Pet Friendly Housing Policy

Effective Date

August 1, 2025

Office of Primary Responsibility

Office of Residence Life

Policy Statement:

Purpose:
This policy outlines the guidelines for students seeking to keep pets in designated pet-friendly upper-class residence halls at Allegheny College. It aims to balance accommodating pet owners with maintaining the comfort and well-being of all residents. Approval is granted on a first-come, first-served basis, valid for one academic year, and must be renewed each housing cycle. Pets approved mid-year must reapply during the next cycle.

Approved Pets

• Permitted Animals:
  • Cats
  • Dogs under 50 lbs
  • Small mammals (hamsters, guinea pigs, rabbits)
  • Fish in tanks no larger than 20 gallons
• Prohibited Animals:
  • Birds
  • Reptiles and amphibians (e.g., snakes, lizards, turtles, frogs)
  • Exotic animals (e.g., ferrets, hedgehogs)
  • Venomous or dangerous animals (e.g., spiders, scorpions)
  • Livestock and farm animals (e.g., goats, chickens)
  • Any animal banned by the State of Pennsylvania or local ordinances in Meadville, PA

Pet-Friendly Housing Availability

• Limited spaces are designated as pet-friendly and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
• First-year student housing is excluded from the pet-friendly program.

Pet Application Process

Application Requirements:

• Registration Form: Students interested in pet-friendly housing must indicate their preference during the housing selection process. After indicating this preference, students will have until March 8th at 11:59 PM to submit the required documentation to Residence Life by emailing reslife@allegheny.edu.
• Veterinary Records: Provide up-to-date veterinary documentation, including:
  • Proof of vaccinations
  • A health certificate confirming the pet is in good condition and parasite-free
  • Proof of spaying/neutering for dogs and cats
  • Weight verification (for dogs under 50 lbs)
• Pet Agreement: Pet owners must sign a Pet Owner Agreement accepting full responsibility for the care and behavior of their pet and any damages caused.

Fees and Deposit:

• A $100 non-refundable application fee is required upon submission.
• A $200 refundable deposit is required. The deposit is refundable after a final room inspection, provided no pet-related damages are identified.

Additional Charges:
If damages exceed the $200 deposit, the owner is responsible for covering all additional repair or replacement costs.

Roommate and Housing Guidelines

• Roommate Notification: Residence Life will notify roommates and neighbors once a pet is approved. Roommates must consent to the pet’s presence.
• Roommate Agreement: All roommates must sign an agreement outlining shared space access and responsibilities.
• Room Reassignments: If conflicts arise, Residence Life will assist in reassigning rooms balancing the needs of the pet owner and other residents.

Pet Owner Responsibilities

• Health and Cleanliness:
  • Pets must remain clean, free of fleas or ticks, and healthy.
  • Pet waste must be disposed of in designated areas immediately.
• Room Containment: Pets must stay in the owner’s room unless they are being transported. Pets must be on a leash or in a carrier outside the room.
• Noise Control: Pet owners must ensure their pets do not create excessive noise or disturbances.
• Common Areas: Pets are only allowed in shared spaces if all roommates agree. Otherwise, pets must remain restricted to the owner’s private living space.

Inspections and Welfare Checks

• Routine Inspections: Residence Life will conduct inspections to ensure compliance with pet policies and appropriate pet care.
• Welfare Checks: Residence Life may perform welfare checks to ensure the pet’s well-being in response to noise complaints or concerns about neglect.

Policy Violations

• First Offense: A verbal or written warning will be issued, with required corrective steps.
• Second Offense: The owner must meet with Residence Life, and formal notice will be issued.
• Final Offense: Repeated issues may result in the pet’s removal from housing.
• Immediate Removal:
  Pets exhibiting aggressive behavior or posing safety risks may be removed without prior warnings.

Appeal Process:

• The owner will receive a written notice of removal with an explanation.
• Students may submit a written response within five business days.
• Residence Life will review the response and provide a final decision. Appeals may be escalated to the Associate Dean of Residence Life.