Pets | Students

Pets are not permitted in Columbia Residential housing. Service and Assistance Animals are allowed only with prior approval from the Office of Disability Services. 

Guidelines for Approved Animals

Residents with approved Service or Assistance Animals must adhere to Columbia University’s Guidelines for Approved Animals. Key policies are outlined below:

1. Approval Requirement 
  • Residents must receive prior approval from Disability Services before bringing an animal into University housing. 
2. Resident Responsibilities 
  • The resident must ensure the animal does not disrupt the residential community or create undue burdens for other students.
  • The resident is fully responsible for any damage, excessive cleaning, or pest control costs caused by the animal. 
3. Housing Regulations 
  • Approved Animals must remain in the owner’s assigned unit unless leashed, in a carrier, or traveling with the owner.
  • If a resident leaves University housing overnight, the animal must accompany them.
  • Residents must place Approved Animal signage on their door(s) to notify University housing staff of the animal’s presence. 
4. Maintenance & Emergency Access 
  • Housing staff will make reasonable efforts to notify residents before scheduled maintenance but are not responsible for containing the animal during repairs.
  • In an emergency, the designated Animal Emergency Contact must remove the animal within 8 hours. If unavailable, Animal Control may be contacted. 
5. University & Staff Liability 
  • Columbia University and its staff are not responsible for the care, evacuation, or well-being of the animal. 
6. Policy Compliance 
  • Non-compliance with University policies may result in the immediate removal of the animal and potential disciplinary action. 

 

Animal Free Housing Approvals 

Columbia University is committed to ensuring that students with disabilities who require Service or Assistance Animals are accommodated while maintaining community standards for animal care and respecting the needs of all residents. Students with health conditions that prevent them from living with animals can identify units where animals are approved by looking for a paw print icon next to the address on the housing selection screen. The type of animal can be viewed by hovering over the icon. 

Due to roommate changes or updated accommodations, an Assistance Animal may be approved to reside in an apartment or suite where students already live. In such cases, affected residents will receive a notification of the approval.

Students who require animal-free housing due to medical conditions must request reasonable accommodation through Office of Disability Services. If there is a conflict between accommodation requests, an Assistance Animal cannot reside in university housing until the conflicting requests are reviewed and resolved.

 

Housing Selection Animal Icon