When on PennWest California’s campus, you may encounter some furry friends. Many students spend their time with stray cats who like to hang out around residence halls in the warmer months, while the Vet Tech program works directly with animals of all kinds. The animals you will see most often when simply walking across campus are dogs. Students may bring assistance animals to campus with them, along with members of the California community bringing their dogs for walks.
At the beginning of the Fall 2024 semester on Aug 28., Policy FA004: Animals on University Property was approved by University President Dr. Jon Anderson. This policy was made in order to “provide for the control of all live animals on property owned or controlled by Pennsylvania Western University” as well as to “optimize the safety and health of the University community.”
Students are permitted to bring certain animals on campus by taking the proper steps to gain approval. Students can have dogs, cats, fish, and even miniature horses after being approved. Any student considering keeping an animal on campus must have any therapy, service, research, emotional support, or domestic animals approved by the Office of Students with Disabilities and/or Residence Life and Housing.
Safety is a prominent consideration that must be kept in mind. Policy FA004 states that owners of domestic, service, and emotional support animals must retain control over their animals. It is required that they are restrained by crates, carriers, harnesses, or leashes when outside of living areas (dorms or suites). In the case of service animals, this rule may be ignored if the equipment interferes with the animal’s work, and instead be controlled by voice, signal, or other methods.
Another aspect to consider when having animals in highly populated institutions, such as college campuses, is allergies. According to the National Institute of Health, 10 to 20 percent of the population worldwide is affected by allergies to dogs or cats. This is a worthy concern when people gather in close quarters, such as dorms or classrooms. Students, faculty, and guests can be put at greater risk for allergic reactions when these animals are allowed on campus.
Distractions on campus are an additional consideration when it comes to animals. Service, emotional support, and domestic animals who are not properly trained can cause distractions in public buildings and dormitories through sound and interactions with others.
Having service animals on campus is necessary as they allow accessibility and improve the student experience for those with disabilities. However, research shows there are benefits to having animals on college campuses aside from disability-related concerns. Research published in the Journal of Postsecondary Education and Disability shows that interactions with animals have been proven to increase job and educational productivity and decrease stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms.
All of these points are important for administration to consider when making rules regarding animals on campus. Many would argue for stricter regulations when allowing animals in public environments with students and faculty. The admittance and rights of animals on California campus should be decided with the safety, productivity, and quality of experience for all students in mind.
