IMPROVING STUDENT AND ANIMAL ACCOMMODATION ON COLLEGE CAMPUSES: AN ASSESSMENT OF ASSISTANCE ANIMAL POLICY AT THE UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA

Abstract

Ownership of animals, especially Emotional Support Animals, has steadily increased in recent years (HEMHA, 2023). As a result of increasing pet owner populations, more students are requesting that colleges allow them to bring their animals onto campus (Brown, 2020). This current swell of animal requests brings forth the need for further conversation on the issues arising from growing numbers of animals on college campuses, and careful examinations of the current official policies on the topic of dogs on campus. This thesis proceeded with the objective of performing an investigation of student and facultative attitudes and opinions on the presence of Service Dogs, Emotional Support Dogs, Therapy Dogs, and Pet Dogs on the University of Arizona campus to determine if the present "Animals on Campus" policy does an efficient job protecting both handlers and animals. First, this study performed an analysis of current regulations in place concerning the rights of dogs and their handlers at state, federal, and U of A levels. Following this analysis, both qualitative and quantitative data collection was done through the conduction of a student survey, and group interviews with select stakeholders regarding the U of A's animal policy. Using the data obtained from student survey results, and one-on-one interviews, it was concluded that the general University population is in favor of dogs on campus, with the stipulation of increased regulations for dogs with less training. With these perceptions in mind, it was concluded that the current U of A animal policy should be amended to include suggestions provided by stakeholders to improve both human and animal welfare.