The Animals on Campus Policy ensures the health and safety of the Stony Brook University community; preserves
the integrity of the buildings and grounds; and supports a healthful educational and
work environment that respects the rights of individuals. The following restrictions
and requirements are established to address the issue of animals on university property,
consistent with NYS codes and regulations.
Service animals as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA):
Under the ADA, a service animal is defined as a dog or miniature horse that has been
individually trained to do work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability,
including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual or other mental disability.
The work or tasks performed by a service animal must be directly related to the individual's
disability.
Service animals, and other animals that are permitted to be on campus to perform a
specific function, are not pets. Individuals should not interfere with the important
work that they perform, by talking to them, petting them, or otherwise initiating
contact with them.
Therapy animals for approved clinical sessions, such as through Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), or pursuant to approved policies at Stony Brook University Hospital or the Long
Island State Veterans Home. Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) when determined by Student Accessibility Support Center (SASC) to constitute a reasonable accommodation for a documented disability for students,
or the Office of Equity and Access (OEA) for faculty/staff, in consultation with the ESA Committee. Animals used by law enforcement or emergency personnel in the exercise of their official duties. Animals used for research in compliance with all applicable laws, regulations and other University policies,
and teaching activities that are part of an approved curriculum. Animals living in professional staff apartments, in compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and other university policies, including the Residential Live-in Professional Staff Pet Policy and Agreement. Domestic animals (any dog, cat or tamed animal intended to be a pet or companion for a person) are
otherwise permitted on University grounds. Fish in containers of ten gallons or less are allowed in non-research facilities with
the approval of the department head. Larger fish tanks that have a connection to the
programmatic mission of a department require approval by the Office of Administration,
pending a review of other relevant policies, codes and standards.
Only volunteers affiliated with the SBU Cat Network may feed feral or stray cats and
maintain reltaed feeding stations and shelters, in accordance with approved guidelines.
The following activities are prohibited (except as stated above):
Bringing wild animals or animals that are not domesticated onto university property
Feeding wild or stray animals, including feral cats, except as outlined in SBU Cat Network
Abandoning domestic animals or relocating wild animals onto university property
Removal or tampering with any animal trap or other monitoring device set by EH&S,
the DEC, or other authorized agency
Fishing, hunting, trapping, collecting or otherwise taking wild animals from university
property, except as part of the SBU Cat Network approved activities
Removal of dead animals from campus without approval from Environmental Health & Safety
and/or University Police (NYS DEC or other permits may also be required)
Individuals who bring animals onto university property are responsible for the animal's
behavior and care. Guidelines for individuals include but are not limited to:
Animals must be under the control of a responsible person and must not be disruptive
to others
Animals must be on a leash, not more than six (6) feet in length and held by a responsible
person. Note: Service animals under the control of their handler may be off leash
if the leash interferes with the service animal's work or the individual's disability
prevents its use.
Animals shall not be left unattended, except those that are permitted and approved
to be in campus residences
Individuals are responsible for the cleanup of any waste products, including feces,
and any damage (personal or property) caused by the animal
Dogs must have a valid dog license and evidence of current rabies vaccinations
Contact University Police at 333 or 632-3333 to report any medical emergency or any
animal bite or attack.
Report violations of this policy to your department head who should contact labor
relations. The building Manager and/or Environmental Health & Safety should also be
notified of violations to assist with compliance.
Individuals who request a reasonable accommodation for a documented disability must
contact SASC (students) or OEA (staff/faculty).
Individuals planning an animal exhibit must complete the Animal Exhibit Request Form and send it to Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) and the Division of Laboratory
Animal Resources (DLAR).
