Policy: Pets on University Property

Western New Mexico University prohibits pets from University buildings, except for those animals specifically exempted by this policy (“Exempt Pets”). Exempt Pets include:

1. Guide dogs, signal dogs, or other animals trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of individuals with disabilities, including but not limited to, guiding individuals with impaired vision; alerting individuals with impaired hearing to intruders and sounds; providing protection or rescue work; pulling a wheelchair, or fetching dropped items.

2. Research, clinical or teaching animals.

3. On-duty police dogs.

Pets observed in University buildings by Campus Police will be transported to the local Humane Society Shelter by Campus Police.

While on University property, pets must be attended and restrained at all times. Unattended pets observed on University property will be transported to the local Humane Society Shelter by Campus Police. A pet owner observed by Campus Police on University property with an unrestrained pet will be asked to restrain the pet or leave campus. If appropriate action is not taken, the pet will be taken to the Humane Society Shelter by Campus Police.

A pet owner shall not allow an animal to defecate upon University property without thoroughly removing and disposing of the feces. If the pet owner is observed failing to remove remains of defecation, the pet will be taken to the Humane Society Shelter by Campus Police at the time of the incident.

This policy also applies to WNMU’s off-campus instructional centers. The off-campus instructional centers will notify the local Humane Society Shelter of pets on property or in buildings.

Approved By: Policy Committee

Date: July 16, 2002