Animals on Campus

Animals on Campus

Heartand Community College is committed to providing an accessible, inclusive, and safe learning environment. Animal on College property and at College-sponsored events are governed by the College's Animal on College Property/College-Sanctioned Events Administrative Standard. 

Service Animals

Service animals are permitted on campus in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Under the ADA, a service animal is a dog (or, in some cases, a miniature horse) that has been indivdiually trained to perform work or tasks for an individuals with a disability.

Service animals are generally permitted in all areas of campus where students, emplyees, and members of the public are allowed to be.

Students who plan to utilize a service animal are encouraged to notify Student Access and Accommodation Services (SAAS) in advance so the College can support access and address any questions that may arise.

Important: Notification is intended to support access and is not required to approve a service animal's presence on campus.

Service Animals in Training

Students and employees who intend to bring a service animal in training to campus or a College-sponsored event should contact SAAS (students) or Human Resources (employees) in advance. 

Non-Service Animals

Non-service animals are generally not permitted inside College facilities or at College-sponsored events unless specifically authorized. 

Examples may include:

• Therapy animals participating in approved campus programs or events
• Animals used for approved educational purposes.

Inidividuals seeking approval for a non-service animal should contact the Director of Risk Management and Public Safety. 

Animals on Outdoor Campus Spaces

Harnessed, leashed, or tethered animals are permitted on the Birky Pond walking path, the immediate surrounding area, and while passing through campus bia the trail extension, regardless of service animal status. 

Removal of Animals

Regardless of the dog being a service dog the animal expected to demonstrate appropriate and professional behavior while present on the premises. Animals may be asked to leave the campus in the following circumstances:

• The dog is not housebroken
• The dog is not under the owner's direct control and/or is disturbing to the environment. 
• The dogs behavior or actions is a risk or danger to people or property.