Through the hustle of college life, registered service dogs dutifully support their humans in the classroom.
Jones campus minister Jack Riley serves as an example as he brings his service dog trainee to Jones Hall every Tuesday and Thursday to greet passing students. His friendly golden retriever is named after the church ministry Riley represents, Wesley. While students enjoy the presence of a pup, Wesley is learning the standard behavior in a public space, so the relationship is mutually beneficial.
“The one thing I hear the most is this: ‘I just needed this today,’” said Riley, in reference to those visiting his dog between lectures.
When Riley sees the same faces greet his dog often, he encourages those students to consider the benefits of getting their own dog. Obtaining proper registration and permissions to host a support animal on campus is a simple process, and in certain cases, a federal right.
Registering a pet’s information to the Emotional support animal database, following approval, adds them to the US National Service Animal Database. Applicants will receive a certificate and an ID for authentication that is valid for the pet’s life.
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, emotional support animals are not legally protected. However, trained service dogs that aid in function are authorized to accompany owners in many suitable circumstances, such as academic institutions. According to the ADA’s official website, a service dog is allowed to enter “no pet” businesses, with minor exceptions where it may not be feasible, and the dogs cannot be charged for pet rent.
The ADA policy of Jones states that a service animal is a dog that is trained for the benefit of individuals with intellectual or psychiatric disabilities. For others, dogs aid in physical or sensory issues that would normally interfere with mobility or awareness. On-Duty canines have the right to assist law enforcement on campus as well.
Jones College recognizes canines with the aforementioned skills, with the exclusion of cats or exotic pets. However, recent revisions to the ADA’s policy now validates miniature horses. Maintenance of said animal is the responsibility of the owner, so no horseplaying.
If considering animal assistance on campus, ADA Coordinator Wendy Evans is located in the Terrell Tisdale library, and may be contacted at 601-477-2673 or through her email ADACoordinator@JCJC.edu. Certification of the animal and on campus housing with said animal will be reviewed.
Riley hopes that students will associate Wesley’s presence with the welcoming atmosphere at Jones.
“You know you’re doing something right when you hear a student go, ‘Why did you come to Jones?’ and the answer is ‘because I saw a dog.’”
Katie Patterson
