UCLA
Residential Life

Guidelines for Maintaining a Service or Assistance Animal Within UCLA Housing

In accordance with UCLA Policy 135, students requesting to bring a Service or Assistance Animal to University Housing are required to submit a CAE Housing Accommodation Request and abide by these Guidelines for Maintaining a Service or Assistance Animal. For further inquiries, contact CAE at (310)825-1501 or (310)206-6083 (TTY/TDD).

When not readily apparent that an animal is a Service Animal, the resident is not permitted to have the animal in University Housing until Housing Services has indicated full approval.

The resident of an Assistance Animal (non-service animal) is not permitted to have the animal in University Housing until Housing Services has indicated full approval as a reasonable accommodation. For residents with a Service Animal these procedures will be modified accordingly, on a case by case basis.

The following Guidelines apply to all residents and approved animals in UCLA Housing. In accordance with UCLA Housing Rules for Residents, residents may be subject to the conduct process through Residential Life or the Office of Student Conduct when it has been reported that alleged violations of these Guidelines have occurred.

I. ANIMAL BEHAVIOR

  1. The resident must be in control of the animal at all times. Unruly or disruptive behavior by the animal is a violation of University Housing Regulations, not limited to Disruptive Behavior, Noise, Threatening Behavior, and/or Room/Suite Behavior.
  2. Animals must be leashed using a leash, harness, or tether that is six (6) feet in length or less, or securely confined in a crate or carrier, unless the resident is unable to use a leash, harness, or tether due to disability or use of such a restraint would impede the animal’s safe and effective performance of its work or task.

II. ANIMAL HEALTH AND WELL-BEING

  1. Animals must have up-to-date records confirming license (dogs only) and veterinarian recommended vaccinations to maintain the animal’s health and prevent contagious diseases including the following:
    * Dogs: canine parvovirus, canine distemper, canine hepatitis, rabies, and Bordetella.
    * Cats: feline distemper, feline calicivirus, rhinotracheitis, and rabies.
    The University reserves the right to request verification of these records at any time during the animal’s residency.
  2. It is recommended that all animals have a tag identifying the resident and contact information in the event of an emergency. For animals that may not tolerate a tag, microchip identification is sufficient. An exception may be made for animals that are primarily caged. If a resident is unable to care for their animal, UCLA will release the animal to the resident’s provided emergency contact. If the emergency contact is not able to pick up the animal, Los Angeles County Animal Services may be called to pick up the animal.

III. ANIMAL CLEANLINESS

  1. Animals must be housebroken. The Resident is responsible for properly containing and disposing of all animal waste.
  2. Indoor animal waste, such as cat litter, must be placed in a sturdy plastic bag and tied securely before being disposed of down trash chutes or in trash rooms. Communal garbage cans should not be used for waste disposal. Litter boxes should be placed on mats so that feces and urine are not tracked onto carpeted surfaces. Litter boxes should be regularly emptied and cleaned.
  3. Outdoor animal waste, such as dog feces, must be immediately retrieved by the resident, placed in a bag, and securely tied before being disposed of in a trash receptacle. Outdoor toileting should be completed in a location away from main doors of the community.
  4. The resident should ensure their animal is kept clean and groomed.

IV. RESIDENT RESPONSIBILITIES

  1. The resident is responsible for the behavior of the animal at all times. The resident is responsible for assuring that the animal does not interfere with the routine activities of the community or cause difficulties for other community members. Sensitivity to residents and staff with allergies and to those who fear animals is important.
  2. The resident is financially responsible for the actions of the animal, including bodily injury or property damage, in accordance with University Housing Regulations, including but not limited to Room/Suite Behavior. This includes but is not limited to any replacement of furniture, carpet, window, or wall covering. The resident is responsible for any expenses caused by the animal, such as removal of odors, pest control, or repairs to University premises.
  3. With proper notification, the resident’s residence may be inspected, as necessary, for fleas or other pests. The resident will be billed for the expense of any pest treatment beyond normal required pest management.
  4. The resident must notify Housing Services in writing if the animal is no longer living with them. If the current Assistance Animal is replaced by a different breed of animal, a new CAE Housing Accommodation Request must be submitted.
  5. The resident agrees to secure the animal when notification of entry is received or for scheduled housekeeping or maintenance.
  6. Assistance Animals must be kept in the resident’s assigned room and common areas not open to the public, unless doing so would impose an undue financial or administrative burden or fundamentally alter the nature of the services and/or programs provided by UCLA. The animal is generally not permitted to more freely in communal indoor areas unless an exception was granted through CAE Housing Accommodation Request.
  7. Service Animals are generally permitted in areas where Assistance Animals are not otherwise allowed if the animal is under the control of the resident at all times. There are some facilities that are not safe for use or presence of a Service Animal and from which UCLA may exclude a Service Animal based on actual risks. As a result, requests in these areas will require an individualized assessment that is determined on a case-by-case basis.

V. REMOVAL OF ANIMAL

  1. The University may require the resident to remove the animal from University Housing if: (a) the animal poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others or causes substantial property damage to the property of others; (b) the resident fails to abide by these Guidelines; or (c) the animal or its presence creates an alteration, disturbance or interference with the University community or programs.
  2. The University will base such determinations upon the consideration of the behavior of the particular animal at issue, and not on speculation or fear about the harm or damages an animal may cause.
  3. Any removal of the animal will be done in consultation with the Disability Services Coordinator and may be appealed to the ADA/Section 504 Compliance Officer.