Animals on Campus and Exterior Campus Grounds

  • Procedure Type: Risk Management
  • Procedure Title: Animals on Campus and Exterior Campus Grounds
  • Policy Number: NA
  • Office Responsible: Environmental Health and Safety / Risk Management
  • Related Policies: Service Animals Safety in Laboratories Guidance for Students, Faculty & Staff
  • Related Procedures: NA
  • Related Laws: Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 as amended in 2010; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as applicable; U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division’s 2015 “Frequently Asked Questions about Service Animals”; Michigan PA 144 of 2015; Michigan PA 75 of 2022
  • HLC Criterion: NA

Purpose
This procedure is intended to address pets on Oakland Community College (OCC) campuses. This procedure does not apply to Service Animals, as defined in the OCC Service Animals Procedure.

Scope
OCC is committed to allowing people with disabilities the use of a Service Animal or Service Animal in Training on campus to facilitate their full-participation and equal access to the College's programs and activities. Below are specific requirements and guidelines concerning the appropriate use of and
protocols associated with Service Animals or Service Animals in Training. OCC reserves the right to amend these guidelines as circumstances require.

Definitions:

  • Comfort Animal - a therapy animal, usually a dog, that is specially trained to provide comforting companionship and an emotional release for victims of a crisis or disaster. A comfort animal is not generally covered by ADA.
  • Emotional Support Animal - an animal that provides a therapeutic benefit to a person diagnosed with a psychological disorder, as anxiety, depression, or PTSD. Emotional support animals are not generally covered by ADA.
  • Miniature Horse –ADA regulations and Michigan law identify miniature horses as Service Animals provided, that they have been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for individuals with disabilities.
  • Pet – Any domesticated or tamed animal kept for companionship, support, therapeutic purposes, or hobby. “Pet” does not include service animals or animals used for instructional purposes.
  • Service Animal - Any dog or miniature horse 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. Refer to the OCC Service Animal Procedure for additional information.
  • Therapy Animal – an animal, usually a dog, that is specially trained to provide comforting companionship and an emotional release for victims of a crisis or disaster. Therapy animals are not generally covered under ADA.

Procedures

  • Pets are not allowed in or near OCC buildings, except as part of an organized event with prior approval by the College. 
  • Individuals with unauthorized pets in OCC buildings should be asked to remove the animal from the building. The individual may return without the animal. Public Safety should be contacted if the individual refuses to remove the pet from the building.
  • All pets on any part of the campus, including the exterior grounds, must be harnessed, leashed, tethered, or otherwise controlled at all times. “Otherwise controlled” does not include hand, voice controls, or signals for purposes of this procedure.
  • If a pet owner claims that his or her dog or miniature horse is a Service Animal, refer to the OCC Service Animal Procedure for instructions.
  • Pets on campus must comply with applicable local municipal licensing and registration requirements.
  • If a pet behaves in a way that poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others, or unduly distracts from the business of the College, individuals should contact Public Safety. The owner should be asked to leave campus with the pet.

Change Log

  • 01-16-2025  Effective date