Temple University and DRS recognize the need for students with disabilities to occasionally use trained service animals. Students who require the use of service animals are encouraged to discuss specific needs and services with DRS professional staff and Resident Directors prior to starting classes.

A “service animal” is defined as any animal specifically trained to perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including, but not limited to, guiding persons with restricted vision, alerting those who have hearing losses to the presences of intruders, pulling a wheelchair, or fetching dropped items.

Students using a service animal are responsible for the animal’s behavior. Service animals must comply with leash laws and be controlled by the student at all times. The student is ultimately responsible for the cleanliness, grooming and health of the animal, must ensure that proper vaccinations are current, and take responsibility for the proper disposal of all waste. If the service animal's behavior is disruptive, aggressive or destructive, the student will be held responsible and may be asked to remove the animal from campus. Residential students who use service animals should meet with the Resident Director before the start of the semester to discuss procedures for appropriate management, especially since pets and other animals, such as therapy dogs, are not permitted in the Residence Halls. The University reserves the right to request and obtain proper documentation to ensure compliance with these requirements.