Pet Policy

Residence Directors are permitted to have 1 pet ONLY. This may be a dog (see dog breed/weight attachment), a cat (to remain indoors at all times), a small caged animal  (limited to the hamster, guinea pig, or rabbit), OR a caged bird. All animals must be approved by the Associate Director for Facilities and Operations prior to bringing the animal into the Residence Director's apartment. 

Any Residence Director wishing to have a pet must complete the Pet Approval Form.  The form must include specific information about the type of animal, breed, method of acquiring the animal (pet store, breeder, adoption, etc.), estimated adult weight of the animal, and any special instructions on care and maintenance of the animal. 

Every effort must be made so that pets do not enter the common areas of the residence hall. If an animal must pass through the lobby or common hallways to enter and exit the building, it must be on a restraining leash or in a carrier. Animals may never enter a  resident’s room or run free in any common areas of the building. 

Owners will restrain the pet and prevent the pet from gnawing, chewing, scratching, or otherwise defacing doors, walls, windows, and floor covering of the apartment, any other indoor facilities on campus, as well as shrubs and landscaping of the campus. 

Pets are not to be tied outside or left unattended on a patio, porch, or outdoor area at any time. 

Pets are not to be left unattended for inordinate amounts of time. If Residence Directors leave town, appropriate care must be secured prior to departure. Students and staff should not be obligated or required to care for pets. 

If a pet is missing for more than 12 hours, the Residence Director must notify the Associate Director for Facilities & Operations.  

Pets may not enter other buildings on campus, with the exception of other pet-approved  Residence Director apartments on campus.  

All pertinent vaccinations and health records of the animal, including record of flea or tick treatment, must be kept on file and updated regularly with the Associate Director of Facilities & Operations. 

Residence Directors that have an approved pet must maintain an active renter’s insurance policy. Proof of policy must be on file with the Associate Director of Facilities & Operations. This policy must provide dog bite coverage if appropriate. 

Dogs and cats must be housebroken. Cat litter, newspaper, wood chips, or any material used for bedding or elimination must be disposed of directly outside.

Residence Directors are strongly encouraged, but not required, to take their pet through formal obedience training by a licensed pet behavioral specialist. 

All residents on the same floor where a pet resides with a Residence Director must be notified that there is a pet in the building. This should be done through floor meetings,  and/or mail/written notification to the residents. Notification should include but is not limited to, specific animal and breed information, such as size and weight of pet and picture of the pet. 

Residence Directors who have pets must regularly clean their apartment to maintain allergen levels. The carpet must be cleaned twice a year, at Residence Director's expense. The carpet must be cleaned upon leaving an apartment (which could be one of two times that year that carpet is cleaned). They are also required to use HEPA Air cleaners or Ionic Breeze Air Filters, and HEPA vacuum cleaners, provided at their own expense. 

Pet blankets and bedding are not to be cleaned or washed in the laundry room for hygienic reasons. 

Pets will not be allowed to disturb the health, safety, rights, comfort, or quiet enjoyment of residents on campus. A pet will not create a nuisance to residents with excessive barking, whining, chirping, or other unruly behavior.  

Residence Directors are required to submit a pet deposit fee of $250 upon the approval of obtaining a pet. The fee must be paid in full upon approval and before the pet is acquired.  The fee will be paid to the Associate Director of Facilities & Operations. At the start of each academic year, Residence Directors will be asked to provide updated information,  including updated pet deposit fees*.  

Upon leaving the apartment, an inspection will be done to assess any damages that were caused by the pet and not normal wear. Damage charges will be billed to the Residence Director within 30 days of the inspection and the Residence Director must submit payment within 30 days of receipt of the bill. Upon receipt of the final payment, if any,  your pet deposit will be sent to you via reimbursement check. Damages can include but are not limited to, cleaning or replacement of carpet, cleaning or replacement of furniture,  and repair of walls or doors. Any appeals of the damage bill should be directed to the  Associate Director of Residence Life of Facilities & Operations. 

All Residence Directors that have pets must be receptive to complaints about their pet.  Formal complaints can be filed through the Assistant Director of Facilities and  Operations. Complaints can be filed against your pet, regardless of who is in possession of your pet when the violation occurs (those caring for your pet in your absence are also obligated to follow the adopted Pet Policy). Action can result in the immediate rehoming of the pet from the Residence Director apartment upon investigation by the Associate  Director of Facilities & Operations. 

There are certain dog breeds that are prohibited in the University of San Francisco pet policy and also certain breeds that are encouraged. This list is not inclusive and therefore all breeds are subject to approval. All dogs should have an adult weight that is not expected to exceed 20 pounds. 

These breed lists are not meant to be all-inclusive and therefore all dog requests must be approved. Dogs adopted through a shelter, such as the County Pound or Humane Society, must be within the expected adult weight limit and also have any observed traits or behaviors reported on the request for approval form. Any dog adopted should not have any indication of a breed mixture that includes breeds from the restricted list.

Dog Breeds that are excluded include, but are not limited to: 
(this list has been derived from insurance company coverage exclusion lists)

Dog Breeds that are encouraged, due to their traits optimal for apartment living are: