This Animals on Campus Policy pertains to students, faculty, staff, and visitors of Southwestern University and applies to all animals on campus other than approved emotional support animals and service animals. Policies regarding approved emotional support animals and service animals may be found here.
Animals are not permitted inside any University-controlled building at Southwestern. The only exceptions to this policy are explicitly outlined in the list of Exempted Animals below. Individuals who bring animals into or allow animals to enter a University-controlled building will be fined $250 and will be responsible for paying the actual costs of any damages caused by the animal or any cleaning required because of the animal’s presence in a University-controlled building.
Pets are allowed outside on University-controlled grounds when:
- Well-behaved. Aggressive or disruptive pets will not be allowed anywhere on campus.
- Restrained by leash or contained in a carrier and attended at all times.
- Their owner/handler promptly cleans any area soiled by the pet.
- Compliant with all local laws and ordinances. Violations may subject the owner/handler to additional fines of up to $500.00 and/or arrest.
Animals in violation of this policy should be reported to the Southwestern University Police (512.863.1944) immediately.
Exempted Animals
- Working service animals and approved emotional support animals (see Service Animals and Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) Policies).
- Research, clinical, and teaching animals (and only while being used directly for research/teaching), provided that animal owners/handlers properly maintain, control and clean up after them. Prior approval from the Vice President for Academic Affairs is required.
- Animals brought to campus for short-term events with prior approval from the Office of Academic Affairs (for faculty) or from the Office of Conferences and Special Events (for staff and visitors).
- Fish in properly maintained aquariums no larger than 10 gallons.
Owners/handlers will be held responsible for any damages or cleaning resulting from having an exempted animal on campus.