Enhancing Campus Inclusivity

The University of Saskatchewan’s Animals on Campus Policy sets a clear framework for managing the presence of animals on university property. While the policy generally limits animal access to campus buildings, it also recognizes that service and emotional support animals play an essential role for many students with disabilities.

To support this, we’ve developed a cross-departmental process that involves:

• Access and Equity Services (AES)
• Protective Services
• Risk Management
• Legal Services
• Instructors and academic staff
• Third-party trainers and behavioural specialists

By clearly defining eligibility, training expectations, behavioural standards, and documentation requirements, we've created a system that supports student needs, promotes campus safety, and maintains the integrity of learning environments.

• Animals on Campus Policy
• Service Animal Procedures for Students
• Emotional Support Animal Procedures for Students

The registration process is coordinated by Access and Equity Services (AES) and involves several key steps:

1. Student Submits Documentation
   Medical documentation must support the need for a service or emotional support animal.
2. Behavioural Assessment (if required)
   If the animal isn’t from a recognized training program, AES refers the student to a university-approved behavioural specialist.
3. Accommodation Letter
   Once approved, students will receive an Accommodation Letter to notify instructors about the accommodation.
4. Canine ID Issued
   AES provides a campus ID badge for the animal.
5. Protective Services Notified
   Approved animals are added to Protective Services records for safety and incident response purposes.

Note: Service animals in training are granted the same access as fully trained animals.

We recognize animals trained in a variety of settings, with tailored documentation requirements for each:

Recognized Training Organizations

• Must provide a copy of a badge or official letter
• Examples: Assistance Dogs International (ADI) members, government-approved programs

Private Trainers

• Student must submit medical documentation and a letter from the trainer verifying completion

Owner-Trained Animals

• Require medical documentation
• Must complete an on-campus behavioural assessment

• Service Animal Medical Form
• Emotional Support Animal Medical Form
• Animal Health and Behavioural Report

Animals not trained by an ADI or recognized organization undergo an on-campus behavioural assessment, conducted by a university-approved trainer.

• Focus: Temperament and reactivity, not task training
• Evaluates response to:
  • Sudden noise
  • Unfamiliar touch
  • Confined or chaotic environments
  • Food and distraction stimuli
• Cost: $175, covered by the student

This ensures animals are well-prepared to accompany students in shared learning environments.

• Canine Assessment Form
• Trainer Confidentiality Form
• Acknowledgement and Release of Information Consent Form

Service and support animals may be approved for classrooms or labs under the following conditions:

• Reserved seating may be arranged
• Canines must perform tasks non-disruptively
• Presence is not permitted in:
  • Labs with hazardous materials
  • Labs containing other live animals
• In some cases, protective gear (e.g., PPE for paws) may be required

These guidelines help reduce health and safety risks for the broader campus community.

• Animal Lab Safety Form
• ESA Accommodation Letter
• Service Animal Accommodation Letter

You can view the full Animals on Campus Policy on the University of Saskatchewan website.

For questions about our process, forms, or behavioural assessment criteria, please contact chelsea.krueger@usask.ca.