III. Animal-Assisted Activity Programs

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It is important to distinguish between service animals, assistance animals, and animals used for Animal Assisted Activities (AAA) and Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT). (129) AAA is more informal, takes place in a variety of environments, and is not targeted at any specific medical condition or person. (130) In contrast, AAT is utilized by a health care or human resources provider, is an integrated part of a treatment process for specific individuals, (131) is used in a wide range of therapies, and is reimbursed by health insurance companies. (132) Additionally, there is a growing trend of college-level training programs offering coursework in the area. (133) One university "employs" a dog raised and trained as a therapy dog that works in the Special Academic Services department and who assists with a graduate student counseling clinic which also services clients from the community. (134) Another university's counseling department uses an Affenpinscher that "sits in on therapy sessions and spends one-on-one time with students." (135)

AAT would not cause administrative issues for most college campuses, as they would be part of a structured program. In addition, because the persons with animals used for AAA and AAT are not required to be accommodated in public accommodations or otherwise under federal law, the decision to allow such animals on campus is at the discretion of the administration of the institution. (136)

A. Bringing Companion Animals to Campus

Animal-assisted activities are common at a variety of institutions. These animals …