University Policy on Animals in Building

Secretary of the University

407 Administration Building
1380 South Oxford Road
Atlanta, Georgia 30322
404/727-6020
404/727-7359 (fax)

TO:      Vice Presidents, Deans, and Department Heads

From:   Gary S. Hauk

Several incidents this year in classroom and laboratory buildings at Emory have led to concern about liabilities arising from the presence of pets in University buildings.  Faculty members, students and staff members often have brought pets to their buildings without incident.  On the other hand, legal, health and safety issues cannot lightly be overlooked in a day of swift and easy litigation.

Recognizing that a policy prohibiting animals from University buildings would create some consternation in view of custom and convenience, the President's Senior Staff nevertheless approved the dissemination of the policy below.  Please share the policy with your colleagues and staff.

UNIVERSITY POLICY ON ANIMALS IN BUILDINGS

Because of restrictions governing University insurance policies, concerns for the integrity of research projects, and interest in the welfare of faculty, students, staff, and visitors, it is the policy of Emory University that animals not be permitted in University buildings.

This policy does not apply to animals used for approved research or to service animal such as guided doss.  It does apply to all domestic and feral animals and to all Emory University buildings used for teaching, research, office work, retail, and shop work.