Date: April 2026
Supersedes: N/A
Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to provide clear guidelines for students, employees, and members of the community for managing service animals at Montgomery County Community College (the College) in accordance with federal and state law including the Americans with Disabilities Act. The College generally allows for service animals assisting individuals with disabilities and service animals in training accompanied by their trainers to be permitted in all facilities, programs, and activities. Any exceptions to these allowances are set forthin section E, Exclusions of a Service Animal.
A. Definitions
- A “Service Animal”:
- A dog or miniature horse (small, domesticated breed comparable to a large dog) that has been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability.
- The work or task(s) performed by the service animal must be directly related to the person’s disability.
- Other animals, whether wild or domestic, trained or untrained, generally do not qualify as service animals.
- Handler: The person who is accompanied by the service animal, and responsible for the caretaking of the service animal while on campus.
B. Procedure
- Students
Service animals may accompany their student handlers in all areas of the College open to the public. The College encourages students with disabilities who use service animals to notify the Office of Disability Services through the Service Animal Notification Survey. It is recommended that students notify their class instructors in advance if the service animal will accompany them to class. - Employees
The College will evaluate all requests to bring a service animal into the workplace to determine if the accommodation is reasonable and can be provided without undue hardship. If an accommodation is granted to allow a service animal in the workplace, the arrangement may be permitted on a temporary or trial basis. Employees who would like to request to have a service animal at work should reach out to
Human Resources at [email protected]. - Community
Service animals are permitted to accompany their handlers who are visiting areas open to the public. Specific questions related to the use of service animals on campus can be directed to Disability Services. If there are safety concerns, please contact Campus Safety.
C. Requirements for Service Animals
- The service animal must comply with all animal laws, such as Pennsylvania Dog
Laws, including meeting the licensing requirements mandated by the Commonwealth
of Pennsylvania or the state of residence for nonresidents. - The service animal should be in good health and must be vaccinated in accordance
with Commonwealth of Pennsylvania vaccination requirements. - Montgomery County requires all service dogs to be currently vaccinated against
rabies vaccine and that the tag be visible. - The handler of an animal service must be in full control of the animal, and the animal
cannot pose a direct threat to the health or safety of others. - The service animal must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered while on campus unless
these devices interfere with the service animal’s work, or the individual’s disability
prevents use of these devices. In that case, the handler must use voice, signal, or other effective means to maintain control of the animal. - The handler of a service animal is liable for any damage to college premises,
property, or injury to persons caused by the service animal. - The handler is responsible for the care and supervision of the service animal, including toileting, feeding, grooming, hygiene, and veterinary care. College personnel are not responsible for the care or supervision of the service animal.
- The handler is solely responsible for cleaning up after the service animal and properly
disposing of the service animal’s waste.
The College recommends that all service animals wear identification such as a vest, harness, or ID tag, to identify them as service animals.
D. Exclusion of a Service Animal
Service animals may be required to leave a facility, program, or activity if:
- The animal’s behavior or presence poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others (for example, a service animal that displays vicious behavior towards people will be excluded from campus).
- The animal is out of control, and the service animal’s handler does not take effective
immediate action to control it. - The animal is not house-broken.
- Service animals may be excluded in areas where the presence of a service animal would fundamentally alter the nature of a program or activity, would be disruptive, or would pose legitimate safety concerns. If it is determined that an area is unsafe, reasonable accommodations will be provided to ensure equitable access to students through the Office of Disability Services.
E. Emotional Support/Therapy Animals
- Emotional support animals are not allowed on campus per the Student Code of Conduct Montgomery County Community College listed under procedure #23
- Emotional Support, Comfort, and Therapy animals are not considered service animals
under the ADA.
Students, employees, or community members who believe that a service animal meets
any of the above grounds for exclusion should contact Office of Disability Services
to assess.
When the College requires a service animal to be removed from the College premises,
the handler will be permitted to participate in courses, events, and activities without
having the service animal on the premises. The Office of Disability Services will
offer alternative accommodations when appropriate and supported by documentation.
F. Questions
Individuals who have inquiries concerning the presence of a service animal on campus,
or who require clarification regarding this policy, are advised to contact the following:
Disability Services at [email protected]
Employees with questions regarding this policy should contact Human Resources at
[email protected]
If there are safety concerns:
Blue Bell Campus Safety Office: 215-641-6604
Pottstown Campus Safety Office: 610-718-1822