Animals on Campus

Introduction

While pets and other animals can be a source of much enjoyment, they can also pose a threat to the health and safety of the campus community, as well as a significant liability risk to the University and its members. This policy establishes the University’s rules on pets and other animals on campus.

Some animals are important to the University community and still others are invaluable in terms of research. In addition, there are members of our community who are assisted by Seeing Eye or hearing aid dogs. This policy clearly recognizes those situations and makes provisions under those circumstances.

Policy

Seton Hall University prohibits pets and other animals, except for those animals that are specifically exempted under this policy, from property that is owned, leased, operated or maintained by the University. This includes, but is not limited to, administrative offices, academic buildings, residence halls, outdoor campus spaces, and all off-campus locations. This policy does not apply to the living quarters assigned to priests and administrators.

Exempted Pets and Other Animals

The following animals are permitted on University-controlled property:

  1. Service animals while performing their duties: guard dogs or other animals individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability.
  2. Research, clinical, and teaching animals used directly in support of the University’s mission of teaching and research.
  3. On-duty police dogs.
  4. One-time exceptions may be granted for events involving animals. Exceptions must be requested through Public Safety and Security.

All animals must be certified and licensed in compliance with the local ordinance.

Failure to Comply

Individuals who bring unauthorized animals into University buildings will be asked to remove them. Unattended or unrestrained animals will be removed from University property by a local animal control service.

Damage to property that is the direct result of an unauthorized pet or other animal will be the sole responsibility of the owner of the animal that caused the damage.

Repeat violators will be banned from campus.

Contacts

Questions regarding this policy should be directed to your departments’ administrative office. In addition, the following offices should be contacted as follows:

Subject Contact
Damage to University Facilities Physical Plant
Environmental Concerns University Compliance Officer
Emergencies 911
Health Concerns University Compliance Officer
Research Animals Animal Care Committee
Residence Halls Student Affairs
Safety Public Safety and Security
Other Human Resources

Responsibility for the interpretation and administration of this policy resides solely with the Department of Human Resources. The University reserves the right to amend this policy at any time.