The University of New Hampshire has a Service Animal Policy which establishes guidelines for the presence and use of Service Animals, Emotional Support Animals (ESAs), Service Animals in Training (SAITs), and the expectations of the Owners/Handlers/Trainers on university premises. This policy ensures compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Fair Housing Act (FHA), and applicable New Hampshire state laws, while fostering an inclusive and supportive campus environment.
Service Animals
Any dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability. Other species of animals, whether wild or domestic, trained or untrained, may not be considered service animals at UNH. The work or tasks performed by a service animal must be directly related to the individual's disability.
New Hampshire law requires Trainers accompanying a Service Animal in Training (SAIT) to be given the same degree of access as an owner/handler assisted by a service animal, subject to certain identification and other requirements outlined in the University Policy on Service Animals, Emotional Support Animals, and Service Animals in Training.
Trainers who are seeking to have their SAITs to reside in on-campus residential buildings or have access to places where other animals are restricted must seek approval from CREO. CREO will determine if the animal is a SAIT, and grant approval. If approved, the SAIT will be registered and provided an Animal Identification Card.
Emotional Support Animals
Animals that provide emotional support which alleviates one or more identified symptoms or effects of an individual’s disability. Appropriate documentation is required to establish that the ESA is needed for the student to use and enjoy university housing and fully engage as a student at UNH.
Unlike a service animal, an Emotional Support Animal does not perform a task for a person with a disability relating to activities of daily living or accompany that person at all times. As a result, ESAs approved for the residential setting are not permitted in other buildings and are subject to restriction from any area with a no-pet policy. Waiver of a No Pet Policy to allow for an ESA may be a reasonable accommodation in some circumstances.
Animals other than cats and dogs will be considered on an individual assessment that relies on objective evidence about the specific animal’s appropriateness and conduct. Generally speaking, non-domestic animals will not be allowed. The evaluation will be based on the type of animal, with primary attention given towards whether the animal would pose a threat to the health and safety of others, would cause substantial physical damage to the property of others, would pose an undue financial and administrative burden, or would fundamentally alter the nature of the university’s operations.
ESAs are considered a housing accommodation and must be approved by Student Accessibility Services (SAS) and University Housing prior to an ESA being allowed in an on-campus residential building.
Students must complete the accommodation process, which can be found here.
Employees who reside in University Housing must initiate the request through the employee accommodation process in the Civil Rights and Equity Office, which can be found here.
Upon approval of the accommodation, the ESA will be registered.
Service Animal Registration
To facilitate seamless integration of service animals within the campus community, we strongly recommend that owners/handlers register their service animals with the Civil Rights and Equity Office (CREO). While registration is voluntary, it serves as a proactive step in ensuring smooth interactions and access to university facilities.
Upon registration, handlers will receive a Service Animal Identification Card, which confirms compliance with campus policies and provides official recognition of the animal's role. This ID card can be presented to faculty, staff, or campus officials when necessary to clarify the service animal’s presence and purpose.
Registration also enables CREO to offer additional resources and accommodations to handlers, fostering an inclusive campus environment while maintaining adherence to applicable laws and university regulations.
Behavioral Concerns
Concerns that the behavioral expectations of a Service Animal, ESA, or a SAIT are not being met should be reported to CREO.
