The Office of Housing and Residence Life must give permission and issue a permit for any animal kept in the residence halls. Students can speak with the Disability Coordinator in the Dean of Students Office if they believe they may be eligible for an accommodation for a service animal or an emotional support animal.
The owner must maintain the emotional support animal in a well-cared for and clean manner. Animals must be in their cages when left unattended. In addition to receiving an OHRL permit for the animal, students must also provide proof of license and vaccinations from the appropriate facility (i.e. pet shelter/rescue, veterinarian). Animals are never allowed in the dining halls or in the classroom. Emotional support animal owners are responsible for all costs related to emotional support animal cleaning, including emotional support animal waste, fleas, etc. In addition, emotional support animal owners must post a sign on their door to signify they have an emotional support animal in their room.
If another resident or a staff member objects to the presence of the emotional support animal, the owner is obligated to rectify the situation immediately, which may include the removal of the animal from the residence hall. If a dog or cat is found in a residence hall, the owner will be fined $100. The animal then must be removed within 24 hours. After 24 hours the owner will be fined $50 per day until the animal is removed. Subsequent violations of the emotional support animal policy will result in Residential Suspension for a period of time to be determined by the Dean of Housing and Residential Life.