Aaron Salas, Director of Disability Access Services
Hello students and faculty,
This email to provide information regarding Service Animals on campus and in the class room.
Under the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), a service animal is defined as a dog that has been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability. The task(s) performed by the dog must be directly related to the person’s disability. Under the ADA, State and local governments, businesses, and nonprofit organizations that serve the public generally must allow service animals to accompany people with disabilities in all areas of the facility where the public is allowed to go. Emotional Support Animals ARE NOT service animals and should not be taken into public areas on campus or classrooms. Emotional Support Animals are limited to Campus Housing only.
When it is not obvious what service an animal provides, only limited inquiries are allowed. Staff may ask two questions: (1) is the dog a service animal required because of a disability, and (2) what work or task has the dog been trained to perform. Staff or other students cannot ask about the person’s disability, require medical documentation, require a special identification card or training documentation for the dog, or ask that the dog demonstrate its ability to perform the work or task.
Proper Etiquette Around Service Dogs:
If you have any questions regarding Service Animals on campus, please feel free to call our office at 575-646-6840. You can also find answers to Frequently Asked Questions about Services Dogs and the ADA.
Thank you.
Aaron Salas
Director- Disability Access Services
New Mexico State University
Corbett Center Student Union Rm 204 | P.O. Box 30001 | MSC 4149
Las Cruces, NM 88003
Main: 575-646-6840
Direct: 575-646-5497
Fax: 575-646-5222