Animals on Campus
View the full policy and forms here : Animals on Campus Policy & Forms
Carroll College is committed to providing employees, students, and visitors with a healthy and safe environment in which to work and study. Based on reasons of health, sanitation, and safety, individuals are not allowed to have their animals inside any campus facilities without prior approval. Individuals can be approved to have specific animals in campus facilities, under specified conditions, including:
- Individuals with a disability requiring a Service Animal individually trained to provide specific assistance to the individual (§49-4-203(2), MCA)*;
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Individuals with a disability approved for an ESA*.
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Faculty using their own animals on campus for instructional purposes in the ANZ program**;
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Anthrozoology and club animals that have received approval to access specific areas of campus***;
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Non-students who are residents of Carroll housing facilities*;
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Law enforcement officers with on-duty police dogs;
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One-time exceptions granted for events involving animals*;
*The use of an ESA or Service Animal must be accompanied by documentation of disability with Accessibility Services. ESAs and Service Animals must be approved by and registered (with training credentials and vaccination/health records) with either the Residential Life & Housing (“RLH”) Office or Human Resources Office (see approval process below).
** ANZ program will maintain veterinary records for any of the faculty-owned animals used for instructional purposes.
***Clear markings of animals that are part of any Anthrozoology course or program, or that are part of a student club is necessary for the safety of all animals and people on campus. It is the purpose of this policy to ensure safety and understanding as well as to create an environment that is friendly and safe for all individuals responsible for an animal to live and learn.
The City of Helena ordinances regarding animals within the city limits—which include the Carroll College campus—address the following:
- Animals at Large. All animals not confined within an enclosure or on the owner’s property shall be kept on a leash not more than ten feet (10’) long, securely restrained, or held so as to prevent the animal from running at large.
- Removal of Excrement. It is unlawful for any person in control of an animal to cause or permit such animal to be on any property, not owned or possessed by its owner, and to fail to remove excrement left by such animal.
- Animals in Natural Parks. Within any natural park, as defined in city code and designated by the city commission, dogs must be kept under control, either on a leash or within sight and under voice control of their owners or other competent persons. Examples of natural parks include Mt. Helena Park, Mt. Ascension Park and Davis Gulch but do not include the Carroll College campus. Dogs must be kept on a leash within one hundred (100) yards of any trailhead in any natural park.
- Complaints. Animal Control Officers for the Helena Police Department handle animal calls within the city limits. Vicious animals, animal bites, and dogs at large should be reported immediately. For questions or concerns, contact Animal Control at 406.447.8461. Impounded animals are transported to the Lewis and Clark Humane Society (406.442.1660). Owners may claim an impounded animal after paying an impound fee plus board fees. You may also be responsible for any city code violations.
Approval Process to have an Animal in Campus Housing
Pets: Professional staff who live in Carroll housing may apply to have a pet. Proof of licensure in Lewis and Clark County and current health records must be on file in Residential Life & Housing. Owners must complete the “Application For Approval Form” to be approved by the Assistant Dean of Students/Director of Residential Life and Housing. These pets will only be allowed in the professional staff ’s campus housing and will not be allowed in any other building on campus.
Anthrozoology Dogs: Those students who are enrolled in Carroll College Anthrozoology Canine classes to train a dog through the Anthrozoology program may apply to have a dog in campus housing. Proof of licensure with the City of Helena and current health records must be on file in Residential Life & Housing. Student trainers must complete the “Application For Approval Form” to be approved by the Assistant Dean of Students/Director of Residential Life and Housing. Animals approved under this program must strictly follow all expectations set forth by the Anthrozoology program and Residential Life & Housing.
Emotional Support Animals (ESA) and ADA Service Animals: Requests for ESAs and ADA Service Animals in College housing and campus facilities will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Requests should be made first to the Office of Accessibility Services. Students wishing to have an ESA or Service Animal in any Carroll housing facility must complete the “Application For Approval Form” to be approved by the Accessibility Services Coordinator. All dogs must complete and pass the AKC Certified Canine Good Citizen Training. The Accessibility Services Coordinator will gather and assess evidence as necessary from a licensed healthcare provider to determine if an ESA is necessary as a reasonable accommodation.
Conflicts Over the Use of Animals on Campus
The use of animals may negatively affect others with allergies, respiratory impairments and other relevant disabling conditions. Employees should report a conflict through the Human Resources Office while students should contact the Residential Life and Housing Office.