The West Virginia University Animals on Campus Policy defines the roles and responsibilities of individuals who bring animals — including special-purpose animals (i.e., service, therapy and emotional-support animals) — on University property.
The policy applies to faculty, staff, contractors, students and visitors across the WVU System.
In general, animals are permitted outside on University-owned property as long as:
The animal is under the complete control of the owner at all times and presents no hazard to people or property.
The animal is secured to a restraint device (e.g., leash, cord, chain or similar device) of a maximum length of six feet.
If the restraint device interferes with a service animal’s work or if an individual’s disability prevents them from using a restraint device, the individual must maintain control of the animal through voice, signal or other effective controls while remaining within six feet of the animal.
Further, physical constraint of the animal does not apply to special-purpose animals kept within an individual’s University housing assignment while the owner is present.
The animal is not tethered to a stationary fixture or tree or left unattended on campus.
In general, animals are not permitted in University buildings with the exception of special-purpose animals:
In accordance with applicable federal and state law, service animals are permitted access to all areas of campus to which their owners otherwise are permitted access, except for certain safety-sensitive areas. Students, especially those who live on campus, are strongly encouraged to register their service animals with the Office of Accessibility Services.
Similarly, therapy animals are permitted access to all areas of campus to which their caregivers are permitted access. However, therapy animals must be registered with Auxiliary and Business Services and accompanied by their caregivers at all times while on campus. Complete this form to register your therapy animal. Additionally, therapy animals must undergo and pass an evaluation conducted by a University-approved party. Both the therapy animal and its caregiver must successfully complete the University’s AVS 277 class, or an equivalent, and pass a certification test.
In accordance with federal law, WVU students or employees with a disability are permitted to have an emotional support animal within their residence hall, apartment or other University housing. However, the individual first must receive approval from the Office of Accessibility Services.
Beyond an individual’s University housing assignment, emotional support animals may not be brought into other campus buildings without prior authorization from the Office of Accessibility Services or WVU's ADA Coordinator.
The domestic or special-purpose animal’s owner is responsible for its behavior, including any damage to individuals or property caused by the animal. The animal’s owner also is responsible for the removal and disposal of any waste and/or feces created by the animal.
All animals on campus must have a valid pet tax identification as applicable, current rabies vaccinations and/or any other treatments to ensure safety of other pets and the public at large.
WVU may take reasonable efforts to remove an animal confined in a vehicle when the animal appears to be in imminent danger or under threat. Further, the University retains the right to remove any animal from WVU property if the safety of others, destruction of property, disturbance or violation of policy warrants such removal.
WVU employees, contractors or volunteers who violate the Animals on Campus Policy will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action. Students who violate the policy will be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct.
Visit the Auxiliary and Business Services website for more information and to view the full policy and related FAQs. Contact Auxiliary and Business Services at SpecialPurposeAnimals@mail.wvu.edu or 304-293-7202 with questions.
For information on accommodations, students should contact the Office of Accessibility Services.