Maintaining an Approved Animal within the Residential Community
The following guidelines apply to all approved animals and their owners who live in the residential community unless the nature of the documented disability of the owner precludes adherence to these guidelines.
Animal Behavior
An exception to the Pet Policy is granted for approved animals provided that their behavior, noise, odor, and waste do not exceed reasonable standards for a well-behaved pet, and that these factors do not create unreasonable disruptions for residents, Residential Operations, and Residential & Community Living staff. Dangerous, poisonous, and/ or illegal animals are not permitted.
The approved animal must be contained within the private residential area (room, suite, apartment, enclosed balcony and/ or patio spaces) at all times, except when transported outside the private residential area in an animal carrier or controlled by leash or harness.
Animal Health and Well-Being
Approved animals must have all veterinarian recommended vaccinations to maintain the animal’s health and prevent contagious diseases. Documentation of vaccination is required to obtain a County of Santa Barbara animal license and for final approval to bring the animal into our community. While the University reserves the right to request updated verification of documentation at any time during the animal’s residency, it is always the responsibility of the resident to maintain a valid county license.
All approved animals, if taken outside the residence, must wear identification tags with owner contact information.
If the resident becomes unable to care for their animal due to illness, injury, an emergency, or other circumstances—whether temporarily or permanently—they are responsible for arranging alternative housing for the animal off-campus. This arrangement must be maintained for the duration of the housing contract.
Animal Cleanliness
Owners are responsible for properly containing and disposing of all animal fecal waste.
Indoor animal waste, such as cat litter, must be placed in a sturdy plastic bag and tied securely before being disposed of in outside trash dumpsters. Litter boxes should be placed on mats so that feces and urine are not tracked onto carpeted surfaces.
Outdoor animal waste, such as dog feces, must be immediately retrieved by the owner, placed in a plastic bag, and securely tied before being disposed of in outside trash dumpsters.
Resident Responsibilities
The owner is at all times responsible for the behavior of the animal. For instance, the owner is responsible for assuring that the animal does not interfere with the routine activities of the community or cause difficulties for students who reside there. Sensitivity to residents and staff with allergies and to those who fear animals is important to ensure the peace of the residential community.
The owner is financially responsible for the actions of the animal, including bodily injury or property damage, including but not limited to any replacement of furniture, carpet, drapes or wall covering, etc. The owner is expected to cover repair and property damage costs at move-out.
Up-to-date veterinary record certifying that the animal has all recommended vaccinations to maintain the animal’s health and prevent contagious diseases (to be maintained for the duration of housing contract).
The owner is responsible for any expenses due to costs incurred for cleaning which is above and beyond a normal cleaning, such as removal of odors caused by the animal and pest control, or for repairs to University premises. This includes costs while occupying the residence and those that are assessed after vacating the residence. The University shall have the right to bill the BARC account of the owner for these charges.
The owner’s residence may be inspected for fleas or other pests as necessary and with proper identification. The owner will be billed for the expense of any pest treatment above and beyond normal required pest management.
The owner must notify the Manager of Housing Services in writing if the animal is no longer needed or is no longer in residence.
The animal owner may be relocated to a more suitable location, or released from their contract if a suitable location is not available.
If conflicts or facility concerns arise, Housing Services may determine if necessary to relocate owner and animal to more suitable accommodations after thorough and interactive attempts to resolve.
Owner agrees to continue to abide by all other residential policies. An exception to a policy that otherwise would prohibit having an animal does not constitute an exception to any other policy.
Any violation of the above rules will be reviewed through the Judicial Process and the student will be afforded all rights of due process and appeal as outlined in that process.
Should the animal be removed from the premises for any reason, the owner is expected to fulfill their housing obligations for the remainder of the housing contract.
Additional Requirements
Provide a copy of Santa Barbara County Animal Services License (to be maintained for duration of housing contract).
Provide a current photograph of the animal to be used by staff for identification purposes.