6.1.3 Policy on Pets on Campus
Policy Statement
N/A
Policy Manager and Responsible Department or Office
The Vice President for Human Resources (or such other person as shall be designated by the Vice President for Human Resources) shall be responsible for the administration and implementation of the Policy.
Departments/Offices Affected by the Policy
Office of Institutional Events, Division of Student Affair and Office of Human Resources
Policy
Buildings And Offices
Pets are not permitted inside any building owned or leased by the College of Charleston (hereafter, “College”), unless allowed under the terms of Section 4.0 of this Policy.
College Grounds
Pets are permitted on campus grounds, subject to the terms of this Policy. Pets brought on campus grounds are the sole responsibility of the handler, including the immediate cleanup of waste or incidental damage caused by the pet. The College is not liable for any injuries or damage resulting from, or to, the pet. This Policy conforms to the City's leash laws, which can be found in the Charleston City Code. The College reserves the right to ban any pet from campus.
Definitions
The definitions contained in this Policy shall be interpreted and applied by the College in a manner that is consistent with applicable law, professional usage, and conventional understanding within the community. In the event of any alleged conflict in meaning, statutory and legal interpretations shall prevail and be deemed controlling.
“HANDLER”—The person who is responsible for controlling a pet.
“PET”—A domesticated animal kept or possessed for purposes of companionship or pleasure, rather than providing a commercial service. Pets customarily include, but are not limited to, dogs, cats, rodents (including rabbits), birds, fish, and reptiles (including turtles). This definition excludes service or assistance animals used to assist persons with disabilities.
Exceptions
This Policy shall not supersede any pet policy established for students in residence halls.
Animals that are officially part of a teaching, research, or clinical program of the College are exempt from this Policy.
The President of the College (or the President’s designee), at his or her sole discretion, may permit limited and appropriate individual exceptions to this Policy (e.g., in support of religious or artistic activities), consistent with the obligations of Constitutional law and other applicable laws and regulations. Such exceptions must be made in writing and shall be in effect only for the duration of the activity approved by the President (or the President’s designee).
Pets may be permitted on properties the College owns but leases or regarding which the College otherwise conveys an interest (e.g., an easement) to a non-College party, according to the provisions of the applicable lease or agreement, upon a compelling reason, and with the prior written approval of the Executive Vice President for Business Affairs (or her or his designee).
This policy does not apply to service and assistance animals (see Policy 6.1.8) or to animals under the control of any law enforcement agency.
Policy Coverage
This Policy shall be applicable to the College Board of Trustees; faculty and staff of thebCollege, whether part-time, full-time, or temporary; students while attending or employed by the College; contractors and consultants performing work or providing services on College-owned or leased property; individuals and organizations renting, leasing, or otherwise granted permission to use campus facilities; College affiliates; alumni and alumnae, guests, visitors, or invitees of the College; and members of the general public. All members of the campus community and members of the general public shall comply with this policy.
Policy Violation And Discipline
Employees of the College may be disciplined for violation of this policy, consistent with the provisions of College Policy 9.1.2. Students of the College may be disciplined for violations of this policy, consistent with the Student Code of Conduct.
Other individuals who violate Policy 6.1.3 and are not covered by the terms of Policy 9.1.2 or the Student Code of Conduct may be warned by the Department for Public Safety. Visitors or members of the general public who refuse to comply with the Policy may be asked to leave campus by the Department of Public Safety.
Policy Maintenance
The Vice President for Human Resources (or such other person as shall be designated by the Vice President for Human Resources) shall be responsible for the maintenance of this Policy. The individual responsible for the maintenance of the policy shall cause a review of this Policy to be undertaken at least once during each five-year period.
Operating Procedures
The President’s Executive Team, subject to review and determination by the President of the College, may approve operating procedures to implement this Policy. Such procedures may not be inconsistent with this Policy, nor may they eliminate or expand the scope of the prohibitions already described in the Policy.
Amendments
This Policy may be amended consistent with the provisions of the Campus Wide Policy Making Procedures.
Purpose/Reason for the Policy
This Policy shall describe the terms and conditions under which pets may be brought onto campus ground and buildings.
Procedures Related to the Policy
Should procedures be adopted for the implementation of the Policy, those procedures will be posted on the College's policy website.
Related Policies, Documents or Forms
6.1.8 Service and Assistance Animal Policy
6.1.3 Policy on Pets on Campus PDF
Revision Log
Issue Date: 04/22/2014
Last Review Date: 10/14/2020
Next Review Date: 10/20/2025
Web Publication Date: 1/15/2026