V916.03 Animals on Campus
Purpose & Scope
Animals can be a threat to personal safety and health (allergies); can cause physical damage; and may cause additional maintenance costs. VCSU works to uphold federal, state, and local laws and regulations; promote health and safety of its community; preserve the integrity of its grounds, buildings, and other property; and support a healthy educational environment that respects the rights of individuals.
This policy applies to all faculty, staff, students, and visitors/guests/affiliates.
1. Service Animals
Service animals, as defined by the American Disability Act, are allowed in University buildings and on University grounds. A service animal is a working animal, not a pet.
The ADA requires that service animals be under control of the handler at all times.
There may be areas where a service animal poses a substantial and direct threat to health and safety that cannot be reduced or eliminated through reasonable accommodations. These areas may include some laboratories, research areas, and food preparation areas. The Disability Support Services Coordinator may determine that there is not a reasonable accommodation that would allow the service animal to be present in one these situations.
Emotional support animals and other assistance animals are covered separately under policy V520.06.
2. Purposeful Visits
At times there may be a reason to have non-service animals purposefully visit campus. Purposeful visits include therapy dogs, assistance animals in training, or animals brought to campus for a sanctioned event or approved classroom activity. A formal request to Disability Support Services at least 7 days in advance must include:
- Purpose for the visit
- Type of animal(s) visiting
- Date and time of proposed visit
- Specific location where the animal(s) will be visiting
For animals repeatedly visiting campus, the formal request must occur at least 7 days before the first visit to campus and proof of current vaccination(s) must also be provided. Owners of animals repeatedly visiting campus are required to adhere to state and local laws, including City of Valley City Code 5-01-10, which requires all animal owners to provide the reasonably necessary medical care.
Following approval, the animal handler is expected to keep the animal within the specified area and clean up after the animal. Disability Support Services will notify students with Service Animals prior to all purposeful visits; the notification will include the day, time, and location of the visit.
3. Residence Halls
Pets of student hall residents are not allowed at any time, even for "just a visit." The only exception to this policy for student hall residents is small aquatic life in an aquarium. The aquarium must not exceed 10 gallons in volume. If you have an aquarium, you must have your roommate's approval and accept full and complete responsibility for care, cleanliness, and any ill effects that could result. Amphibious creatures such as frogs, lizards, snakes and turtles are prohibited. It is also prohibited to have any type of fish that are considered harmful or dangerous to humans, or any creature that is prohibited by city, state and federal laws.
Student apartment residents may request approval for an animal in the residence hall. Approval is at the discretion of the Assistant Director and Director for Residence Life.
Residence hall professional staff may request approval for an animal in the residence hall. Approval is at the discretion of the Director for Residence Life and the Vice President for Student Affairs.
4. Academic/Administrative/Athletic Buildings/Athletic Facilities
5. Liability
Liability for damage or injury the animal may cause rests with the person responsible for bringing the approved animal to campus.
Sponsored by: Vice President for Student Affairs
Effective: January 2012
Revised: December 2023