Skip navigation

Procedure: Domestic animals on campus

Purpose

To outline considerations of animals on campus and minimise risks associated with their presence in University buildings.

Definitions

Assistance animal refers to the meaning under Section 9 of the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth).

Procedure

  1. Domestic animals on campus should not undermine the University community's enjoyment of the campus and environments, nor threaten the operations or research of the University.

Control of domestic animals on campus

  1. The University prohibits staff, students, contractors and visitors from taking animals into University buildings or other facilities, including vehicles.
  2. Domestic animals on campus grounds must be in the control of a competent person. Under the Domestic Animals Act 2000 (ACT) dogs are prohibited in play areas and on sports grounds when sport is being played or training is being conducted.
  3. Any pet that is unattended, a nuisance or displays aggressive behaviour will be removed from campus.

Exemptions/exceptions

  1. Animals in approved research.
  2. Assistance animals.
  3. The University encourages all assistance animals to be registered under the ACT Assistance Animal Accreditation Framework.
  4. As the University undertakes a variety of research, teaching and operational activities with varying degrees of hazard, it must be appreciated that certain area/rooms/ laboratories/locations pose significant risk to the animal and/or their owner. To ensure their safety and wellbeing, access to certain hazardous or restricted areas should only be undertaken after the risks are assessed and discussed with the person.

Regulatory obligations

  1. Sections of the Domestic Animals Act 2000 (ACT) may be enforced around the campus, given that the ANU campus is a public place in terms of the Act.

Information

Printable version (PDF)
Title Domestic animals on campus
Document Type Procedure
Document Number ANUP_000576
Version 9
Purpose To outline considerations of pets on campus and minimise risks associated with their presence in University buildings.
Audience Staff
Category Administrative
Topic/ SubTopic Staff
 
Effective Date 30 Nov 2022
Next Review Date 30 Nov 2027
 
Responsible Officer: Chief People Officer
Approved By: Chief Operating Officer
Contact Area Safety and Wellbeing
Authority: Disability Discrimination Act 1992
Domestic Animals Act 2000
Delegations 0

Information generated and received by ANU staff in the course of conducting business on behalf of ANU is a record and should be captured by an authorised recordkeeping system. To learn more about University records and recordkeeping practice at ANU, see ANU recordkeeping and Policy: Records and archives management.

Related Content

Policy
Work health and safety
Procedures
Safety in animal houses