Ecology Pet Policy Fall 2022-Spring 2023

Ecology Pet Policy

Please read each of the following sections carefully. While you may not have an pet in Eco it is important everyone is familiar with the expectations around having a pet in our community. Please note that an Eco Pet is different from an Emotional Support Animal or Service Animal. The following page only applies to Eco pets.

**Attention**

Beginning Fall 2023, new pets will not be approved in ECO. Those ECO residents who have approved pets during the 2022-2023 academic year can return with their previously approved ECO pets for the 2023-2024 academic year. Beginning Fall 2024, ECO will then follow the policy consistent with the rest of the on-campus housing, under the Animals in Residence Section. This change is including those previously approved by the Eco, minus any Emotional Support or Service Animals within this hall.

  • What Pets Are Allowed?

    • Residents may keep up to 10 small pets (e.g., fish, insects, geckos, newts, etc.) or two (2) larger pets (e.g., hamsters, birds, gerbils, rabbits, chinchillas, parrots, snakes, etc.) Pets must be kept in proper enclosures (clips on snake tanks, cages for applicable pets and not just plastic bins, etc.). All animals must be securely kept in one of the following:
      • a water-filled aquarium no larger than 10 gallons,
      • a dry aquarium no larger than 30 gallons
      • or a cage no larger than 25 cubic feet
  • What Pets Are Not Allowed?

    • Dogs, cats, ferrets, chickens, venomous/poisonous animals, snakes exceeding four (4) feet, large breed rabbits, and/or animals outlawed by the State of New York, local Cayuga Heights Village Authority, or the federal government are not permitted.
    • Animals not approved by roommates and/or the RHD may not reside in the room.
    • Venomous research insects can be discussed with the RHD.
  • What About Security?

    • Pets must be kept in secure cages/tanks and reside in the current owner's room.
    • My pet should remain in the room which it was registered to, unless the pet is leaving the building.
    • During transportation of my pet within Eco to the outdoors, the Eco kitchen is completely off-limits and my pet must be contained or restrained appropriately.
    • If an accident happens while exiting the building I will clean up after my pet.
    • Any animal escape is considered a violation of the pet policy and must be immediately reported to all four RAs and the RHD. As a result, judicial action may occur, including but not exclusive to the removal of the pet from Eco.
  • What About Respect?

    • While many Eco residents love animals, not everyone does. Similarly, some residents may feel uncomfortable around certain types of animals or may have allergies. It is the responsibility of every resident to maintain a respectful community, so this means pets should not be free roaming (even if in a "controlled manner") in such a way that causes other residents to not feel comfortable. Should another resident ask you to control your pet more, you must accommodate them respectfully.
    • What about roommates?
      • All roommates must consent to the presence of any pet prior to its arrival in Ecology House and have the right to deny consent for any reason. Roommate consent/denial will be given directly to the RHD after the RHD receives the pet request form from the owner. Pets may not enter Eco if the roommate does not consent to the pet's presence in their room. If the pet becomes a disturbance, it must be removed. In the event a resident is no longer able or willing to live with a pet at any point during the year, the residence hall staff should be notified promptly in order to find a resolution for both roommates. All decisions made by the Residence Hall Director are final.
  • Pet Owner Responsibilities

    • A pet owner in the Ecology House is responsible for all of the pet's actions. All pets kept in the Ecology House must be maintained so that the health of the animals and the members of Eco are not endangered. Pets must not smell or cause a mess in any part of the community. Any damage caused by a pet will be the full responsibility of the pet owner, including cleaning charges caused by messes. All Ecology House members are to hold each other accountable. Pet responsibility is of utmost importance and should not be taken lightly. Ownership of a pet is a luxury unique to the Ecology House, but owning a pet is not a given right. Every pet owner must research the supplies necessary to keep their pet in an enclosure that optimizes health and safety. Furthermore, it is the pet owner's responsibility to have all necessary supplies in possession before the animal is brought to the Ecology House. If the equipment necessary for your pet's care violates any fire safety codes or is deemed inappropriate for a residence hall, the pet may not be permitted. If insufficient pet care leads to an animal escape, that animal and the Ecology House community are put at risk as members of the community may have allergies or phobias. It is your responsibility to ensure you are not negatively affecting your fellow Ecohousers with your pet. If a pet is suspected of not being cared for properly (i.e., escaped pet, not enough funds to support pet, not feeding pet appropriately, leaving pet out of enclosure, violation of any other issue, etc.), this information will be reported, and you may go through the conduct process, and my pet and/or myself may be subject to removal from Eco.
    • Pet owners are responsible for registering any electrical equipment (aquarium heaters, heat lamps, pumps, filters, etc.) used in the care of their pet(s). Pet owners are responsible for posting the provided sign on the outward facing side of their room door alerting all facilities and/or emergency personnel to the presence of the pet(s). Pets are not allowed in the kitchen for any reason, even if they are contained in carriers, cages, pockets, etc. The kitchen must remain a sanitary area free of live animals. It is expected that a high level of organization and room cleanliness is expected from both roommates in case of a pet escape. A clean and organized room will allow us to find the pet more easily and prevent injury to both humans and pets. Room inspections will be conducted by the RHD on a regular basis, as frequently as once a week or as infrequently as once a month. Both roommates will be notified via email at least 24 hours before an inspection unless there is an emergency and we need to enter the space for the wellbeing of the community or animal. You do not need to be present for the inspection. Any violations of this pet contract that are found during an inspection will mean the owner may face judicial action with the RHD.
    • Pets should remain in the room which it was registered to, unless the pet is leaving the building. During transportation of my pet within Eco to the outdoors, the Eco kitchen is completely off-limits and my pet must be contained or restrained appropriately. If an accident happens while exiting the building I will clean up after my pet.
    • You must also have a plan for how you will provide care for your pet over university breaks when Eco is closed. You will be asked for this info when you register your pet, so plan accordingly. Keep in mind that many pets live longer than your ~4 years of undergrad, so you need to commit to your pet's full lifespan.
  • Emotional Support Animal Form

Thank you for your cooperation!

If you have any questions regarding pets please email RHD Liz at: lr475@cornell.edu.