Animals on University Property and at University Events

Op11.13 Animals on University Property and at University Events

I. Purpose. This policy governs when animals are permitted on Missouri State University property and at University events.

II. Scope. This policy applies to all animals on property owned, leased, operated, or controlled by the University. It also applies to University-sponsored or University-controlled events, programs, and activities, whether held on or off campus.

III. Policy

Animals are not permitted inside University-owned or leased buildings or at University events except as permitted by this Policy. Pets may be present on outdoor campus grounds if they are controlled by an adult, leashed or otherwise restrained, and do not disrupt University operations, create a safety concern, or damage property. University events include meetings, performances, athletic events, camps, conferences, and other University-sponsored or University-controlled gatherings.

IV. Animals Permitted by Exception

The following animals may be permitted on University property or at University events, subject to this policy and any additional University requirements:

• Service Animals, as defined in the University’s Service Animal policy;
• Dogs that are Service Animals in training, when accompanied and actually engaged in training as provided by Missouri law;
   
• Emotional Support Animals approved as a reasonable accommodation in University housing under the University’s Emotional Support Animal policy;
• Animals used for official University research, instruction, agriculture, or other academic or operational purposes;
• Animals approved in advance for a University program, event, or activity;
• Animals approved for live-in Residence Life, Housing and Dining Service’s staff; and
• Fish kept in University housing as permitted by Residence Life, Housing and Dining Services.

Responsibilities of Owners and Handlers

Any person who brings an animal onto University property or to a University event is responsible for the animal’s behavior, care, supervision, and control. Animals must be controlled by a leash, harness, carrier, or other effective means. A Service Animal may be controlled by voice, signal, or other effective means if a leash, harness, or other restraint would interfere with the animal’s work or the individual’s disability prevents use of the restraint.

Owners and handlers must comply with applicable federal, state, and local laws and ordinances, including local animal-control requirements related to licensing, vaccination, restraint, nuisance animals, rabies control, and impoundment. They must clean up after the animal, properly dispose of waste, prevent damage to University property, and prevent the animal from creating a disruption or health or safety concern.

University personnel are not responsible for the care, feeding, supervision, or evacuation of any animal. The owner or handler is responsible for any damage or injury caused by the animal and may be charged for cleaning, repair, replacement, or other costs resulting from the animal’s presence.

Animals in Vehicles

Animals may not be left unattended in vehicles on University property if doing so threatens the health or safety of the animal or others or violates applicable law. The University may contact appropriate authorities when an animal appears to be in distress or intervention is otherwise necessary.

Removal or Exclusion of Animals

The University may require an animal to be removed from University property or a University event if the animal is not permitted by this policy, is not under control, is disruptive, is not housebroken where housebreaking is applicable, poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others, causes substantial property damage or presents a substantial risk of property damage, creates a nuisance, or is mistreated, neglected, or abandoned. The University may also exclude an animal when its presence would compromise research, instruction, or other University operations.

If a Service Animal is properly excluded or removed, the University will provide the individual a reasonable opportunity to participate in the applicable program, service, activity, or event without the animal’s presence.

Questions, Accommodation Requests, and Health Concerns

Students with questions about Service Animals, Emotional Support Animals, disability-related accommodations, or health concerns related to animals should contact the Disability Resource Center. Faculty, staff, and visitors with questions about this policy, workplace accommodations, disability-related access issues, or health concerns related to animals should contact the Legal Affairs & Compliance Accessibility Coordinator.