals do not have the same access rights as service animals and are not allowed in campus spaces.
College staff may ask only two questions to determine whether an animal is a service animal:
- Is the animal required because of a disability?
- What work or task has the animal been trained to perform?
Staff may not:
- Ask for documentation of the animal’s training.
- Ask about the individual’s disability.
- Require the animal to demonstrate its task.
Yes. A service animal may be asked to leave if it is:
- Out of control.
- Aggressive.
- Not housebroken.
If this occurs, security or college staff may require the handler to remove the animal, and an incident report must be filed with Risk Management for review.
The handler must still be allowed to participate in the activity, program or service without the service animal present.
Support and Resources
Access is available to support students with service animals and help address questions related to accommodations and campus access.
Additional Resources
By following these guidelines, you help create an inclusive campus environment where everyone can learn, work and participate fully at RCC.