Animal Guidelines and Expectations
Below are specific requirements and guidelines that must be adhered to in order for a Service or Emotional
Support Animal to be a reasonable accommodation within University Housing. The University reserves the
right to amend these guidelines and expectations as needed in its sole discretion.
Section I: Standards for Animals within Residence Halls
Residents approved for a Service Animal (SA) or Emotional Support Animal (ESA) within University housing
must comply with all applicable University policies and local, state and federal laws regarding animals and their
treatment and care including, but not limited to, the following::
• Town of Boone, NC Code of Ordinances
• Watauga County Animal Care and Control Ordinance
• University Policy # 303.24, Animals on Campus
• The resident may only keep an approved animal; no substitutions or additions are permitted without re-
applying for approval of a new animal.
• ESA are approved for specific residence hall rooms.
• University Housing has the ability to relocate a resident and approved animal as necessary according to
current contractual agreements.
1. Canine/Feline
a. Must submit a Vet Certification which confirms:
a. Immunizations are current,
b. Current rabies vaccination, and
c. Animal has been spayed or neutered.
2. Other Animals
a. Determinations are made on an individual case-by-case basis.
b. Verification of an annual clean bill of health from a licensed veterinarian confirming the animal is free
from communicable diseases. Required immunizations will be determined pursuant to guidelines from
the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Section II: Standards of Behavior by Animal and Owner
1. Health and care standards must be maintained as follows:
a. The owner is solely responsible for the animal’s well-being including, but not limited to, regular
feeding, watering, bathing, grooming, daily care and veterinary services.
b. The owner must take the animal with them, or make arrangements for the animal to be cared for off
campus if the owner is away. Animals cannot be left in room/apartment alone or in someone else’s care
overnight at any time.
c. Collars and tags must be worn at all times.
2. Sanitary standards must be maintained as follows:
a. Animal must be fully housebroken and trained not to relieve itself indoors or litterbox trained.
