05.360 Service Animals, Emotional Support Animals, and Pets

Chancellor

Updated August 1, 2026; Established January 2017

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA); Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act; Fair Housing Act; N.C.G.S. §§ 168-4.2, 168-4.5, 130A-185; NC Office of State Human Resources (OSHR) Policy on Animals on State Property

• Policy 04.190 Disability Accommodations for Students
• Campus Living Handbook
• Office of State Human Resources Policy on Animals on State Property
• UNCW Policy 05.361 Animals on Campus

• Disability Resource Center (“DRC”)
• Environmental Health & Safety (“EHS”)
• Office of General Counsel/Coordinator for ADA/504
• Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs
• Housing & Residence Life (“HRL”)

Policy Details:

1. Purpose

   The University of North Carolina Wilmington (“UNCW”) is open and accessible to individuals with disabilities and committed to providing those members of the University community equal access to programs, services, and physical facilities. It is acknowledged that some members of the University community with disabilities may require the use of Service or Emotional Support Animals while at UNCW. The presence of animals may, however, present health, safety, security, and programmatic issues for all members of the University community. The purpose of this Policy is to provide the University community with guidelines for the use of Service Animals, Emotional Support Animals, and Pets on campus.

   This Policy applies to all students, employees, affiliates, contractors, visitors, and guests on property owned, leased, operated, or controlled by UNCW, and does not apply to Sponsored Outdoor Animals; Sponsored Therapy Animals; University Sanctioned Training [animal] Programs; research animals regulated by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (“IACUC”); fish kept in an aquarium less than 20 gallons in size; or any aquaria used for institutional, non-research purposes.

2. Definitions

   1. Disability: A physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.

   2. Emotional Support Animal: Any animal that: (i) alleviates one or more identified symptoms or effects of a person’s disability; (ii) is necessary because of an individual’s disability to afford the individual an equal opportunity to use and enjoy University housing; and (iii) its presence in University housing is reasonable. An Emotional Support Animal is not a Service Animal under this Policy or the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”).

   3. Handler: A person (sometimes known as a “Partner”) with a Service or Emotional Support Animal and who is responsible for the animal as detailed in this Policy. A person with a disability may be called a Partner; a person without a disability is called a Handler.

   4. Pet: A domestic animal kept for pleasure or companionship and excluded from the definitions of Emotional Support Animal and Service Animal. Pets are not permitted in University housing or buildings or facilities (except for fish kept in an aquarium less than 20 gallons in size), and shall not be permitted as a reasonable accommodation for otherwise eligible students, staff, or faculty.

   5. Reliable Third Party: A person who is (i) familiar with a student’s disability, (ii) familiar with the necessity for a specifically requested Emotional Support Animal in University housing, and (iii) qualified to make medical attestations regarding a student’s disability and requested accommodation. Such a person may include a physician, psychiatrist, or other medical or mental health professional.

   6. Service Animal: A dog individually trained to do work or perform tasks for a person with a disability. The work or tasks performed by a Service Animal must be directly related to the Handler’s disability, and such work or task must entail a specific action when needed to assist the Handler. Examples of qualifying tasks for which dogs may be trained include guiding persons with low vision, providing stability for persons who have difficulty walking, alerting persons with hearing impairments when someone is approaching from behind, and responding to medical emergencies for persons with seizure disorders. For purposes of this Policy and in accordance with the ADA, a miniature horse may be treated as a Service Animal if it has been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of the Handler, and the University determines that reasonable modifications can be made after considering:

      1. Type, size, and weight and whether a particular facility can accommodate;

      2. Whether Handler has sufficient control of it;

      3. Whether it is housebroken; and

      4. Whether its presence in a particular facility compromises legitimate safety requirements that are necessary for safe operation.

3. Service Animals

   1. Generally.

      1. Employee requests for Service Animals as a reasonable accommodation in the workplace are processed through the Office of Human Resources.

      2. Service Animals generally shall be permitted to accompany their Handlers on campus. When not readily apparent that a dog or miniature horse is a Service Animal, the University may ask: (1) if the animal is required because of a disability; and (2) what work or task the animal has been trained to perform. It is unlawful under North Carolina law (N.C.G.S. § 168-4.5) to disguise an animal as a Service Animal or Service Animal in training. (See Procedures for Policy 05.360 for additional guidance.)

   2. Requirements.

      1. A Service Animal must remain under the control of its Handler at all times while on University property, and shall have a harness, leash, or other tether, unless the Handler’s disability prohibits the use of which, or the use of which would interfere with the Service Animal’s safe, effective performance of work or tasks. Even so, the Service Animal must remain under its Handler’s control by other effective means, such as voice control or signals.

      2. In accordance with North Carolina law (N.C.G.S. § 130A-185), all dogs (including Service Animals) on campus are required to have current rabies vaccines and wear rabies vaccination tags. All dogs must have current registration with the New Hanover County Animal Service Unit.

      3. Only service animals may accompany UNCW students during university-sanctioned internships, practica, and student teaching experiences.

   3. Exceptions.

      1. Although this Policy is intended to provide broad access to Service Animals to accompany their Handlers on campus, the University may ask a Handler to remove a Service Animal from University premises, and the Handler must abide, if the Service Animal presents legitimate health and safety concerns. Such health and safety concerns include, but may not be limited to:

         1. The Service Animal is out of control, and its Handler does not take effective action to control it;

         2. The Service Animal is not housebroken; or

         3. The Service Animal does not have current vaccinations or does not wear a rabies vaccination tag.

      2. Following removal of the Service Animal, the Handler must ensure its care and supervision even if the Handler chooses to remain on the premises. The Service Animal may not be left alone, and the University will not be responsible for the animal’s care.

      3. The University may exclude a Service Animal from accompanying its Handler to certain areas of campus where their admission would fundamentally alter the nature of a service or program or threaten the safety of the Handler and/or Service Animal, such as non-communal food preparation areas, mechanical rooms, and hazardous laboratories. Generally, the identification of prohibited areas will require a case-by-case analysis.

   4. Service Animals in Training.

      1. In accordance with North Carolina law (N.C.G.S. § 168-4.2(b)), an animal in training to become a service animal shall be permitted to accompany its trainer on campus if:

         1. The animal is accompanying a trainer for the purpose of training to become a service animal;

         2. The animal’s presence is for the specific purpose of training to become a service animal; and

         3. The animal wears a collar and leash, harness, or cape that identifies the animal as a service animal in training.

         4. The trainer shall be liable for any damage caused by the animal while on campus.

      2. In order to have access to university facilities under N.C.G.S. §168-4.2(b), the animal must be actively in training for the tasks that would make it a service animal. The specific task or tasks involved must relate directly to the disability of (a) the person training the animal or (b) a specific person for whom the animal is being trained. Please note that basic obedience, socialization, or foundational training is not a specific task.

   5. Campus Housing.

      1. A Handler must notify the Office of Housing and Residence Life prior to move-in of his/her intention to be accompanied by a Service Animal, in accordance with the processes established by that Office.

      2. Consistent with provisions in the Campus Living Handbook regarding damage to student rooms and common areas, a Handler may be held responsible for the cost of repairs for damage beyond reasonable wear and tear caused by his/her Service Animal.

      3. A Handler must not leave his/her Service Animal in campus housing unattended or in the care of another individual when not present for an extended period.

      4. Service Animals in Training are not permitted in UNCW owned or operated housing.

4. Emotional Support Animals

   1. Generally. Qualified students with disabilities who reside in on-campus housing may be permitted to live with an Emotional Support Animal (“ESA”) as a reasonable accommodation. Any student seeking such accommodation must follow the prescribed request process and receive approval prior to bringing the animal to campus. Requests for Emotional Support Animals as a reasonable accommodation by employees who reside in on-campus housing are processed through the Office of Human Resources. (See Procedures for Policy 05.360 for additional guidance.)

   2. Areas of Access.

      1. Approved Emotional Support Animals shall not be permitted in areas outside of the Handler’s living space and suite common areas, except for:

         1. building entrance and egress;

         2. designated outdoor areas for natural relief; and

         3. outside areas in which campus visitors are permitted to bring pets, in which case the animal will be bound by all pet- and visitor-related policies.

      2. Consistent with provisions in the Campus Living Handbook regarding damage to student rooms and common areas, a Handler may be held responsible for the cost of repairs for damage caused by his/her Emotional Support Animal.

      3. Emotional Support Animals shall not be permitted in other University buildings, unless the animal also qualifies as a Service Animal.

   3. Requirements.

      1. In accordance with North Carolina law (G.S. § 130A-185), all dogs, cats, and ferrets on campus are required to have current rabies vaccines and wear rabies vaccination tags. All dogs, cats, and ferrets living on campus as Emotional Support Animals must have current registration with the New Hanover County Animal Service Unit.

      2. The Handler of the Emotional Support Animal must follow the responsibilities as outlined in Section VI.

      3. The animal requested must be determined to be reasonable to reside in University housing, including being eligible to reside in both New Hanover County and Wilmington city limits per applicable state, county, and city ordinances.

      4. The University’s approval, if granted, of an Emotional Support Animal under this Policy is animal-specific. A student must follow the request process in this Policy when requesting a new or different animal.

   4. Appeals. Students may appeal a denial of a request for an Emotional Support Animal by following the Grievance procedures prescribed in UNCW Policy 04.190 (Disability Accommodations for Students).

5. Pets

   1. Prohibited in Campus Housing, Buildings, and Designated Outdoor Areas.

      1. Pets shall not be permitted in University housing, and requests for such shall not be considered. Students keeping pets in violation of this Policy shall be responsible for any incurred costs related to the cleaning or repair of University housing, and may be referred to the Office of the Dean of Students for non-compliance. Animals that qualify as Service Animals or Emotional Support Animals under applicable law are not considered pets for purposes of disability accommodation.

      2. UNCW permits the walking of dogs on leashes in outdoor spaces on campus, provided Handlers clean up after their pet. Pets are prohibited from entering all University buildings, including residence facilities, outdoor athletic or recreational facilities/fields, and other public gatherings where pets have been specifically prohibited. This prohibition applies equally to pets accompanying students, staff, faculty, and visitors.

      3. Unless otherwise approved by Campus Recreation, animals are not permitted at the Recreational Field Complex.

   2. Rules. When permitted, individuals with pets on campus must abide by the requirements in Section 6, below.

6. Responsibilities of Handlers

   1. Continuing Obligation. Handlers must meet all applicable requirements of this Policy. This obligation is on-going, and a later failure to meet all requirements may result in removal or exclusion of the Service or Emotional Support Animal. Handlers of dogs in University-Sanctioned Training Programs must abide by the responsibilities in this section and are subject to discipline for violations as detailed in Section IX, in addition to any consequences incurred in related coursework.

   2. Health and Safety. The Handler is responsible for the safety, health, behavior, and actions of the approved animal at all times. UNCW will not assume the care of any animal on campus, even during emergencies. Where a Handler fails to care for, control, or attend to his/her animal, UNCW will arrange with appropriate authorities to remove the animal from its Handler’s custody according to applicable laws and regulations. Any suspected or observed indications of animal abuse or neglect should be reported to University Policy (910.962.2222 or police@uncw.edu) and may subject the Handler to disciplinary action.

      Animals may be kept in vehicles parked on campus for a reasonable period of time as long as the animal is not endangered and does not endanger others or create a public nuisance. Animals may not be left in vehicles in a manner that poses risk due to weather, ventilation, or safety conditions. Persons who believe any animal on campus constitutes a safety hazard due to either the uniqueness of the space occupied or the behavior of the animal should contact Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) at 910.962.3057 (or University Police if after normal business hours).

   3. Control and Behavior. In addition to applicable obligations contained elsewhere in this Policy, a Handler must ensure the following control and behavior requirements are met:

      1. The animal must not obstruct or disturb any space or activity of an academic program including but not limited to, residence halls, classrooms and labs, other campus buildings or recreational areas, roads, walkways and passages on any part of campus, legitimate campus activities and any other university programs, spaces or activities.

      2. The animal must not engage in other behaviors or noises that are disruptive to others in the specific environment, including, but not limited to, excessive barking, whining, growling, excessive grooming, and sniffing people, personal belongings of others, and/or tables and eating areas. The animal must not materially disrupt University programs or activities beyond the ordinary presence of a Service Animal or approved Emotional Support Animal.

      3. The Handler must always carry equipment and bags sufficient to clean up the animal's waste and must properly clean impacted areas and dispose of such waste. Handlers/partners who are not physically able to pick up and dispose of waste are responsible for making all necessary arrangements for assistance. UNCW is not responsible for these services. All dogs must be “house broken,” and cats must be trained to use a litter box. Other smaller animals must be caged.

      4. The animal must be under the control of the Handler at all times, and except for certain Service Animals, must be restrained at all times in a crate or by a leash or similar device not to exceed six feet in length when in public spaces.

      5. The animal may not be left unattended overnight in residential housing to be cared for by another student or staff member. Animals must be taken with the Handler if they leave campus for a prolonged period.

      6. When an animal is left unattended in a Handler’s room for acceptable periods of time, the animal must be stored in a crate, carrier, or kennel.

   4. Exigent Circumstances Related to Handlers.

      1. In the event a Handler of a Service Animal or ESA cannot care for the animal (i.e. the Handler becomes sick, leaves the campus and animal behind without notifying others, etc.), the University shall take reasonable means to find appropriate care for the animal.

7. Responsibilities and Etiquette of University Community

   1. Members of the University Community Shall:

      1. allow a Service Animal to accompany its Handler at all times and everywhere on campus except where stated or posted;

      2. not touch or feed a Service or Emotional Support Animal unless invited to do so;

      3. not provoke, injure, intentionally startle, or attempt to separate a Service or Emotional Support Animal from its Handler (violators may be asked to leave the premises);

      4. not ask about nature or extent of a person’s disability who is accompanied by a Service Animal; and

      5. report any suspected or directly observed animal neglect or abuse to University Police (910.962.2222 or police@uncw.edu).

8. Violations of This Policy

   1. Any student, staff, or faculty member with a prohibited or unapproved animal is subject to discipline under the Code of Student Life; SHRA Disciplinary Action, Suspension, and Dismissal Policy 08.510; Faculty Handbook; or other appropriate procedure. Likewise, any student with a Service Animal or approved Emotional Support Animal who violates any provision of this Policy is subject to discipline under the Code of Student Life. Such discipline may include the restriction or removal of the animal. Any violation of this Policy by a Service or Emotional Support Animal will be considered a violation by the Handler/handler.

   2. The University may ask a Handler to remove a Service Animal or Emotional Support Animal for violations of this policy without initiating a disciplinary proceeding.

   3. The University may remove from campus property any animals that are prohibited, unapproved, or otherwise in violation of University policies.

   4. It is unlawful to deprive a person with a disability or a person training a service animal of any North Carolina rights or rights granted to general public with respect to being accompanied by animals.

9. Grievances

   Individuals who believe they have a legitimate grievance against the University or a University employee in a matter relating to the use of Service Animals, Emotional Support Animals, or pets may seek resolution of that grievance through the appropriate University procedure, listed below. No student or employee shall be subject to retaliation for requesting or receiving a reasonable accommodation, for bringing a good faith complaint pertaining to unlawful harassment or discrimination, or for protesting such behavior directed against another member of the university community. Individuals may also contact the university’s EEO/AA Officer at 910.962.3160.

   • Students:

     • Policy 04.160 Student Grievance Procedure

     • Policy 04.190 Disability Accommodations for Students

   • Staff:

     • Policy 08.520 SHRA Employee Grievance Policy

     • 08.521 EHRA Grievance and Appeal Procedure

     • Policy 02.205 Unlawful Discrimination, Harassment, and Sexual Misconduct

   • Faculty

     • UNCW Faculty Handbook

     • Policy 02.205 Unlawful Discrimination, Harassment, and Sexual Misconduct

   Individuals may file a complaint directly with the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, by calling 800.421.3481 (voice), 800.877.8339 (TTY), or with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity, by calling 800.669.9777 (voice), 800.927.9275 (TTY).