Animals on Campus

Animal therapy (also known as pet therapy) involves the introduction of animals into “unconventional settings” to interact with people to help reduce stress and pain and improve emotional status. The term “unconventional settings” is used to describe areas where animals are not typically allowed or encountered. The institution has recently provided pet therapy to support students and employees at UTHealth during periods of increased stress such as during intensive exam times. To ensure the health, safety and comfort of all individuals involved in institution-sponsored pet therapy efforts (including the animals brought on campus) the following guidelines should be followed:

• School or administrative leadership may opt to host a pet therapy event or session at UTHealth.
• The Executive Director of the Center for Laboratory Animal Medicine and Care (or their designee) must also be notified to ensure that no contraindications exist regarding any animal species that might be involved in research efforts.
• Therapy pets should be from a certifying organization, as these animals are vaccinated, well-tempered, and often go into facilities such as hospitals and other facilities.
• There should be a designated area where the interactions with the pets take place, which is away from any laboratory spaces.
• The pets should not be brought into or allowed to wander around to other areas of the building and must be under their handler’s (or their designee’s) control at all times.
• To the extent possible, individuals with known allergies should be alerted and refrain from participation.
• Therapy pets should be clearly identified with a vest or other way to ensure everyone knows it is a “working” therapy pet.
• There should be a pre-designated area for pet relief (e.g., for dogs), and of course, cleanup after is mandatory. The school or department sponsoring the event is responsible for ensuring that cleanup occurs promptly.
• Pet therapy activities should not be misinterpreted as an opportunity for employees or students to bring personal pets to school / work. Service animals and, in certain circumstances, emotional support animals are permitted on campus in accordance with applicable law and university policy.
• At this time, there is no requirement for UTHealth to take on additional liability insurance for such events, but the certifying organization providing the pet therapy animals should be asked to show proof of coverage for pet therapy activities.
• If there are any questions or concerns regarding this guidance, contact EHS at 713-500-8100.