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University Guidelines for Dogs on Campus

Introduction

Policy Statement

Washington and Lee University is committed to providing a safe and secure learning and working environment for students, faculty, staff, and visitors on all campus properties.

Applicability

This policy applies to all students, faculty, and staff employees, as well as anyone else on property owned, leased, or otherwise controlled by Washington and Lee University.

Service animals are subject to the University's Service Animal Protocol.

Policy

Dogs must be leashed at all times. Failure to do so can result in exclusion of the dog from campus.

1. Undergraduate students are not permitted to bring their dog into undergraduate campus buildings or administrative offices. Law students may bring their dog into the Law School between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. Dogs in the Law School cannot be in the area of the Brief Stop.
2. Deans, directors and managers have the right to restrict access of dogs to the respective buildings and departments for which they oversee.
3. Dogs brought into campus facilities must be:
   • At least six months of age;
   • Fully housetrained;
   • Fully vaccinated;
   • Not excessively vocal;
   • Not aggressive or destructive, and have no history of biting;
   • Socialized around people and other dogs; and
   • Kept clean (regularly bathed, groomed and kept free of fleas and ticks).
4. Dogs may not be brought into the following campus facilities:
   • Dining venues
   • Classrooms
   • Laboratories
   • Shared work spaces, public spaces such as meeting rooms, bathrooms, event spaces, I-Q Center, etc.
5. A dog brought inside campus facilities must be leashed, contained, attended, and under the control of its owner, or some person designated by the owner.
6. Dogs of employees may be located in private (not shared) personal offices if written notice is posted that a dog is present. At times when the owner cannot be present in the office, the office door needs to be securely closed and locked with notice posted that a dog is inside the office. When dogs are left alone in private offices, it should be limited to a reasonable period of time.
7. Anyone bringing a dog on campus is responsible for promptly cleaning up after the dog using appropriate disinfectant measures and for the cost of repairing any damages caused by the dog.
8. Anyone bringing a dog on campus must keep their dogs away from others who have not given express consent to be approached by their dog, or who otherwise wish to avoid contact with dogs.
9. Among other things, noncompliance with these guidelines may result in the dog's exclusion from campus.
10. Anyone bringing a dog on campus assumes all risk associated with the dog, is responsible for any and all liability associated with the dog, and agrees to defend and indemnify the university for any and all related claims, injuries, and damages.
11. Individuals wishing to have their dog off-leash are permitted to do so on the Peniel Farm property and back campus trails. Individuals who do this are still required to be able to secure and control their dog in the presence of other individuals or other dogs.

Any person violating this policy will be subject to disciplinary action. Student violations should be reported to Public Safety and the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs. Staff and employee violations should be reported to Public Safety and the Executive Director of Human Resources. Any other suspected violations should be reported to Public Safety.