Pets and demonstration animals

The purpose of this policy is to establish policies, procedures, and guidelines for the regulation of pets and demonstration animals on campus.

Due to health and safety concerns, pets and other animals are not permitted in University buildings. This applies to all students and employees as well as visitors and guests. Visitors and guests should be made aware of this Policy to prevent mishaps and misunderstanding. In addition, absolutely no unauthorized pets are allowed in the residence halls.

The University reserves the right to require immediate removal of any pet from University property and to charge the individual hosting the animal for all costs incurred in removal of the pet(s) and the costs associated with housing the pet. University staff and/or an outside agency can remove the pet at any time. Any cost associated with the possession of a pet (i.e. damaged furniture, cleaning, pest control, etc.) will be charged to the responsible individual(s). A pet owner is responsible for the pet’s behavior.

Demonstration Animals Policy

Animals used by faculty members for teaching purposes are permitted on campus upon prior written approval from the appropriate Dean.

Pet—an animal kept for ordinary use and companionship. A “pet” is not considered a Service Animal, an Emotional Support Animal, or an animal used by a faculty member for teaching purposes.

Service Animal—any dog or miniature horse that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability. Other species of animals, whether wild or domestic, trained or untrained, are not service animals for the purposes of this definition. The work or tasks performed by a service animal must be directly related to the individual's disability.

Emotional Support Animal—an animal that a University student or a staff member requires due to their disability, for use in their University residence or other location of temporary housing in order to have an equal opportunity to use and enjoy their residence/dwelling or to participate in the residence life program. The animal provides emotional support, which alleviates one or more identified symptoms or effects of the student’s diagnosed disability. The animal is not specifically trained to perform tasks for a person who suffers from emotional disabilities. There must, however, be an identifiable and medically indicated relationship between the individual’s disability and the assistance the animal provides. Unlike Service Animals, Emotional Support Animals are not granted access to places of public accommodation and are not permitted in other areas of the University (e.g. libraries, academic buildings, classrooms, dining areas, labs, work areas, student centers, recreation areas, etc.).

The following guidelines regarding pets on campus shall be enforced:

1. With the exception of Service Animals, Emotional Support Animals and animals associated with specifically approved university sponsored programs, pets and animals, other than fish in a 10 gallon or less tank, are not permitted in offices, buildings, residence halls, Lynn University NCAA athletic events, or in any University facility.
2. In those rare circumstances where a Pet is allowed on campus grounds (e.g., Take Your Dog to Work Day), the pet must be on a leash, under control of the owner, and present no hazard to people or property. Its owner shall not regard the wearing of a muzzle by a dog as control, as no aggressive animal is permitted on Lynn University premises. Further, pets may never be tethered on campus, without the owner’s direct supervision.
3. Pets must have a valid license and tags as evidence of current rabies vaccinations. Owners must be able to show proof if asked.
4. Stray animals shall be reported to Campus Safety.
5. Feeding stray animals (i.e. ducks, rabbits, raccoons, cats, dogs, etc.) is a health and safety hazard and is prohibited.

To learn more about this policy or the supporting procedures, please contact Student Affairs.