Service Animal Procedure (pending approval)

The Americans with Disability Act as amended in 2009 and interpreted by the Department of Justice defines "service animal" as a "dog that has been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability". The rule states that other animals, whether wild or domestic, do not qualify as service animals. Dogs that are not trained to perform tasks that mitigate the effects of a disability, including those that are used purely for emotional support, are not service animals. Individuals with mental disabilities who use service animals that are trained to perform a specific task are protected by the ADA. In that light, OCCC defines a service animal as a dog that has been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of a person with a disability. Animals that are used for therapeutic or emotional support do not qualify as service animals.

All visitors to and students attending OCCC are entitled to the use of service animals as defined under the ADA as amended 2009. Students may be asked to provide an explanation of the nature and extent of the service tasks that the animal has been trained to perform.

• Animals must be in the company of the person they serve at all times. The dog should respond to voice or hand commands at all times. The service animal user shall be in full control of the dog.
• In accordance with Section 8-46 of the Municipal Code of Oklahoma City, all service dogs must be wearing the appropriate tag verifying up-to-date rabies vaccinations.
• In accordance with Section 8-38 of the municipal Code of Oklahoma City, the dog must be on a leash at all times.
• A service dog that behaves aggressively or creates a disturbance that impedes the learning process for others must be removed from campus immediately. In the event of an incident involving the dog, an incident report will be completed by Security personnel.
• In accordance with Section 8-44 of the Municipal Code of Oklahoma City, if a service dog bites another person, the animal will be contained and Animal Control will take the dog into custody for the requisite quarantine period. Once a dog has bitten someone, the animal may not return to campus without an administrative evaluation.
• In accordance with Section 8-48 of the Municipal Code of Oklahoma City, dog owners are expected to clean up solid animal waste both indoors and outdoors in a prompt, courteous fashion. All waste shall be disposed of in bags and placed in outdoor trash cans.
• Owners are expected to keep dogs clean and free of communicable disease.

Students or visitors with questions about this procedure are welcome to contact
Student Accessibility and Support
Oklahoma City Community College
405-682-7520

Individuals who wish to report a disturbance or concern
regarding a service animal are asked to contact:
Campus Police
405-1611. x 7691