The University of Alaska Anchorage recognizes the importance of allowing people who require the use of service or assistance animals to receive the benefit of the work, tasks or therapeutic support provided by such animals on campus. However, service animals, assistance animals, and pets are not the same.
Service Animal: A service animal is a dog (and in certain circumstances, a miniature horse) that has been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability. As provided in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), individuals with disabilities may bring their service animals with them anywhere the individuals are normally allowed to go.
Assistance Animal: An assistance animal is an animal that works, provides assistance, or performs tasks for the benefit of a person with a disability, or provides emotional support that alleviates one or more identified symptoms or effects of a person’s disability. An assistance animal does not have to be professionally trained and is not considered a service animal as defined by the ADA.
Pet: A pet is an animal kept for ordinary use, pleasure, and companionship. Pets are not allowed on campus without permission from the University Police Department with regards to the Anchorage campus, or the Community Campus Director with regards to a UAA community campus. An employee wishing to bring a pet into a facility at any time must have the written permission of their supervisor. UAA residential housing programs may have separate policies regarding pets.