Animals on Campus Policy

Responsible Unit: Security | Executive lead: CIO 
Created: 01/2011 | Reviewed/Revised: 2/2016, 06/2016, 11/2022 | Effective: 11/1/2022 
Compliance: NWCCU 2.I.1, COCA 4.2, CAPTE 3E, CAPTE 5C 
Approving Body: PAC | Classification: Institution wide 

Policy: 
Animals are allowed on the PNWU campus as long as they are on a leash, under the control of the handler, not a threat to other people, and do not bother or distract others. Owners must pick up after their animal(s). Other than service animals, the University retains the right to ask owners to remove their animal(s) at any time. If a service animal behaves in a way that poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others, has a history of such behavior, or is not under the control of the handler, that animal may be required to leave campus. 
 
Animals are only allowed inside campus buildings for the following reasons: 

  1. Service animals for the disabled. A service animal for the purposes of this policy is any guide dog, signal dog, or other animal individually trained to provide assistance to an individual with a disability. 
  2. Conditions related to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) where reasonable accommodations can be made. 
  3. Animals approved for academic research or educational activities.
  4. Animals that are brought on campus for a purpose specifically approved and under conditions approved by the president or designee.  

Other than service animals with service and vaccination tags, all other animals in campus buildings must have documentation approved and submitted to Human Resources prior to building entry. 

Campus community members are encouraged to report any animals that misbehave or handlers who mistreat their animals. 

Definitions:  
N/A 

Procedure:
N/A 

Related Documents: 
PNWU Accommodations Policy 

Policy Resources

For assistance with policies and procedures contact:

Lori Fulton
lfulton@pnwu.edu