Service animals are defined as dogs that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities and are not classified as pets. Service animals are welcome wherever the public is allowed. Service animals must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered, unless the individual's disability prevents using these devices or these devices interfere with the service animal's safe, effective performance of tasks. Students with service animals must seek lab monitor's approval prior to entering lab space and special safety equipment may be required.
An Emotional Support Animal (ESA) is a companion animal that provides therapeutic benefit for an individual with a documented disability and must be approved through Disability Support Services. ESAs are permitted in the residence halls with appropriate documentation, but are not permitted in other university facilities and are governed as pets.
Pets are not permitted inside university facilities and on athletic/recreational fields. At outdoor locations, domestic pets (dogs, cats, rabbits, etc.) are allowed if they are leashed or otherwise physically controlled (i.e. in a gated area).
Dangerous and venomous pets are not permitted on campus at any time except where an educational program/presentation is involved. Advance written approval must be obtained from the faculty or staff member overseeing the educational program/presentation.
Animals cannot be left unattended and must be within arm's reach of the owner at all times (except ESAs in their residence hall room). Animals found unattended will be impounded and the owner may face disciplinary action. Owners are responsible for their animal's behavior, any damage their pet may cause to university property, and for proper disposal of animal waste.
Exceptions to this policy are pets in the private residence of university employees residing on campus.