Health and Safety A-Z
Topic: Pets on Campus
Summary:
At Trent University, we are devoted to maintaining an inclusive, accessible, and safe environment for all members of our community, including those with service animals and pets. Understanding and adhering to our policies regarding animals on campus is important to ensure the safety, well-being, and respect of every individual and animal present within our premises.
On this page, you will discover the guidelines, responsibilities, and processes to follow under Pets on Campus Policy, established to navigate and manage the presence of animals on campus effectively. Whether you are a student, an employee, or a visitor, we ask you to familiarize yourself with these policies to contribute to a conducive and respectful campus atmosphere.
For any further clarifications or concerns regarding any of these policies, students can connect with the Office of Student Affairs while staff can connect with Human Resources or the Centre for Human Rights, Equity, and Accessibility. Managers can refer to the Managers and Supervisors Resources for Pets on Campus document for further information.
Pets on Campus Policy
While we understand the bond between individuals and their pets, the University has designated specific guidelines for pets on campus to support a safe and accessible environment.
Permissions and Restrictions:
Pets are allowed occasionally in certain buildings with prior permission from supervisors, abiding by local bylaws including leashing requirements. However, pets are not allowed in residences, classrooms, libraries, food service areas, Student Health Services, the Athletics Centre, or Justin Chui stadium.
Responsibilities and Behaviour:
Pet handlers are responsible for controlling, safekeeping, and cleaning up after their pets at all times while on campus, ensuring the safety and well-being of the university community.
Liabilities:
Any costs, damages, or legal liabilities arising from non-compliance with the policy will be borne by the pet handler.
For comprehensive guidelines and resources related to pets on campus, students can connect with the Office of Student Affairs while staff can connect with Human Resources or the Centre for Human Rights, Equity, and Accessibility.
Common Questions About Animals on Campus
How does Trent University categorize pets, service animals, and emotional support animals?
The University distinctly categorizes animals into service animals, emotional support animals, and pets. Service animals are defined by their function to assist individuals with disabilities, while emotional support animals supply emotional support but do not have the same privileges or rights under Ontario legislation and are considered pets. Pets are animals kept for companionship without the specific roles of the other two categories.
If I am attending Trent at one of the Durham locations, how do I secure a TrentID for my service animal?
If in Durham, students will take their completed documentation, proof of mandatory vaccinations to the office of Student Affairs, who will send electronic copies to the Card Office in Peterborough for processing. Employees will email their completed documentation to the Card Office in Peterborough for review and ID card processing.
Where can pets and service animals roam on campus, and where are they restricted?
Service animals, with proper documentation, have a wide range of access on campus, though certain restrictions apply such as leashing by-laws. Pets may occasionally enter buildings with necessary permission but are prohibited in specific areas like residences, libraries, food service areas, Student Health Services, and more.
How does the university ensure accommodation for individuals with service animals in housing and classes?
The University ensures that individuals with service animals can access housing and classes, with specific accommodation based on individual needs. Any exclusions by law or policy need alternate accommodations.
What's expected concerning pets' and service animals' conduct and the duties of their handlers?
Animals must be safely kept, controlled, and cleaned up after. They should not disrupt campus activities or members of the campus community. Service animals should be non-aggressive and obedient.
How should pet and service animal waste be managed?
Handlers are responsible for ensuring service animal waste is promptly picked up, bagged, and deposited in proper outdoor waste bins.
What happens if the animal policies aren't followed?
Non-compliance can result in various consequences, ranging from addressing animal behaviour to potential financial liabilities for damages. In severe cases, animals may be prohibited from re-entering university spaces.
What's the impact of these policies on others, including those with allergies or animal-related fears?
The University strives to address conflicts and competing rights. Questions or concerns about conflicting rights are directed by students to the Office of Student Affairs and by staff to Human Resources or the Centre for Human Rights, Equity, and Accessibility.
How do these policies safeguard the welfare of pets and service animals?
Handlers must keep a high standard of care for their animals, keeping them away from harmful locations and ensuring they meet health standards, including vaccinations.
In case of policy-related disputes, what's the approach for resolution?
The University provides avenues for addressing concerns through the Centre for Human Rights, Equity, and Accessibility (CHREA). Disputes can be raised here, ensuring fairness and resolution in line with the University’s values and policy frameworks.
What will happen for current students with comfort animal agreements in place?
As a part of this new policy, students with an established agreement or approval for a comfort animal on campus will be allowed to maintain their arrangement until they graduate from their current program