Service animals play a role in making campuses accessible.
What are Service Animals
Service Animals have been trained to perform work or tasks to benefit a person with a disability.
- Examples: a dog may guide a blind or deaf person, alert someone of a seizure, or open doors.
- Access: While prior notice is helpful in certain situations, a person using a Service Animal may bring it with them on campus without requesting permission.
Only Service Animals are allowed to accompany students on KPU campuses. www.kpu.ca/hr/ohs/pets
How can I tell if an animal on campus is a Service Animal?
Working animals often wear a vest or sign that indicates they are working. If you have a reason you need to know, you can ask the owner/handler if their animal is a Service Animal. You cannot ask if the person has a disability, what their disability is, or why they need their animal. If you don’t need to know – but are just curious – your questions may be considered intrusive or rude.
Can I pet the animal?
You should not interact with the animal without permission from their owner. This includes making eye contact with the animal, offering the animal food or treats, whistling, making noises, or talking. You should not assume that just because you can’t see the animal doing anything that it is not working – and you should not assume the owner will give you permission to interact with their animal.
What if I’m allergic or scared of animals?
The health and wellness of each member of the KPU community is important. Please contact Accessibility Services if you need assistance planning routes or routines that are impacted by the presence of a working animal.
Who can I talk to for more information?
If you would like more information, please visit the link below. You are also welcome to speak with a member of the Accessibility Services team.
Guide Dog and Service Dog Certification BC