Date: Thu, 13 Nov 2003 14:24:36 -0500
From: "Kenneth A. Basch VP for Campus Planning and Operations"
<noreply@cwru.edu>
Subject: Pet Policy
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To: All Case Faculty and Staff
From: Kenneth A. Basch
Vice President for Campus Planning and Operations
Subject: Pet Policy
Date: November 12, 2003
Over the last year, various groups including a special Ad Hoc Committee of the Faculty Senate have been thoughtfully reviewing a proposed Pet Policy for our campus.
The Officers of the University have carefully evaluated the feedback from these groups, including a report issued by the Ad Hoc Committee, recommending that there must be a campus pet policy.
We too agree that there must be a campus pet policy, and after reviewing the options presented, we have determined that the risk exposures (injury to third parties, health and disability issues from pet dander and hair, property damage, retaliation, laboratory safety, sanitation, etc.) of allowing pets in campus buildings and on campus grounds outweigh the benefits--with certain exceptions.
You will please find below the full text of the Pet Policy. This policy is effective December 1, 2003. I thank you for your cooperation.
Case Western Reserve University
Policy on Pets on Campus
Effective: December 1, 2003
This policy is implemented to assist the University in upholding state and local laws and regulations; to ensure the health and safety of the University community; to preserve the integrity of its grounds, buildings and other property; and to support a healthy educational and working environment that respects the rights of all members of the University community.
Dogs, cats, birds and other pets or animals are not permitted in any University-controlled building or on campus grounds, except for those animals that are specifically exempted by this policy. Specifically, animals are prohibited from being in offices, classrooms, hallways, and all other areas in any academic or administrative building. Dogs are permitted at the University's Squire Valleevue Farm, however, they must be leashed and attended at all times. Students residing in residence halls should refer to the Housing and Residence Life Policies and Procedures concerning pets in residence halls.
Exempted Animals
The following animals are permitted on University-controlled property:
1. Service animals while performing duties
Service animals are permitted on University-controlled property and in University buildings while they are performing tasks for the individual they accompany.
A service animal is an animal specially trained to perform one or more specific functions or activities of daily living for an individual with a documented disability. Service animals include guide dogs for those with visual or hearing impairments, or service dogs to perform tasks for the mobility-impaired (i.e. pulling a wheelchair, fetching dropped items).
Any animal being used as a service animal must wear a harness or other identifying device so that others on campus know that it is a service animal.
Employees using service animals must notify in advance the Office for Equal Opportunity and Diversity of the need to use a service animal. Students using service animals must notify in advance the Coordinator of Disability Services in Educational Support Services (ESS) of the need to use a service animal.
The individual must present documentation from a veterinarian that the service animal is in good health and has appropriate shots. This documentation must have been issued or updated in the prior three (3) months. The individual must present updated documentation annually. The University reserves the right to request documentation that the animal has been trained to act as a service animal.
Service animals may enter any building or classroom with the person they accompany. The individual with the service animal takes full responsibility for the needs and behavior of the animal. Animal waste must be picked up and disposed of properly.
The Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity will investigate any complaint that a service animal is disruptive or threatening. If it is determined that the animal is disruptive or threatening, the individual will be instructed to remove the animal until the individual produces appropriate documentation indicating that sufficient training has taken place to bring the animal under control.
2. Research and teaching animals
Animals that are officially part of the University's teaching, research or clinical programs are exempt from this policy.
Reporting
To report a problem with an animal on campus, such as unattended animal, contact the Protective Services Office at ext. 3333.
Failure to Comply
Failure to comply with this policy will result in removal of the animal from campus and may result in disciplinary action against the owner or keeper of the pet.
Issued: November 12, 2003