Pets & Service Animals

Policy

Pets are not allowed in residence halls or brownstones, except for fish kept in half-gallon or smaller tanks. “Visiting pets” are also prohibited from entering Columbia Housing buildings. Service Animals and Assistance Animals are not considered pets. 

Columbia University allows Service and Assistance Animals in certain locations on campus. A Service Animal is any animal, typically a dog, trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability. An Assistance Animal is a dog, cat, or other domestic animal that provides emotional support and companionship. Learn more about these animals and University guidelines regarding having these animals on campus.

Students who bring any animals to campus or host guests with Service/Assistance Animals may be responsible for any damages. 

Service and Assistance Animals may not be left unattended within any Columbia Housing buildings for an extended period of time.  

Procedure

Registration and approval with Columbia Health Disability Services is required prior to bringing these any Service or Assistance Animals on campus. 

Service Animals: Students must submit the Service and Assistance Animal Registration Form. 

Assistance Animals: Students must submit the Service and Assistance Animal Registration Form. In addition, the student must submit documentation of their disability, as outlined in the disability registration guidelines.

In addition, guests with Assistance Animals must register with Disability Services at least four weeks in advance of the guest's visit. If approved, Residential Life will notify Public Safety of the approved guest pass for the guest and their animal.