• Seton Hall University
• Policies and Procedures

Purpose

This policy provides rules and guidelines for bringing animals in the Residence Halls and apartments.

Scope

University Policy

Definitions

An emotional support animal (ESA) is a type of assistance animal that is recognized as a "reasonable accommodation" for a person with a disability under the federal Fair Housing Act. An emotional support animal is an animal (typically a dog or cat though this can include other species) that provides a therapeutic benefit to its owner through companionship. Students requesting ESAs must register with DSS and submit documentation specific to their request. An approved ESA is permitted only in the individual’s residence hall room (unless toileting or exercising in defined, approved areas.)

A service animal means any dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability. Tasks performed can include, among other things, pulling a wheelchair, retrieving dropped items, alerting a person to a sound, reminding a person to take medication, or pressing an elevator button. Service animals are permitted almost anywhere on campus – in classrooms, residence halls, dining areas.

A pet is any animal that is not trained or used as an emotional or service animal, but instead kept for ordinary recreation and companionship. 

Policy

Only fish that can live in a 10-gallon or less tank are permitted in the residence halls. Dogs, cats, and birds and other pets or animals that are not registered emotional support or service animals are strictly prohibited in any residence hall facility. Disabilities Student Services reserves the right to determine if an animal is appropriate.

Approved emotional support animals are permitted only in the individual’s residence hall room (unless toileting or exercising in defined, approved areas.)

Service animals are permitted almost anywhere on campus – in classrooms, residence halls, dining areas. 

Fish contained in a 10-gallon tank are permitted only in the individual’s residence hall room

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.

Related Policies

Responsible Offices

• Department of Housing and Residence Life

Approval

Approved

Dr. Shawna Cooper-Gibson, Vice President of Student Services

Effective Date

January 9th, 2020