Restriction of Pets and other Animals in Stanford University Buildings

BACKGROUND:

Potential Health Issues

• Persons with allergies to animals can suffer adverse health effects when exposed directly to animals, animal danders, odors, etc.

• University buildings with recirculating ventilation systems can permit the transmission of allergens, dander, and odors, etc., from one area to another; thus, individuals can be exposed to allergens without realizing the source of their problems.

• Animals can also serve as potential disease vectors.

POTENTIAL SAFETY ISSUES-

• Pets or animals have the potential of becoming aggressive, perhaps inflicting bites or scratches on individuals.

POTENTIAL HYGIENE ISSUES-

• Pets or animals can carry fleas, etc. into a facility; infestation of fleas may warrant the application of pesticides.  This is an avoidable use of pesticides.

• Defecation and urination of animals in inappropriate locations can create maintenance and hygiene issues.

PURPOSE:

• This policy is intended to help ensure a workplace and a learning/ research/ patient care environment that minimizes the health and safety risks of members of the campus community, as well as assisting in the hygiene, maintenance, and appearance of all campus facilities.

• Restriction of pets and animals is especially critical in medical and biomedical research facilities (e.g., patient care, clinical and laboratory settings), due to the sensitive nature of the operations and the potential of immunocompromised individuals in these areas.

APPLICABILITY:

• With the exceptions described below, this pet and animal restriction applies to all campus facilities.

EXCEPTIONS:

• Pets or animals are permitted into Stanford University facilities if the animals are:

• used in approved teaching, research, and clinical activities;

  • used to assist persons with disabilities, or those being trained for such a purpose;

  • police dogs on duty.

• Additionally, case-by-case exceptions may be made by the senior manager in the school or vice presidential area or his or her designee, such as associate deans, department chairs, directors, or the University Safety Partner for that unit, after careful consideration of the factors (e.g., presence or lack of recirculated ventilation, etc.).  EH&S can provide guidance in these cases.

Please call the Department of Environmental Health and Safety- Occupational Health/ Safety Program at 650-723-0448 if any clarification is needed.