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Information for Individuals Using Service Animals
St. Petersburg College (SPC) is committed to fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students, employees and visitors – including those accompanied by service animals.
What Is a Service Animal?
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a service animal is defined as any dog or miniature horse that is individually trained to perform specific tasks or work for the benefit of an individual with a disability. This includes physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other disabilities.
The tasks performed by the service animal must be directly related to the individual's disability.
Note: SPC does not permit pets or emotional support animals on campus. Only service dogs or service miniature horses, as defined above, are allowed.
Where Are Service Animals Allowed?
Service animals are permitted in all areas where individuals with disabilities are allowed to go. This includes:
- All SPC campuses and facilities
- Off-site, college-sponsored activities where the public, students, or invitees are allowed
If the presence of a service animal would compromise legitimate safety requirements or fundamentally alter a program or service, please refer to Procedure: Services for Students with Disabilities, P6Hx23-4.021, under the section titled “Fundamental Alteration”.
Responsibilities of Service Animal Handlers
Handlers are responsible for the care, cost, and supervision of their service animals. This includes:
- Service animals must be housebroken
- Keeping the animal under control, using a harness, leash, or other tether. If these devices interfere with the service animal's work or the handler’s disability, control may be maintained through voice, signals, or other effective means as well as taking effective action when it is out of control.
- Compliance with any laws pertaining to animal licensing, vaccination, and owner identification.
- Feeding and walking the service animal and disposing of its waste.
Where can I find the SPC policy?
View BOT 6Hx23-1.251 https://web.spcollege.edu/botrules/P1/P1_251.doc
If you have any questions or concerns regarding service animals please contact St. Petersburg College's ADA/504 Officer by phone 727-344-8041 or email ADA504@spcollege.edu
If you have questions about Accessibility Services, please contact the Accessibility Services Coordinator on your campus. Find your Accessibility Coordinator.