Policy
SSU has an updated Animals on Campus policy that provides equal access and reasonable accommodation for students, campus residents, and visitors with disabilities and to protect Sonoma State University (the University) community from hazards associated with or caused by animals, both domestic and wild. This policy is applicable to any students, employees, campus residents, and visitors in any building, or on any property owned or controlled by the University. This policy excludes animals associated with research or teaching purposes. (Please refer to Animal Care and Use policy). This policy is in compliance with all California State University policies on such animals.
This policy is intended to help maintain the delicate balance required to sustain all wildlife on the campus grounds without human intervention, rather than to protect any one species of animal. The achievement of such balance requires the cooperation of all members of the campus community. Read the policy in its entirety here.
Common Questions
Can I have my pet inside campus buildings?
SSU welcomes all service animals inside campus buildings, but no pets or emotional support animals are allowed inside non-residential campus buildings.
Can I bring a service dog in training with me to campus?
Only service dogs are allowed in non-residential buildings. Service dogs in training are welcome around the campus grounds to train but are not permitted in buildings.
What about dead or injured animals I may see on campus? How do I report those?
Oh no! Please let us know as soon as possible when you spot an animal that is injured or deceased on campus by calling Facilities Management at (707) 664-2317. If it's outside of business hours (8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday) and the animal presenting a hazard or obstruction, please contact the Sonoma State Police Department at (707) 664-4444.
There is an animal in the area I work or live in that is making me uncomfortable. Who should I call?
It is the policy of SSU to only disturb animals that are a threat to the community. This would include animals that are being aggressive or damaging university facilities. Animals that are causing a threat should be reported to the Sonoma State Police Department by calling (707) 664-4444 or 911 for emergencies.
What do I do if a feral or domestic animal becomes aggressive?
If an animal on campus becomes aggressive or presents a hazard to the community, please notify Sonoma State Police Department by calling (707) 664-4444. Please call 911 if you or others are in immediate danger.
What do I do if an animal bites me or someone near me?
Call Sonoma State Police Department at (707) 664-4444 without delay.
I see cats all over campus. Can I feed them?
No, please do not feed the feral cats on campus. If you are concerned about an animal that is causing a threat should be reported to the Sonoma State Police Department by calling (707) 664-4444 or 911 for emergencies.
Animals at Events
Can I bring my pet to help me at my tabling event?
We love your pet, but unfortunately not when you are participating in a campus event like that. If you are serving in a role for your student club or your organization, please leave the pet at home. (This excludes service animals.)
My organization or club would love to bring comfort animals to campus. How can I do that?
We’re always happy to have comfort or therapy animals or other types on campus. Clubs will need to work with Student Involvement to submit a request for a contract (called an E-Req). This process includes verifying the vendor or company meets SSU’s business requirements and streamlines the process. If you have questions about this contact your Student Involvement representative or your Conference and Event Services (CES) Representative. All other organizations and campus departments should contact CES directly at reservations@sonoma.edu.
Employee-specific
Can I bring my pet to help me at an outdoor event on campus when I’m working?
We love your pet, but unfortunately employees cannot have pets or emotional support animals with them during work hours. (This excludes service animals.)