Animals on campus

Dogs and other animals, except for police dogs, certified service and guide animals used by individuals with disabilities, and animals authorized for participation in College instructional programs for teaching or research purposes, are not permitted in campus buildings. 

Domestic animals

A domestic animal has been trained or adapted to living in a human environment. Such animals include but are not limited to dogs, cats, birds, rabbits and other types of household pets.

  • Are not allowed in campus buildings unless they meet an exception listed above..
  • Must be under the direct control of a responsible person while on campus grounds, restrained by either a leash that does not exceed 6 feet or in an animal carrier, crate, cage or kennel, or as required by breed specific bylaw. Domestic animals under voice command are not considered on leash and are not permitted. 
  • Must be licensed and fully inoculated, with the burden of proof on the owner.
  • Fecal matter deposited by any domestic animal brought to campus must be removed immediately and properly disposed of by the owner.  Where additional cleaning and/or sanitization is required, costs will be borne by the owner.
  • Domestic animals and pets found tethered, unattended, or abandoned may be humanely impounded in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations.
  • May be confined in vehicles parked on campus for a reasonable period of time and under reasonable conditions, as long as the animal is not endangered and does not endanger others or create a public nuisance, e.g., excessive barking.  
    • In the event of endangerment to the animal or others, or public nuisance, campus security will intervene and the animal's owner is subject to citation and the animal may be humanely impounded. 
    • The presence of any animal in any motor vehicle without proper food, water, ventilation, or subjected to extreme temperatures that could affect its health or safety will be reported to the appropriate animal control agency.  
    • Any fines or fees relating to bylaw infraction on the part of the animal’s owner, and/or expenses relating to vehicle damage as a result of animal control agency and/or police involvement will be borne by the owner.
  • Concerns regarding domestic animals on campus are to be reported to the Manager of Facilities Services or campus security.
  • We reserve the right to prohibit domestic animals from any campus event.

Service animals

Douglas College welcomes Guide and Service Dogs on campus and is committed to ensuring safe access in compliance with the British Columbia Human Rights Code and the BC Guide Dog and Service Dog Act.

Service animals are individually trained and certified to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability. For example, a Guide Dog is trained as a guide for a blind person.

  • Any student or employee using a Guide or Service Dog on campus is encouraged to contact Accessibility Services or Human Resources, as applicable, to assist with any planning that may be required.
  • Any student or employee wishing to bring an animal on campus for a disability-related reason and the animal is not covered by the BC Guide and Service Dog Act may request accommodation by submitting a request with supporting documentation to Accessibility Services or Human Resources as applicable.
  • Animals must be under the control of a responsible person at all times, and on a leash. A Service or Guide Dog user does not have to use a leash if using a leash would harm him or her, or if the animal must perform a task without use of a leash.
  • Animals must be licensed and fully inoculated with the burden of proof on the animal user.
  • Fecal matter deposited by a service animal must be removed immediately and disposed of properly. The burden is on the service animal user to arrange for removal of fecal matter if he or she is personally unable to perform the task.  

Wild or feral animals

A feral animal is a once-domestic animal that has reverted to an untamed state. A wild animal is a non-domesticated animal living in its natural habitat. 

Wild or feral animals that are a potential risk, represent a hazard, cause property damage, create a nuisance, or otherwise pose a potential conflict for humans are to be reported to the Manager of Facilities Services or campus security, who will ensure that follow up is coordinated with appropriate animal/wildlife rescue agencies. Wild or feral animals kept as pets are not permitted on campus.

 

Questions

Questions or concerns may be directed to the Director, Safety, Security & Risk Management or the Director of Facilities Services.