Policy information here
"A service animal is generally permitted to be on university property in any place where the animal’s handler has access. In certain limited situations, the presence of a service animal may require access restrictions or safety precautions to protect the safety and health of the animal or members of the university community. In such cases, the university will determine appropriate safeguards on a case-by-case basis through cooperation of the appropriate department representative(s) and Accessibility Support Personnel. No person may interfere in any way with a service animal, or the duties it performs."
Virginia Commonwealth University recognizes the valuable contributions of service and emotional support animals and is committed to creating a campus environment where individuals may benefit from the assistance of such animals as needed to participate in university programs, services and activities. The university is also committed to engaging in a proactive and interactive process with individuals with disabilities to ensure reasonable accommodations. VCU recognizes that certain standards governing animals on university property are necessary to protect the safety and security of members of the university community and the animals present on university property, as well as to prevent disruption to university functions and operations and damage to university property.
The university is committed to compliance with state and federal laws, and the restrictions of this policy are designed to comply with Titles II and III of the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendment Act (ADAAA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (Section 504), The Fair Housing Act, Virginia law governing access for service dogs, Va. Code § 51.5-44, and other applicable law or policy. Further, in accordance with VCU’s Space Use Regulation, 8 VAC 90-70-10 et seq., entry upon and use of university property must be in accord with university policy. Any person who violates these restrictions may be excluded from university property, subject to criminal penalties for trespass, or subject to university action under applicable policy, such as the Student Code of Conduct or employee conduct policies.
A Service Animal is a dog, or in certain circumstances a miniature horse, that has been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, which may include a physical, sensory, psychological, intellectual or other cognitive disability. The task(s) performed by the service animal must be directly related to the person’s disability.
A service dog in training is not considered a qualified service animal under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), but is granted modified access to university property subject to state law criteria. The dog must be a minimum of six months old and wearing at all times an appropriate harness, leash, vest, or other identifying marking indicating that it is in continuous training to become a service dog. Socialization and obedience training do not constitute continuous training, as all animals permitted inside VCU buildings or in areas requiring special access must be controlled at all times, and as appropriate. The handler and dog must meet the requirements as set forth by Code of Virginia Section 51.5-44 (E).