Personal Pet Policy (HR 100-003)

1.0 Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to protect the health, safety, and well-being of all individuals on Baker College property by establishing clear guidelines regarding the presence of personal pets. This policy ensures a safe and respectful campus environment while maintaining compliance with applicable laws governing Service Animals and Assistance Animals.

2.0 Definitions

Assistance Animal – An animal that provides emotional support or other assistance but is not a Service Animal. Such animals are covered under the Fair Housing Act (FHA) and require approval from the College.

Personal Pets/Animals – Any domesticated animal kept for companionship or enjoyment that is not classified as a Service Animal or an approved Assistance Animal.

Service Animal – A dog (or, in some cases, a miniature horse) that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for a person with a disability, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

3.0 Scope

This policy applies to all Baker College students, faculty, staff, contractors, and visitors. It governs the presence of personal pets on all Baker College-owned or -leased properties, including classrooms, offices, residence halls, laboratories, and shared campus spaces.

4.0 Policy Statement

Personal pets are not permitted on Baker College property. This restriction is intended to support a safe, healthy, and inclusive campus environment for all individuals.

Service Animals, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and approved Assistance Animals, as defined under the Fair Housing Act (FHA), are not considered personal pets and are permitted in accordance with applicable laws and College policies. These animals may be present on campus when their use has been appropriately documented and authorized through established institutional processes.

The presence of animals on campus must not interfere with academic, administrative, or operational activities, or pose a health or safety risk to the College community.

While personal pets/animals are generally not permitted on Baker College property, Service Animals and approved Assistance Animals are not considered pets.

5.0 Procedures

The following procedures apply to the presence of animals on Baker College property and outline the enforcement and compliance expectations for this policy:

General Guidelines for Animal Control

• All animals brought onto campus must remain under the immediate control of their owner or handler at all times.
• Dogs and cats must be secured by a leash no longer than six (6) feet or transported in an appropriate carrying device while in common or public areas.
• All other animals must be confined to a cage or suitable carrier.
• Animals must not be left unattended at any time.

Veterinary Program Animals

• Animals used in support of Veterinary Program activities are permitted only within designated instructional areas.
• These animals must remain confined to the kennel area of the Veterinary Technology laboratory when not actively used for educational or treatment purposes.

Clean-Up and Behavior Responsibility

• Owners or handlers are responsible for the behavior of their animals and for cleaning up any waste immediately and appropriately.
• Any damage to College property caused by an animal is the responsibility of the owner or handler.

Approval and Documentation for Assistance Animals

• Assistance Animals require prior approval through the College’s established accommodation process.
• Documentation must be submitted and approved by the appropriate College office (e.g., Disability Services or Housing Office) before the animal is brought on campus.

Enforcement and Removal

• Facilities and Security personnel are responsible for monitoring compliance with this policy.
• Any individual found with an unauthorized pet on campus may be asked to remove the animal immediately.
• Repeated or serious violations may be referred for disciplinary action under the applicable student or employee conduct procedures.

6.0 Responsibilities

Facilities & Security

• Enforce compliance with this policy.
• Request the removal of unauthorized pets from campus.

Students, Faculty, and Staff

• Adhere to the guidelines outlined in this policy.
• Ensure that approved animals are under control and that the necessary approval process has been followed.

7.0 Citations & Related Information

Document A: Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Requirements: Service Animals 

Document B: Fair Housing Act: Assistance Animals