Employee Pet Policy
The following policy has been established to ensure the safety and comfort of all community members and to ensure appropriate treatment of all College facilities and buildings. The right for a student, faculty or staff member to study or work in a place free of animal threat and allergens is the governing principle of this pet policy. Members of the Sarah Lawrence community should feel empowered to remind any colleague of this policy when they observe a violation.
- Pets are only allowed in faculty and staff offices where they are the only person assigned to the office.
- Pets must be registered in accordance with the owner's local regulations. Pet owners must have current shot/vaccination documentation before the pet is allowed on campus. Pets on campus must be registered with the Human Resources office by completing the Pet Registration Form. Proof of recent vaccination must also be submitted to Human Resources before the pet will be permitted on campus
- Staff and administrators must have supervisory approval to have a pet in his/her office. Faculty must have approval of the Provost’s Office.
- Pet owners should notify other employees in the area of their office, so that they aware that there will be a pet entering and exiting the building. Cases where a neighboring employee discloses significant fear or allergy may result in a pet’s registration being denied or revoked.
- Pets are not permitted in any other part of college buildings; this includes but is not limited to: shared offices, classrooms, student rooms, food service, dining areas and other common areas.
- Pets must be on a leash at all times except when they are in the owner's office. When there is a pet in an office, there must be a note on the door indicating that there is a pet inside. In the event that there is a student, faculty, or staff member who is uncomfortable or allergic to animals, it is expected the employee will make appropriate arrangements to meet the individual in an alternative, animal free area.
- Pet owners are personally responsible for any injuries caused to individuals or any damage caused to buildings. The pet owner is financially responsible for any damage to the College or individuals caused by the pet.
- Pets should not make excessive noise or demonstrate behavior that is disruptive to others.
- Pet owners are expected to clean up after their pets, in the employee’s office as well as on any College grounds. Pets on campus should not cause any additional work for custodial or maintenance personnel. Failure to clean up after your pet may result in a cleaning fee and/or revocation of pet's campus access.
- Maintenance, security and custodial services will not enter any office where there is a pet present.
- A pet owner bringing his/her pet to campus should always consider safety, health and the possible fear others may have in the presence of animals. The College reserves to right to ban any pet(s) from campus for an employee’s failure to comply with this policy.
This policy applies to pets of faculty and staff of the College. Faculty or staff who require a service animal for a disability, should contact the Human Resources office.