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700.3 Pets on Campus Policy

1. Policy Statement

Pets are not allowed inside UAFS buildings. Pets may be in outdoor public spaces in accordance with the conditions outlined in this policy. Activities or events on campus may involve animals with the appropriate approvals.

2. Applicability

This policy does not apply to service animals or emotional support animals.

3. Definitions

Pet: Any domestic animal not registered as a service animal or emotional support animal.

UAFS Building: Any building that is owned or controlled by the institution, whole or part.

UAFS Outdoor Spaces: Any outdoor space owned or controlled by the institution.

Handler: Anyone who is responsible for an animal on campus.

Service Animal: An animal that is individually trained to perform specific tasks for an individual with a disability.

Emotional Support Animal: An assistance animal that may provide support, assistance, or therapeutic emotional support for a person with a disability under the federal Fair Housing Act.

4. Policy Procedure

Pets are not allowed inside UAFS buildings. Pets may be in outdoor public spaces only when the following conditions are met:

  • The pet is kept on a leash, harness, tether, or in an animal carrier.
  • The pet is under the control of its handler.
  • The handler is responsible for immediately cleaning up any waste or damage created by the animal.
  • The handler is responsible for all costs related to damages created by the animal.
  • Pets may not be tethered to university buildings, structures, vehicles, trees, railings, light poles, benches, posts, or other structures.

5. Enforcement

Violations of the Pets on Campus Policy will be referred as follows:

  • Indoor violations involving faculty or staff: Human Resources
  • Indoor violations involving students: Dean of Students
  • Indoor violations involving the public: University Police
  • Outdoor violations: University Police

6. Events with Animals

Permission may be granted on a case-by-case basis to allow animals on or in controlled campus spaces for participation in special events for student wellness. Approval requires proof that all required criteria have been met.

  1. All animals and handlers must be part of a recognized entity that provides animals for public or therapeutic events.
  2. Unless a university department is the primary sponsor, a certificate of insurance must be provided to the Director of Campus and Community Events at least two weeks before the event.
  3. The certificate of insurance must name the Board of Trustees of the University of Arkansas System, doing business as the University of Arkansas Fort Smith, as additional insured.
  4. Insurance coverage must provide not less than $1 million per occurrence for bodily injury, death, or property damage and $2 million aggregate coverage.
  5. Written acknowledgement must be provided confirming that all participating animals have been vaccinated and are trained to participate in the event.
  6. Documents will be forwarded to the Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration for approval or denial.
  7. All animals must comply with city and county code requirements regarding animals.
  8. All costs related to cleanup or damage will be billed to the group sponsoring the event.

7. Other Exceptions

The following animals may also be permitted inside UAFS buildings:

  • Small, harmless fish in aquariums of 10 gallons or less in residence halls.
  • On-duty police dogs.
  • Approved pets of live-in Housing staff or pets in faculty-in-residence apartments.
  • Research and teaching animals.
  • Animals used in approved art performances.
  • Animals present at a special university program or event that explicitly permits animals.
  • Other circumstances required by law.