Carnegie Mellon University

The Word

Student Handbook

Pets

Pets are permitted outside on campus grounds when leashed and properly attended. No animal may be left tied to trees or other objects on campus. In all cases the owner of the animal is responsible for the animal’s behavior and any damage caused by the animal.  

Except as noted below, students and their guests are not permitted to bring dogs, cats or other pets inside any university buildings, including residence facilities, fraternities and sororities, classrooms, and other academic or administrative facilities.

More information regarding service and emotional support animals can be found through the Office of Disability Resources.

More information regarding pets and housing policies can be found on the Housing Policies website.

Students or student organizations that would like to host an on-campus activity or event that involves animals (such as a petting zoo) must receive prior permission. Such requests are encouraged and should be submitted via this form.

Students are expected to properly respect, attend to, care for and treat any pets or animals that they maintain or interact with in any capacity.

Community members should contact University Police if a problem arises with any animal. Any unattended animal(s) will be picked up and impounded by University Police or Animal Control officers. Guidelines for how impounded animals are handled in the City of Pittsburgh, which can include adoption or euthanasia.

Back to Community Policies