Animals are permitted on Boston University outdoor property, only if they are on a leash or otherwise under physical restraint so that the rights and safety of pedestrians are safeguarded.\u00a0 The University does not permit pets in any University residential buildings except as provided below.\u00a0 Students who bring pets or other unapproved animals into University residential buildings are subject to disciplinary action.<\/p>\n
In accordance with federal and state laws, service dogs are permitted in University facilities with persons with documented disabilities.\u00a0Emotional Support Animals (ESA) are permitted in specified student residential units if approved in advance by BU Disability & Access Services (DAS).<\/p>\n
Non-emergency questions or concerns regarding Service Animals or Emotional Support Animals, or their handlers\/owners, should be directed to DAS (for students) or Human Resources (for faculty\/staff).<\/p>\n
A service animal (Service Animal) is any guide or signal dog that is individually trained<\/u> to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of a person with a disability, such as guiding individuals with impaired vision, alerting persons with impaired hearing, pulling a wheelchair, or fetching dropped items.\u00a0The service that the dog is providing must be directly related to the individual\u2019s disability.\u00a0 If a dog meets this definition, it qualifies as a Service Animal.\u00a0 Service Animals are not required to be licensed or certified by state or local governments or to wear a vest or harness. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Service Dogs may travel with their handler anywhere and everywhere they go on campus \u2013 including offices and clinics, academic spaces, fitness areas, dining and residence halls, and libraries \u2013 unless the animal poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others, is disruptive to the University community, or its presence fundamentally alters the program or space.\u00a0 <\/span>Service Animals are not permitted in certain locations on campus including certain research laboratories, mechanical rooms, custodial closets, areas where protective clothing is necessary, areas where there is a danger to the animal, and meal preparation areas.<\/p>\n It is impermissible to request a demonstration of the work performed by a Service Animal or for any documentation of training.\u00a0 Only two questions may be asked of a person with a Service Animal:<\/p>\n Is this a service animal that is required because of a disability?<\/p>\n What task or work is the animal trained to perform for the person?<\/p>\n When communicating with a handler with a Service Animal, always speak to the handler first.\u00a0 The Service Animal is working<\/u> and is not a pet<\/strong>.\u00a0 Immediately report any disruptive behavior of a Service Animal to Boston University Police Department. \u00a0\u00a0Do not attempt to separate a handler from their Service Animal.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Control<\/strong>:\u00a0The Service Animal must be on a leash and under the full control of the handler at all times when outside of the handler\u2019s residential unit.\u00a0 In limited circumstances, a Service Animal may be utilized for specified portions of the day based on the specific disability and direct needs of the handler.\u00a0 The handler is not permitted to leave a Service Animal attended overnight or to assign supervision of a Service Animal to any other BU student or a staff member, including in emergency situations.<\/p>\n Notice<\/strong>:\u00a0 The University will post a notice in the residence to alert the community of the presence of an animal.<\/p>\n Emergency Plan:\u00a0 <\/strong>Handler must provide DAS with an updated formal emergency plan regarding the evacuation of the Service Animal should the handler become unable to care for the Service Animal.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 This plan must<\/strong> include the name, contact information and plan for removal of the Service Animal.<\/p>\n License and Tags<\/strong>:\u00a0The Service Animal must wear owner identification, current license, current rabies vaccination, and other required tags from local authorities at all times.<\/p>\n Vest\/Harness<\/strong>:\u00a0 Although not required, handlers are strongly encouraged to have a professional \u201cvest<\/strong>\u201d on the Service Animal during all working hours.<\/p>\n Care and Health<\/strong>:\u00a0\u00a0 The handler is solely responsible for the care and supervision of a Service Animal while on University property.\u00a0 The Service Animal must be in good health. Service Animals in University housing and rental properties must have an annual clean bill of health from a licensed veterinarian. The Service Animal must have current vaccinations and immunizations against diseases common to that type of animal. All Service Animals must wear a current rabies vaccination tag.\u00a0 The Service Animal will be free of fleas and ticks.<\/p>\n Sanitation<\/strong>:\u00a0 <\/strong>The Service Animal must be housebroken.\u00a0 The handler must (1) always carry equipment sufficient to clean up the Service Animal\u2019s feces whenever the Service Animal and handler are on BU property; and (2) be responsible for the proper disposal of the Service Animal\u2019s feces and for any damage caused by the waste or its removal.<\/p>\n Disruption<\/strong>:\u00a0The handler of an unruly or disruptive Service Animal (e.g., excessive barking, running around, disruptive to the environment of others, aggressive behavior, excessive odor, or nipping) may be asked to remove the Service Animal from University facilities. \u00a0If the improper behavior happens repeatedly, the University may require the handler to take significant steps to mitigate the behavior before bringing the Service Animal into any University facility. Mitigation may include muzzling a barking animal, obtaining refresher training for both the Service Animal and the partner, or other appropriate measures.<\/p>\n Responsibility for Damage:\u00a0 <\/strong>The handler is financially responsible for any damage, loss or expense caused by a Service Animal to University or third party property as well as any injury the Service Animal causes to another person or animal.<\/p>\n Removal of Service Animals:\u00a0 <\/strong>A Service Animal may be removed from University premises if, in the University\u2019s judgment, the Service Animal and\/or handler fail to abide by any of the above requirements or theService Animal otherwise:<\/p>\n Poses a direct threat to the health and safety of others<\/p>\n Causes significant damage to property<\/p>\n Acts in a manner that is disruptive to the student\u2019s housing environment causing other students to be restricted in their use and enjoyment of the dwelling<\/p>\n Is no longer necessary because the student\u2019s disabling condition no longer exists.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/span><\/p>\n An Emotional Support Animal (ESA) is any animal (not just a dog) prescribed for a person with a significant diagnosed psychiatric disability.\u00a0 An ESA is not a pet, a Service Animal, or a therapy animal.\u00a0 An ESA may be requested by a student with a psychiatric disability as an accommodation in University housing. \u00a0An ESA may be requested by a student with a significant diagnosed psychiatric disability to provide specific emotional support and comfort, thereby enabling the student to live in and participate in BU housing, programs and activities.<\/p>\n ESAs are permitted to reside in University student housing unless the animal poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others, is disruptive to the University community, or its presence fundamentally alters the program or space<\/span>.\u00a0 The ESA must remain in designated areas within the student\u2019s residential building and unit and is not permitted in dorm common spaces unless in transit. ESAs are not permitted in any University non-residential buildings, including but not limited to dining halls, classrooms, offices, laboratories, or recreation facilities.<\/p>\n Immediately report any disruptive behavior of an Emotional Support Service Animal to BU Residential Life. \u00a0\u00a0Do not attempt to separate an Emotional Support Animal from its owner.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Control<\/strong>:\u00a0Owner must be in full control of the ESA at all times and on a leash or in a cage\/crate at all times when outside of the owner\u2019s residential unit.\u00a0 The ESA must remain in designated areas within the student\u2019s residential building and unit and is not permitted within the common spaces of the owner\u2019s residential unit except in transit. The ESA is not permitted in any University non-residential buildings, including but not limited to dining halls, classrooms, offices, laboratories, or recreation facilities.\u00a0 The owner is not permitted to leave an Emotional Support Animal unattended overnight or to assign supervision of a Emotional Support Animal to any other BU student or a staff member, including in emergency situations.<\/p>\n Notice<\/strong>:\u00a0 The University will post a notice in the residence to alert the community of the presence of an animal.<\/p>\n Emergency Plan:\u00a0 <\/strong>Owner must provide DAS with an updated formal emergency plan regarding the evacuation of the ESA should the owner become unable to care for the ESA.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 This plan must<\/strong> include the name, contact information and plan for removal of the ESA.<\/p>\n License and Tags<\/strong>:\u00a0 For canine and feline ESAs, the ESA must wear owner identification, current license, current rabies vaccination, and other required tags from local authorities at all times.<\/p>\n Vest\/Harness<\/strong>:\u00a0 The ESA is not permitted to wear a vest or any other labeling denoting service duties.<\/p>\n Care and Health<\/strong>:\u00a0 The owner is solely responsible for the care and supervision of an ESA while on University property.\u00a0 The ESA must be in good health. ESAs in University housing must have an annual clean bill of health from a licensed veterinarian. The ESA must have current vaccinations and immunizations against diseases common to that type of animal. All feline and canine ESAs must wear a current rabies vaccination tag.\u00a0 The ESA will be free of fleas and ticks.<\/p>\n Sanitation<\/strong>:\u00a0 <\/strong>The ESA must be housebroken.\u00a0 The owner must (1) always carry equipment sufficient to clean up the ESA\u2019s waste whenever the ESA and owner are on BU property; and (2) be responsible for the proper disposal of the ESA\u2019s waste.<\/p>\n Disruption<\/strong>:\u00a0The owner of an unruly or disruptive ESA (e.g., excessive barking, running around, disruptive to the environment of others, aggressive behavior, excessive odor, or nipping) may be asked to remove the ESA from University facilities. \u00a0If the improper behavior happens repeatedly, the University may require the owner to take significant steps to mitigate the behavior before bringing the ESA into any University facility. Mitigation may include muzzling a barking animal, obtaining refresher training for both the ESA and the partner, or other appropriate measures.<\/p>\n Housing Assignment:\u00a0<\/strong>In the event that a student living within the same residence as an ESA has an allergic reaction or other legitimate objection to the ESA, the University may change the room assignment of the owner and ESA or others.<\/p>\n Responsibility for Damage:\u00a0 <\/strong>The owner is financially responsible for any damage, loss or expense caused by an ESA to University or third party property as well as any injury the ESA causes to another person or animal.<\/p>\n Removal of ESA:\u00a0 <\/strong>An ESA may be removed from University premises if, in the University\u2019s judgment, the ESA and\/or handler fails to abide by any of the above requirements or otherwise:<\/p>\n Poses a direct threat to the health and safety of others<\/p>\n Causes significant damage to property<\/p>\n Acts in a manner that is disruptive to the student\u2019s housing environment causing other students to be restricted in their use and enjoyment of the dwelling<\/p>\n Is no longer necessary because the student\u2019s disabling condition no longer exists.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Tenant Acceptance of Responsibilities for Emotional Support Animal<\/p>\n Veterinary and vaccination records<\/p>\n City of Boston dog license<\/p>\n Signed Agreement Form<\/p>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/span><\/p>\n The ESA accommodation is necessary to afford the student\u2019s equal access and use of BU Housing.<\/p>\n There is an identifiable nexus between the ESA and the student\u2019s disability.<\/p>\n The ESA is not an excluded animal (inherently dangerous or predatory)<\/p>\n No other means, treatments or intervention methods or combination of means, treatments or intervention methods (including counseling, medication, other housing accommodations or other treatment approaches) are available or effective in adequately mitigating or ameliorating the symptoms of the disability within the context of living in a college residence hall.<\/p>\n Accommodated Housing (ESA) \u2013 Provider Psychiatric Disability Verification Form<\/p>\n Accommodated Housing (ESA) \u2013 Student Acceptance of Responsibilities for ESA In Housing Form<\/p>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Animals are permitted on Boston University outdoor property, only if they are on a leash or otherwise under physical restraint so that the rights and safety of pedestrians are safeguarded.\u00a0 The University does not permit pets in any University residential buildings except as provided below.\u00a0 Students who bring pets or other unapproved animals into University […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2997,"featured_media":0,"parent":104,"menu_order":3,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/disability\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/4687"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/disability\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/disability\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/disability\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2997"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/disability\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4687"}],"version-history":[{"count":47,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/disability\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/4687\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6261,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/disability\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/4687\/revisions\/6261"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/disability\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/104"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/disability\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4687"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}SERVICE ANIMAL PROCEDURES (BU PROPERTY)<\/h4>
General University Requirements for Service Animals and Handlers<\/h4>\n
What is an Emotional Support Animal?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
ESA PROCEDURES (BU HOUSING and RENTAL PROPERTIES)<\/h4>
General University Requirements for Emotional Support Animals (ESA) and Owners<\/h4>\n
PROCEDURE FOR HAVING AN ESA IN BU RENTAL PROPERTIES<\/h4>
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STANDARDS and PROCEDURE FOR AN ESA IN BU HOUSING<\/h4>
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Eligibility Standards<\/h4>\n
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ESA Accommodation Request Procedure<\/h4>\n
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Additional ESA Accommodation Request Procedure Notes<\/h4>\n
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