2022-2023 Graduate Catalog > Student Affairs Policies > Service/Emotional Support Animal/Pet Policy > Responsibilities of Handlers/Owners

Responsibilities of Handlers/Owners

Laws, Ordinances, and Policies: Handlers/owners are responsible for complying with all state laws and local animal ordinances. The cities of Toledo and Youngstown require all dogs to be licensed and registered. Dogs must wear license tags at all times in accordance with local ordinances. The City of Toledo also mandates that every female dog in heat shall be confined in a building or secured enclosure in such a manner that such female dog cannot come into contact with another animal, except for planned breeding.

Proper Identification: All animals are subject to local licensing and registration requirements.

Health and Vaccination: Animals must be immunized against diseases common to that type of animal. All vaccinations must be current. These animals must wear a rabies vaccination tag and, in the case of ESAs, vaccination documentation must be provided to the Office of Accessibility Services.

Caring for the Animal: The cost of care, arrangements and responsibilities for the well-being of the animal are the sole responsibility of the handler/owner at all times. The College will accept no responsibility for the care of any animal covered by this policy.

1. Animals must be kept clean and well groomed. College facilities such as sinks, bathrooms, and the like may not be used for this purpose.
2. Animals cannot be left unattended. Animals cannot be confined to a vehicle, tethered or abandoned at any time.
3. Animals must be well cared for at all times. Any evidence of mistreatment, abuse, or neglect may result in immediate removal of the animal and/or disciplinary action. If animal abuse is suspected, it will be directly reported to Mercy Public Safety, the Director of Student Life, and/or Lucas or Mahoning County Animal Services (or similar local service). Any costs incurred during the removal of the animal will be billed to its handler/owner.
4. Owners of an ESA must provide the Office of Accessibility Services and the Office of Student Life with contact information for an alternate caregiver. This information will be used in case of an emergency, or if the person is unable or unwilling to provide adequate care for the animal.

Keeping the Animal Under Control: The animal should be fully controlled by the handler/owner, including responding to voice and/or hand commands (if this can reasonably be expected of the type of animal at issue). If an animal is found loose or unattended, the animal is subject to immediate removal.

Being Responsible for Damage Caused by the Animal: Handlers/owners are personally responsible for any damage caused by their animals and must take appropriate precautions to prevent property damage. The handler/owner will be required to pay for any damages caused by the animal.

Being Responsible for Waste: Cleaning up after the animal is the sole responsibility of the handler/owner and it must be done immediately. Waste must be bagged and discarded in designated outdoor receptacles.  No waste may be flushed down toilets or discarded in interior waste bins.  In the event that the handler/owner is not physically able to clean up after the animal, it is then the responsibility of the handler/owner to hire someone capable of cleaning up after the animal.

Leash Requirements: Service animals should be on a leash at all times, unless the handler is unable to use a leash due to a disability or the use of the leash would interfere with the animal’s ability to perform its duties.  In that case, the handler must be able to control the service animal by other effective means such as voice controls or signals. ESAs must be on a leash or in a crate or carrier at all times.

Observing Good Animal Etiquette: To the greatest extent possible, the handler/owner should ensure that the animal does not display behaviors or make noises that are disruptive or frightening to others, unless it is part of the service being provided to the handler (e.g., barking to alert the handler of danger).  The animal must possess friendly and sociable characteristics.

Limitations on Liability: The College is not responsible for the loss, damage to, or death of a service animal, ESA or pet brought onto campus.

Other Conditions and Restrictions: In response to a particular situation, the College reserves the right to impose other reasonable conditions or restrictions on the use of service animals and ESAs as necessary to ensure the health, safety, and reasonable enjoyment of College programs and activities by others.