Guide for Service Animals in Training on Campus
A Service Animal in Training (SAIT) is any animal in the process of undergoing training 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. Service animals in training must be registered with the University prior to arriving on campus. Students who misrepresent an animal as a service animal in training or fail to register their service animal in training may be in violation of UAB’s Student Conduct Code. Students who utilize service animals are not required to register their service animal but are encouraged to do so.
Service animals in training should meet the following criteria:
- be housebroken
- be in training for a specific task (this excludes socialization, basic commands, and obedience training) for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability
Prior to bringing the animal on campus, the handler is responsible for:
- registering the animal with the University
- providing health information from a Licensed Veterinarian including shot records, age, and overall physical condition
- identifying an alternate handler should the primary handler be unable to care for the animal
- providing an anticipated length of training/length of time animal will be on campus
Once on campus, the handler’s responsibilities include:
- must have animals under direct physical control at all times
- prohibited from transferring control to another person
- ensure the animal is healthy, clean and in a safe environment
- proper clean-up, removal of waste
- liable for damage, injury and related costs
- must be and stay in compliance with state regulation (health, vaccination and care)
- notify the university once the SAIT has completed training and is no longer on campus
In the event the handler is not fulfilling the above responsibilities, the animal may be removed from campus. Should the handler or alternate handler be unable to care for the animal, the University reserves the right to board the animal at the handler’s expense.
How to Register a Service Animal in Training
To register and request approval for a service animal in training on the campus of the University of Alabama at Birmingham, students must:
- Complete the following service animal in training application materials:
- Service Animal in Training & Handler Registration Form
- Veterinarian Certification Form
- Handler Responsibilities & Acknowledgment
- Clear photograph of the animal
- Scan and email all application materials to SAITraining@uab.edu
- Upon submission, the application will be reviewed to determine if the animal meets the criteria. Students will be notified via email with the determination.
For any questions regarding this process, please contact UAB Student Affairs at (205) 934-8465 or SAITraining@uab.edu.
Resources
USVSD Service Dog Club of UAB is a Registered Student Organization devoted to training service dogs that will work for veterans with PTSD and mobility limitations. More information on the organization is available through Engage.
Additional information on training service animals is available through Assistance Dogs International.
