I. Scope
This policy applies to all George Mason University (“University”) students and employees, and visitors using university facilities or participating in university activities.
II. Policy Statement
Pets are permitted on campus in outdoor areas only when properly controlled and/or confined and when their presence does not jeopardize the safety or sanitation of the university facilities or grounds or the safety of individuals on the campus. Any person who walks an animal on public areas of the campus shall be responsible for the control and behavior of the animal, as well as prompt collection and disposal of the solid waste excreted by the animal.
No animal may not be brought into any university building or controlled facility unless an exception in Section VII below applies. Where exceptions apply, animals shall only be brought onto campus when leashed, caged, or otherwise constrained and under physical control.
III. Definitions
Caged: means being restrained in an enclosed pen, box, or other similar container controlled by the owner or other responsible person who prevents the animal from escaping.
Constrained: means to control with sufficient strength or device to restrain or contain an animal.
Emotional Support Animal: means any animal specifically designated by a qualified medical provider that alleviates one or more identified symptoms of an individual’s disability. An emotional support animal does not assist a person with a disability with activities or daily living and does not accompany a person with a disability at all times.
Leashed: means being restrained on a cord, chain, or other similar restraint, not to exceed eight feet in length, controlled by the owner of the animal or other responsible person.
Pet (Domestic Animal): means an animal that is of a species that normally and customarily shares human habitat and dependent on a human for food and shelter, including dog, cats, and other common domestic animals.
Physical Control: means that the owner or other responsible person is physically and capably holding an animal in such a way that it is not likely to escape or cause harm.
Service Animal: means any animal that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability and meets the definition of “service animal” under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) regulations.
IV. Compliance
A. Department heads and employees are responsible for the administration of this policy and are expected to comply with its provisions.
B. Any animal brought on to campus must be vaccinated and/or licensed as required by state and local laws.
C. Except as provided for in Section VII below, animals must not be:
1. Brought into any University building or leased facility.
2. Brought into or permitted at any public gathering held on campus including, but not limited to, tailgate parties, sporting events, outdoor concerts, demonstrations, exhibits, or fairs
3. Brought onto any athletic field.
4. Left unattended in any motor vehicle (running or not) parked on university property.
D. Horses shall not be ridden on any university property.
E. Approved feeding stations and shelters shall not be located near any university building and must be approved by Director of Operational Risk Management in advance of placement. Any shelters or feeding stations that have not been approved in accordance with this policy will be removed and disposed of at the time of discovery.
F. Any animal discovered on university property in violation of these regulations may be reported and turned over to the appropriate animal control authority.
V. Unsupervised Animals
Except as provided for in Section VII, any unsupervised or uncontrolled animal on university property may be impounded and turned over to the appropriate animal control authority.
VI. Sick, Diseased, or Dangerous Animals
A. Any dog or cat, for which no proof of current rabies vaccination (required by state and local laws) is available, which has bitten a person on university property and is subsequently trapped or constrained shall be turned over to the local animal control authorities.
B. The university reserves the right to remove or exclude any animal from university property if the presence of the animal poses a direct threat to the health and safety of others.
VII. Exceptions
This policy does not apply to animals that are:
A. Research and instructional animals documented in Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (“IACUC”) approved protocols.
B. Service Animals or Emotional Support Animals that are permitted on university property in accordance with a documented reasonable accommodation for a disability.
C. Used by Facilities Management or third party for pest control.
D. Canines or other animals used by law enforcement and emergency personnel in the exercise of their official duties.
E. External, Internal, or Sponsored Events (as defined in University Policy 1103: Space Utilization and Scheduling) which contract to use university space, if the contract associated with the event governs the presence of animals at the event, or to animals performing in theatrical events and directly supervised by show personnel within a controlled environment.
F. Full-time administrative faculty, staff, or students that are provided on-campus residence as part of their employment with the university or lease a residence on university property are permitted to own pets within the restrictions of their employment contract and/or lease.
G. Except as otherwise permitted by the university for university events and university activities; permission must be received from Operational Risk Management.
VIII. Dates
A. Effective Date:
This policy is effective upon the date of signature by the Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer and the Provost and Executive Vice President.
B. Date of Most Recent Review:
October 20, 2025
IX. Timetable for Review
This policy, and any related procedures, shall be reviewed biannually.
X. Signatures
Approved:
_________/s________________
Julie Zobel
Senior Vice President & Chief Operating Officer
Approved:
_________/s_______________
James Antony
Provost and Executive Vice President
Date approved: July 24, 2002
Revised: October 20, 2017
Revision approved: August 2, 2018
Revised: October 11, 2023
Revision approved:
Page last updated: November 12, 2025