Lesley University Policy on Pets, Service Animals, and Assistance Animals for Students Living in University Student Housing

This policy applies to students seeking approval to have Service Animals or Assistance Animals (see definitions below) in university student housing. Lesley University reserves the right to amend this policy as circumstances require. Students who seek academic or co-curricular accommodations should contact Disability Support Services by email to dss@lesley.edu.

Animals, including pets, are not permitted in university student housing with the exception of approved Service Animals or Assistance Animals for individuals with disabilities. 

Lesley University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified students with disabilities. Students with disabilities who require the use of Service Animals or Assistance Animals as a reasonable accommodation may be permitted to bring such animals into university student housing provided that they comply with this policy, contact Disability Support Services (dss@lesley.edu) and follow the process outlined below before bringing an animal into university student housing. Disability Support Services will determine on a case-by-case basis, and in collaboration with other offices on campus, whether to approve requests. In making determinations, Disability Support Services will consider the needs of the student, the services provided by the animal, as well as the impact of the animal on the campus community. Students seeking to have a Service Animal or Assistance Animal in university student housing must notify Disability Support Services and follow the applicable process each academic year. The animal must not be in residence prior to approval by Disability Support Services. The approval of a request is animal-specific and is not transferable to another animal. 

Section I. Definitions

Service Animal

A "Service Animal" is a dog that has been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability. In some cases, a miniature horse may be permitted as a Service Animal. Other animals do not qualify as Service Animals. Examples of work or tasks provided by a Service Animal include, among others, guiding a person with impaired vision, alerting a person with a hearing impairment, pulling a wheelchair, and alerting and protecting a person who is having a seizure. Service Animals are working animals, not pets. The work or task a Service Animal has been trained to provide must be directly related to the functional limitations of the person’s disability. Animals whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as Service Animals. 

Assistance Animal

“Assistance Animals” are a category of animals that may work, provide assistance, or provide physical tasks for an individual with a disability and/or provide emotional support which alleviates one or more identified symptoms or effects of an individual’s disability. Assistance Animals are not considered Service Animals under the Americans With Disabilities Act or this policy. Some, but not all, Assistance Animals are professionally trained. 

Pet

A “pet” is an animal kept for ordinary use and companionship. A pet is not considered a Service Animal or Assistance Animal. Individuals are not permitted to keep or bring pets on university property or in university student housing. 

Approved Animal

An “Approved Animal” is a Service Animal or Assistance Animal that has been permitted in Lesley’s university student housing as a reasonable accommodation under this policy. 

Owner

The “Owner” is the resident student who has been approved to have an Approved Animal in university student housing under this policy. 

Section II. Policies and Procedure Concerning Service Animals

A Lesley resident student seeking to have a Service Animal in university student housing must notify Disability Support Services in writing preferably at the time they submit to Residence Life their application for university student housing. If the need for the Service Animal arises after the student is already placed in university student housing, then the student must notify Disability Support Services at that time and before bringing the Service Animal into university student housing. The review process may take 30 days or more; accordingly, students should submit their requests to Disability Support Services at least 30 days prior to the date the student would like to bring the Service Animal to university student housing. 

When the need for a Service Animal is not readily apparent, the University may request additional information in support of the request for the purpose of determining whether an animal qualifies as a Service Animal, namely: 

1. that the Service Animal is required due to the functional limitations of the requesting student’s disability, and

2. what work or tasks the Service Animal has been trained to perform for the benefit of the requesting student.

The Owner will be asked to complete a form to register their Service Animal and provide a veterinary report and vaccination record. 

After receiving the written request and any additional information, Disability Support Services will arrange a meeting with the requesting student. This policy will be reviewed with the student at that time, and the student will sign a form acknowledging the student’s agreement to comply with this policy. Disability Support Services will review completed requests for Service Animals in collaboration with other University offices, including the Dean of Student Life’s Office, to determine if there are any student conduct issues that may negatively impact the requesting student’s ability to effectively control and provide a safe environment for the Service Animal. Once Disability Support Services completes its review, the decision will be provided in writing to the student. If the request for a Service Animal is approved, the Owner will be reminded of their obligations under this policy. The requesting student may appeal a denial of a request for a Service Animal using the grievance procedure outlined in the Reasonable Modifications of Policies, Practices, and Procedures for Students with Disabilities policy. 

The Owner must comply with the following provisions regarding Service Animals: 

1. Owners must have full control over the behavior of their Service Animals. 

2. The behavior, noise, odor, and waste of a Service Animal must not exceed reasonable standards, and these factors must not create an unreasonable disruption for other residents and Residence Life staff.  

3. Service Animals must be housebroken. 

4. Dangerous animals are not permitted. 

5. Service Animals must be individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of the individual with a disability. 

Section III. Policies and Procedure Concerning Assistance Animals

A resident student seeking to have an Assistance Animal in university student housing must make a formal request to Disability Support Services by submitting a completed Assistance Animal Request form and Assistance Animal Recommendation form preferably at the time they submit to Residence Life their application for university student housing. If the need for an Assistance Animal arises after the student is already placed in university student housing, then the student must provide the required forms to Disability Support Services at that time and before bringing their animal into university student housing. Assistance Animals present before the review process is complete may be removed from university student housing. The review process may take 30 days or more; accordingly, students should submit the required forms to Disability Support Services at least 30 days prior to the date the student would like to bring the animal to university student housing. 

When the need for an Assistance Animal is not readily apparent, the University may request additional clarification and medical documentation from a physician, psychiatrist, social worker, or other health care provider, including (i) verification of the student’s disability, (ii) statement on how the animal serves as an accommodation for the documented disability, and (iii) statement on how the need for the Assistance Animal relates to the ability of the student to use and gain benefit from university student housing. The Owner will also be required to complete a form to register their Assistance Animal and provide a veterinary report and vaccination record. Any necessary documentation must be dated within the last 12 months. 

After receiving completed documentation, Disability Support Services will arrange a meeting with the requesting student. This policy will be reviewed with the student at that time, and the student will sign a form acknowledging the student’s agreement to comply with this policy. Disability Support Services will review completed requests for Assistance Animals in collaboration with other University offices, including the Dean of Student Life’s Office, to determine if there are any student conduct issues that may negatively impact the requesting student’s ability to effectively control and provide a safe environment for the Assistance Animal. Once Disability Support Services completes its review, the decision will be provided in writing to the student. 

If the Assistance Animal is approved, the Owner will be reminded of their obligations under this policy. The requesting student may appeal a denial of a request for an Assistance Animal using the grievance procedure outlined in the Reasonable Modifications of Policies, Practices, and Procedures for Students with Disabilities policy. 

The Owner must comply with the following provisions regarding behavior and care of an Assistance Animal: 

1. The behavior, noise, odor, and waste of an Assistance Animal must not exceed reasonable standards and these factors must not create an unreasonable disruption for residents and Residence Life staff.  

2.  Assistance Animals must be housebroken. 

3. Animals that are dangerous, poisonous, venomous, illegal, or at high risk of passing along infectious diseases are not permitted. 

4. The Assistance Animal must be contained within the Owner’s room or suite in university student housing at all times, except as required for transportation off-campus or to eliminate waste. While outside the Owner’s room or suite in university student housing, the Assistance Animal must be in an animal carrier or controlled by leash or harness. When transporting the Assistance Animal outside university student housing, the Owner must carry the approval from Disability Support Services documenting that the Assistance Animal is an Approved Animal. 

Section IV.  Notice and Accommodation of Other Disabilities

Disability Support Services and Residence Life may disclose information regarding the presence of the Approved Animal to those individuals who may be impacted by the presence of the animal including, but not limited to, Residence Life staff and potential or actual roommate(s), suitemate(s), neighbors, or other residents of university student housing. Such information will be limited to information related to the Approved Animal and shall not include information related to the Owner’s disability. This information will be shared with the intent of preparing for the presence of the Approved Animal and resolving any potential issues associated with the presence of the Approved Animal. Other resident students with medical condition(s) who are affected by animals (e.g., respiratory diseases, asthma, allergies) are asked to contact Disability Support Services if they have a health or safety related concern about exposure to an Approved Animal. Such affected students may be eligible for a disability accommodation when living in proximity to an Approved Animal. 

All roommates or suitemates of the Owner must sign an agreement acknowledging that the Approved Animal will be in residence with them. In the event that one or more roommates or suitemates do not approve, either the Owner and the Approved Animal or the non-approving roommates or suitemates, as determined by Disability Support Services and Residence Life, may be moved to a different location. 

Disability Support Services and Residence Life will collaborate, as necessary, to resolve conflicts related to an Approved Animal, considering the needs and accommodations of all resident students involved. 

Section V. Health and Well-being Requirements for Approved Animals

The following pertains to the health and well-being of Approved Animals: 

• Vaccination: In accordance with local ordinances and regulations, the Approved Animal must receive all required and recommended immunizations against diseases. Dogs must have current vaccination against rabies and wear a rabies vaccination tag. Cats and other animals should have the normal vaccines required for a healthy animal. Local licensing requirements must be followed. The University may request updated verification regarding an Approved Animal’s vaccinations at any time during the animal’s residency. 

• Health: Approved Animals must be in good health as documented annually by a licensed veterinarian. Appropriate documentation will be determined on a case-by-case basis, but may include a vaccination certificate or veterinarian’s statement regarding the animal’s health. The University has authority to direct that the Approved Animal receive veterinary attention in appropriate circumstances. 

• Control: The Owner must be in full control of the Approved Animal at all times. Service Animals must generally be kept on a leash, harness, or other tether unless the Owner’s disability prevents its use, or the use of one would interfere with the Service Animal's ability to be of service. Assistance Animals must be contained within the Owner’s room or suite in university student housing at all times, except as required for transportation off-campus or to eliminate waste. While outside the Owner’s room or suite in university student housing, the Assistance Animal must be in an animal carrier or controlled by leash or harness. Assistance Animals must generally be on a leash, harness, or other tether (or in an appropriate crate or cage), while in university student housing, unless the Owner’s disability prevents its use, or the use of one would interfere with the Assistance Animal’s ability to be of service. The University will make such determinations on a case-by-case basis and notify the Owner about leash, harness, crate, or cage requirements. 

• Cleanliness: It is the Owner’s responsibility to remove and properly dispose of any waste. Approved Animals must be clean and well groomed, and measures should be taken at all times for flea, tick, and odor control. If fleas, ticks, or other pests are detected through inspection, the university student housing will be treated using approved fumigation methods by a University approved pest control service. The Owner will be billed for the expense of any pest treatment above and beyond what is normally required for pest management. The Owner will be held responsible for any damage to university student housing, including excessive cleaning, replacement of flooring or carpet, or other repairs. Damage will be noted on the Room Condition form and during health and safety inspections. 

• Other Conditions: Disability Support Services or Residence Life may place other reasonable conditions or restrictions on Approved Animals depending on the particular facts and circumstances, including the nature and characteristics of the Approved Animal. 

Section VI.  Removal of Approved Animals

The Owner is responsible for following this policy and assuring that the Approved Animal does not unduly interfere or adversely affect the routine activities of the university student housing or other residents. The University may exclude or remove an Approved Animal when: 

• The Approved Animal poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others (e.g. nipping, barking, growling, biting, chasing, destructive behavior, excessive foul odor); 

• The Approved Animal’s presence results in a fundamental alteration of the University’s program (i.e. inhibits conduct of a program as it was designed); 

• The Owner does not comply with the Owner’s responsibilities in university student housing;  

• The Approved Animal or its presence creates an unmanageable disturbance or interference with the Lesley community (e.g. animal walking around unsupervised, disrupting an event, barking, whining, not using designated relief areas, destroying property or possessions, or poses a threat to health and safety); or 

• There is no longer a medical need for the Approved Animal. 

The University will take appropriate measures, up to and including a determination that the Approved Animal may no longer be permitted in university student housing, if the University determines that any of the above conditions apply or the Owner has not complied with this policy. If an Approved Animal is removed from university student housing, the Owner will have the right to engage in the interactive process with the University to determine if effective participation can occur with other appropriate accommodations. The University is committed to engaging in the interactive process with individuals with disabilities to provide a reasonable accommodation. 

Section VII. Owner’s Responsibilities for Approved Animals in University Student Housing

1. The Owner is responsible for assuring that the Approved Animal does not unduly interfere or adversely affect the routine activities of the university student housing or other residents. In addition, the Approved Animal must not pose a threat to the health, safety, or property of anyone in the Lesley community. 

2. The care and supervision of the Approved Animal is solely the responsibility of the Owner. The Owner is responsible for ensuring the safety of the Approved Animal and the Lesley community. The Owner must not have any past or current student conduct issues that may impact the Owner’s ability to care for and effectively control an animal. In addition, the Owner must not have a history of abuse or irresponsible behavior related to the Approved Animal or others that negatively impacts the Owner’s ability to ensure the safety of the Approved Animal or the Lesley community. If Lesley determines that such conduct issues are negatively impacting the safety of the Approved Animal or the Lesley community, Lesley will take appropriate measures, up to and including a determination that the Approved Animal may no longer be permitted on campus. 

3. The Owner is responsible for complying with the provisions relating to the behavior, care, health, and well-being of the Approved Animal as set forth in this policy. 

4. The Owner understands that the Approved Animal shall, at all times, be kept in university student housing at the Owner’s risk. This includes but is not limited to food items that may spoil due to a power outage or other electrical, heating, or cooling issues. The University assumes no responsibility of any kind for loss or damage to the Owner’s Approved Animal caused by fire, water, temperature, theft, the actions of other students, guests or other individuals, or any other cause whatsoever. 

5. The Owner understands that the average sized room in university student housing is approximately 150 square feet and does not have an air conditioning system. This space may be occupied with or without a roommate depending on the Owner’s housing assignment. Any modifications to the room on behalf of the Approved Animal must be consistent with those permitted for students (e.g. rearranging furniture, use of temporary shelving, etc.).  

6. The Owner is responsible for ensuring the cleanup and proper disposal of the Approved Animal’s waste (e.g. urine, excrement, feces, fur, cage shavings, etc.). Indoor animal waste must be placed in a sturdy plastic bag and sealed before disposal. 

7. The Owner is financially responsible for the Approved Animal, including for any bodily injury or property damage caused by the Approved Animal. The Owner’s financial responsibility may include the cost of repairing or replacing furniture, carpet, flooring, windows, wall coverings, and other damage to University property. The Owner is required to cover these costs at the time of repair or move-out based on the nature of the damage and in the University’s sole discretion. 

8. The Owner is responsible for any expenses incurred for required cleaning above and beyond a standard cleaning or for repairs to University premises. Any such damages will be assessed after the Owner and Approved Animal vacate university student housing. The University will bill the Owner’s student account for these costs. 

9. The Owner must notify Disability Support Services in writing if the Approved Animal is no longer needed or is no longer in residence. To replace an Approved Animal, the Owner must follow the process outlined in this policy, as appropriate. 

10. The Owner's room or suite may be inspected for pests as needed. Residence Life staff will schedule any such inspection. If pests are detected upon inspection, the residence room or hall will be treated using fumigation or other methods by a University-approved pest control service. The Owner will be billed for the expense of any pest treatment above and beyond routine pest management in the residence halls. 

11. From time to time, the University may use pesticides, pest control devices, de-icing materials, cleaning supplies, and other materials for the maintenance and operation of university property or university student housing. The University is not responsible for any harm to Approved Animals caused by such materials. 

12. Approved Animals may not be left overnight in university student housing without the Owner. Approved Animals must be taken with the Owner if the Owner leaves campus overnight. 

13. The University is not responsible for providing care or food for any Approved Animals including, but not limited to, removing Approved Animals during emergency evacuation for events such as a fire alarm. Emergency personnel will determine whether to remove Approved Animals and the University may not be held responsible for the care, damage to, or loss of Approved Animals. 

14. The Owner must abide by all other university policies, including university student housing policies. Any violation of this policy may result in immediate removal of the Approved Animal from the University, as permitted by applicable laws. Reported violations will be reviewed by the Dean of Student Life in accordance with the Student Life Conduct Procedure. 

15. Should an Approved Animal be removed from the University for any reason, the Owner is expected to fulfill the Owner’s financial obligations for the remainder of the Lesley University Room, Meal Plan, & Health Services contract term.