Revised: February 27, 2024 | Effective: August 1, 2010
Date Policy Request To PET:
February 27, 2024
This is an existing policy.
Current Policy Title:
11.23 / Animals on Campus
Revised Policy Title:
11.23 / Animals on University Premises
Last Revised Date Of Policy:
August 1, 2010 (Effective Date)
Initiating Authority:
Office of Student Accommodations and Testing, University Police Department, and Facilities
Services
Summary Of Policy Or Policy Change:
This policy is being revised to ensure compliance with both state and federal law,
to clarify the requirements for having an animal on campus consistent with current
practices, and to update to the University's standard policy format.
Specific changes made were to the following:
- Updated title and policy to address animals on "university premises" rather than just
campus.
- Clarified requirements and limitations for having animals on campus consistent with
state and federal laws and current practices.
- Defined the different types of animals, including Service Animals, Professional Therapy
Dogs, and Assistance Animals consistent with governing laws, including the ADA, the
Fair Housing Act, and State laws.
- Clarified what type of animals are permitted inside University buildings, including
the residence halls.
- Clarified that Pets and Assistance Animals are not permitted at organized athletic
events, consistent with current practice.
- Provided guidance on how to proceed when it is not readily apparent whether an animal
is a Service or Assistance Animal in accordance with federal law, or whether an animal
is a Professional Therapy Dog under state law, and when these animals can be excluded
from campus.
- Added contacts for individuals to direct questions and complaints to, consistent with
current practices.
Reason Or Need For Policy / Summary Of Changes Made To Existing Policy:
Updates to this policy were necessary to ensure that University procedures for dealing
with Service and Assistance Animals, and Professional Therapy Dogs are in compliance
with federal and state laws and to clarify the requirements and limitations for having
animals on University premises, consistent with current practices.
Applicable Laws Or Regulatory or Policy Authority:
- .
Other Relevant WSU Policies:
- WSU Policy 8.10 / Students with Disabilities
- Housing Accommodations Webpage
- Workplace Accommodations Webpage
The Following University Stakeholders Were Included In The Review And Approval Of
This Policy Draft / Revision:
- Office of General Counsel - Stacia Boden
- Office of Student Accommodations and Testing - Isabel Medina
- Student Affairs/Housing and Residence Life - Teri Hall, Scott Jensen and Katie Austin
- Office of Civil Rights, Title IX & ADA Compliance - Courtney McHenry and Crissy Magee
- Facilities Services - Eason Bryer
- University Police Department - Guy Schroder
- Rhatigan Student Center Event Services - Maria Ciski
- University Event and Meeting Services - Kim Moore and James Brewster
- Athletics - Brad Pittman
- Human Resources - Vicki Whisenhant and Rebecca Reiling
- Faculty Senate - Jolynn Dowling (shared)
- Staff Senate - Kennedy Rogers (shared)
Other Notes For Consideration:
N/A
Owner Of Policy Request For Questions:
Office of General Counsel