ANIMALS AND PETS
Effective: August 15, 2024
Purpose: To outline the restrictions and requirements for animals on the University campus.
Scope: This policy applies to the University campus wide.
Responsible Office: Student and Student Life; Campus and Facilities
Policy Statement: Animals and pets are prohibited inside campus buildings with the following exceptions:
- Research animals used for academic research and/or studies. All research and/or studies using animals must submit to the Animal Care and Use Committee an application for review and approval of the proposed activities for these animals.
- Certified trained therapy animals and/or those in certified training programs used for academic research, therapy and/or studies. All research, therapy and/or studies using animals must submit to the Animal Care and Use Committee an application for review and approval of the proposed activities for these animals.
- Performance animals used for academic performances, plays, and specific events. Academic units using animals must submit to the Animal Care and Use Committee an application for review and approval of the proposed activities for these animals. Approval by the academic unit’s Dean and the Director of Facilities is required.
Service Animals and Emotional Support Animals
Service animals and emotional support animals are exempted from the prohibition against animals being allowed inside campus buildings.
Under federal law, a service animal is defined as any dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability. Only dogs that have received specialized training to perform a specific task or tasks for an individual with a legally recognized disability are considered service animals.
Unlike a service animal, federal law states that an emotional support animal is not limited to certain animals. Prior to any emotional support animal being allowed inside any campus building, the animal’s owner must receive approval from Student Accessibility and Support Services.
Definitions: All words and phrases shall be interpreted utilizing their plain meanings unless otherwise defined in another University or Board of Regents policy or by statute or regulation.
Procedures: All procedures linked and related to the policies above shall have the full force and effect of policy if said procedures have first been properly approved by the University’s administrator in charge of Student and Student Life, and Campus and Facilities.
[Campus and Facilities procedures - coming soon]
[Student and Student Life procedures - coming soon]
Related Policy Information: [coming soon]