Guide and Service Dogs

If you need a service or guide dog for medical needs, please follow the University’s Duty to Accommodate procedure. 

Specific registration guidelines for service and guide dogs are available here.

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How is an animal classified as a “service animal”?

Personal pets are not the same as trained guide dogs, working dogs and service animals. Pets are governed by the University’s Pets on Campus policies.  

Service dogs and guide dogs are specially trained animals who assist their owners with tasks related to, but not limited to, visible and invisible disabilities, vision impairment, as well as mobility issues. Service and guide dogs have been tested and trained for safety in public areas and situations. Owners carry a special Service Dog ID card with them whenever they are in public.

Did you know? By law, service animals and guide dogs are allowed to go anywhere the public is allowed.  

At the U of A, these animals are allowed most places with their owners, including classrooms and other study areas. 

They might not be allowed in restricted areas such as sterile rooms and food preparation areas, and this can be discussed in advance with the university. For example, a dog might not be allowed in some labs, but the owner and the university may come to a compromise depending on the situation.

A misbehaving animal can be asked to leave.  

Etiquette for Safety Animals

Service and guide dogs are working animals. Please DO NOT scream, shout at, distract, or assault a service animal or guide dog on campus as this can put the animals, owners and public at risk. 

Learn more about Service Animal Etiquette