Fashion Institute Portland (PFI) prioritizes a safe and inclusive learning environment for all students. This includes adhering to regulations regarding service animals on campus. While PFI welcomes service animals, it’s important to understand the distinction between service animals and emotional support animals (ESAs) and how these differences impact campus policies.
PFI follows the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Oregon’s Service Animal Law, which define a service animal as a dog individually trained to perform specific tasks for a person with a disability. Examples of such tasks include guiding visually impaired individuals, alerting handlers to sounds, assisting with mobility, interrupting self-harming behaviors, or providing calming pressure during anxiety attacks. These animals are highly trained to mitigate the effects of their handler’s disability. Importantly, these laws do not extend these same protections to ESAs.
ESAs, while providing comfort and companionship, are not trained to perform specific tasks related to a disability. Their role is primarily emotional support, which although valuable, doesn’t fall under the legal definition of a service animal under the ADA or Oregon law. Consequently, businesses, including educational institutions like PFI, are not legally obligated to permit ESAs on their premises.
This distinction allows PFI to maintain an environment that respects the potential allergies or sensitivities of other students and guests. The presence of animals, even well-behaved ones, can introduce allergens like pet hair and dander, which can trigger reactions in susceptible individuals. PFI’s policy regarding ESAs helps minimize these risks.
PFI recognizes the vital role service animals play in the lives of individuals with disabilities. To ensure a smooth transition for students with service animals, PFI requests a 48-hour notice before the animal comes to campus. This allows PFI to inform other students and guests who may have concerns, fostering open communication and understanding within the PFI community. While PFI cannot inquire about a person’s disability, they can inquire about the specific tasks the service animal performs. This ensures adherence to the ADA and Oregon state law while maintaining a welcoming environment for everyone.
