| Policy Title | Animals on Campus |
|---|---|
| Responsible Office | Environmental Health and Safety Office |
| Policy Type | Facilities and Property |
| Policy Number | 420 |
| Last Revision Date | 7/21/2026 |
I. Purpose
This Management Procedure establishes requirements governing animals on property owned, leased, or controlled by 91社区. The procedure is intended to:
- Accommodate individuals with disabilities as required by law;
- Promote the health and safety of the campus community;
- Protect University facilities, property, and natural resources;
- Ensure compliance with applicable federal and state laws.
II. Scope
This procedure applies to all faculty, staff, students, volunteers, contractors, vendors, visitors, and any other individuals who bring or maintain animals on University or affiliate-owned, leased, or controlled property. It is based on reference to NYCRR Title 9, Subtitle G, Chapter IV, Subchapter A, Part 300, Subpart 300-3.1(k), which states "No person shall introduce or possess any animal within a state facility except for service animals and police and fire dogs under the control of their handler, without authorization from the commissioner. No person shall abandon an animal on state property.鈥
This procedure does not supersede applicable federal or state law regarding service animals or approved disability accommodations.
III. Animals Permitted on University Property
Animals are generally prohibited inside University buildings and on all official athletic, practice and co-rec playing fields, unless specifically permitted under this procedure or another University policy.
The following animals are permitted under the conditions described below:
A. Service Animals in General
Service animals, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), are permitted in University facilities where members of the public, students, faculty, or staff are normally allowed. Service animals must remain under the control of their handler at all times.
A service animal is a dog, or in limited circumstances a miniature horse, individually trained to perform work or tasks for an individual with a disability. Emotional support, therapy, comfort, or companion animals are not service animals under the ADA.
University personnel may ask only the questions permitted under the ADA when it is not readily apparent that an animal is a service animal.
B. Service Animals in University Research Facilities
Procedures
Prior to authorizing a service animal access into a research facility, the responsible identified party of the facility (faculty, building administrator, staff) and the requesting individual/handler will consult with the Environmental Health and Safety Office (EH&S) in collaboration with the Services for Students with Disabilities Office (SSD). The consultation to address any questions or clarification to be conducted by EH&S may include but is not limited to:
- confirmation by the requesting individual that the service animal dog is required because of a disability
- research to be conducted
- research facility/specific laboratory space
- specific tasks to be performed by the service animal
- safety of the service animal
- necessary personal protection equipment (PPE) for the service animal
Determinations
If the consultation determines that the required tasks that are to be provided by the service animal can be performed safely, EH&S will inform the requesting individual, the identified responsible party of the facility/lab, and the building administrator. The building administrator will inform those in research facilities where the service animal is authorized access. The required PPE will be recommended by EH&S at the expense of the laboratory. Environmental Health and Safety will provide consultation for the disinfection of affected surfaces.
Upon determination that required tasks to be provided by the service animal cannot be performed safely (i.e. involving radioactive materials, BSL 2 containment, required physical separation due to interspecies conflicts), the requesting individual will be notified by EH&S. The Services for Students with Disabilities Office and the applicable Human Resources Office will collaborate with EH&S on this determination.
If the requesting individual can perform the research without the service animal in a specific laboratory space but requires that the service animal to be in proximity, safe accommodations near the individual where the service animal can wait will be identified by EH&S in coordination with all consulting parties.
The requesting individual/handler will be responsible that all PPE has been donned and doffed appropriately, and ensuring that no contaminants are present on the service animal upon exiting the laboratory. Items such as animal beds, toys, water, treats are not to be brought into the research facility.
Individuals within the research facility are to not to interact with or distract the service animal. Research facility access by a service animal will be immediately revoked upon uncontrolled or disruptive behavior including but not limited to:
- not following commands
- barking that is not part of the animal鈥檚 trained task and is not effectively controlled
- aggressive behavior
- jumping, licking
- rejection of PPE
C. Emotional Support Animals (ESAs)
Emotional Support Animals are permitted only when approved as a reasonable accommodation.
Students requesting an ESA must obtain approval through the Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) Office and Residential Life, as applicable.
ESAs are not permitted in academic, administrative, or public University buildings.
D. Research and Teaching Animals
Animals used for research or instructional purposes are permitted only when:
- Approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC);
- Maintained in accordance with all federal and state regulations; and
- Housed and handled in approved University facilities.
E. Law Enforcement and Public Safety Animals
Animals used by University Police or other law enforcement agencies in the performance of official duties are permitted.
Animals used for emergency response, search and rescue, fire safety, or other official public-safety purposes are also permitted when under the control of an authorized handler.
F. Animals Used in University Programs or Events
Animals used in instructional activities, educational demonstrations, officially sponsored events, or therapeutic programs may be permitted with prior approval from Environmental Health and Safety and any other required University offices.
Event organizers are responsible for ensuring compliance with all applicable health, safety, and insurance requirements.
G. Domestic Animals Outdoors
Domestic animals may be brought onto outdoor University property provided they:
- remain under the immediate control of a responsible person;
- are restrained by a leash not exceeding six feet, unless otherwise permitted by law;
- do not create safety hazards or disrupt University operations; and
- are not brought into prohibited areas.
IV. Owner Responsibilities
Individuals bringing animals onto University property are responsible for:
- Maintaining continuous control of the animal;
- Preventing aggressive, disruptive, or threatening behavior;
- Cleaning and properly disposing of animal waste;
- Preventing damage to University property;
- Complying with all vaccination and licensing requirements required by New York State and local law;
- Ensuring the animal does not interfere with University activities.
The University may require removal of any animal that poses a direct threat to health or safety, causes substantial property damage, or significantly disrupts University operations.
V. Prohibited Activities
Unless otherwise authorized by this procedure or applicable law, the following are prohibited:
- Bringing animals into University buildings.
- Allowing animals to roam freely.
- Leaving animals unattended on University property or in vehicles.
- Feeding wildlife or feral animals.
- Abandoning domestic animals.
- Bringing wild or exotic animals onto campus.
- Hunting, trapping, collecting, or intentionally disturbing wildlife except as authorized by law or approved University activities.
- Interfering with service animals while they are performing their duties.
VI. Animal Bites and Emergencies
Any animal bite, scratch, attack, or other incident involving an animal shall be reported immediately to University Police.
Medical emergencies should be reported by calling 911 or University Police.
Environmental Health and Safety shall be notified of incidents involving injuries, wildlife concerns, or environmental hazards.
VII. Enforcement
Individuals who fail to comply with this procedure may be directed to remove the animal immediately.
Failure to comply may result in:
- Removal from University property;
- Student disciplinary action;
- Employee corrective or disciplinary action;
- Revocation of event approval;
- Other action consistent with applicable University policies and collective bargaining agreements.
VIII. Definitions
Domestic Animal
An animal commonly kept as a household pet or companion.
Emotional Support Animal (ESA)
An animal that provides emotional support or comfort as part of a disability accommodation
but is not individually trained to perform specific tasks. ESAs are not service animals
under the ADA.
Service Animal
A dog, or in limited circumstances a miniature horse, individually trained to perform
work or tasks for an individual with a disability as defined by the Americans with
Disabilities Act.
University Property
Any building, land, vehicle, leased space, or facility owned, leased, operated, or
controlled by 91社区.
Wild Animal
Any non-domesticated animal native or non-native to New York State.
IX. Consultation
The following departments can be contacted for those seeking guidance on service animal
access an accommodation related to this policy.
- Environmental Health and Safety 607-777-2211
- Services for Student with Disabilities (SSD) 607-777-2686
- 91社区 Human Resources 607-777-2187
- 91社区 Research Foundation Human Resources 607-777-4264
- Affirmative Action Office (AAO) 607-777-4775
- Research Compliance 607-777-3532
X. Related Policies and References
- Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
- Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
- New York State Public Health Law
- New York State Agriculture and Markets Law
- 91社区 Disability Accommodation Procedures
- 91社区 Residential Life policies
- 91社区 Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) policies
- SUNY Policy on Reasonable Accommodations
- New York State Office of General Services regulations governing state property.
| Date | Description | Responsible Party |
| 1/31/2025 | Biennial review conducted. No changes. | Environmental Health & Safety |
| 7/21/2026 | Existing policy revised to align with NYCRR Title 9, Subtitle G, Chapter IV, Subchapter A, Part 300, Subpart 300-3.1(k). Approved by Senior Officers Group on 7/21/26 | Environmental Health & Safety |