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Service Dog

Illustration of a person with a guide dog.

Some disabled students may require the assistance of a Service Dog as a Reasonable Accommodation in Trinity, including in areas where animals would not typically be permitted (i.e. Trinity provided residential accommodation).

A “Service Dog” is  a generic term for a guide, hearing, or service dog specifically trained to do three or more tasks to mitigate the effects of an individual’s disability. The presence of a dog for protection, personal defence, or comfort does not qualify that dog as an assistance dog. A Service Dog is primarily a working animal, specifically trained to assist a diabled person. 

For an animal to be recognised as a Service Dog it must be fully trained, accredited and registered with one of the following: 

  1. Irish Guide Dogs For The Blind
  2. Dogs For The Disabled (Cork)
  3. Autism Assistance Dogs Ireland
  4. Canine Partners (UK)
  5. Dog A.I.D. (UK)
  6. Guide Dogs UK
  7. Hearing Dogs For Deaf People (UK)
  8. Medical Detection Dogs (UK)
  9. Support Dogs (UK)
  10. International Guide Dog Federation

 

Dogs that are self-trained by their owners will not be considered to have reached the required level of training of a certified, accredited dog and will not meet the definition of a service dog for the purpose of this policy.  

The University will have the final decision as to whether an animal is a service dog or not.

Students seeking to bring their Service Dogs to Trinity premises must apply for reasonable accommodation with the Disability Service and provide evidence that their dog is a trained and certified service animal.