Residence Life Pet Policy
Office of Residence Life
Abilene Christian University
Abilene Christian University seeks to cultivate a safe environment that promotes a sense of belonging for all students. The Office of Residence Life desires to advance that goal by providing students with opportunities to grow in a safe, inclusive, and relational home. As such, approved pets, which we consider to be a good and necessary part of our community, will be allowed at Smith/Adams Hall and University Park Apartments.
Owner Responsibilities
Having a pet in university housing is a privilege. As the resident, you are responsible for the policies and information contained within this and any corresponding documents. Failure to abide by ACU policy as a result of ignorance is not a legitimate excuse.
• All pets residing in our residential facilities must be approved through the Office of Residence Life by completing the Pet Application and Agreement.
• Pet owners must submit a new Pet Application for each pet (limit two per residence) kept in their residence for each academic year the pet resides on campus.
• Pet owners are required to provide veterinary documentation to the Office of Residence Life each academic year, dated within the past six months.
• Residents who keep unapproved pets in their on-campus residence will be fined $500, with the expectation that they either: (a) immediately submit a Pet Application and all corresponding documentation for the pet in question, or (b) immediately remove the pet from the residence.
• Residents who misrepresent information pertaining to their pet will be fined $100 per incident.
• Pet owners are responsible for notifying the Office of Residence Life via email if they remove the pet from their residence, or if the pet returns during the same academic year.
Pet Approval Requirements
To be considered for approval, all pets must:
• Be current on all vaccinations
• Be spayed/neutered
• Be potty trained
• Be healthy and hygienic
• Weigh 60 lbs. or less
No animal will be permitted to live in on-campus housing that:
• Is not approved through Residence Life
• Poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others
• Would cause substantial property damage
• Would pose undue financial or administrative burden
• Would fundamentally alter University housing operations
Relational and temperament guidelines:
• Animals must have a non-violent and non-threatening temperament.
• Animals classified as “Dangerous” under Texas Health and Safety Code Title 10, Chapter 822 will not be permitted.
Permitted and Prohibited Pet Types
Permitted Pet Types:
• Domesticated dogs (meeting weight/behavior requirements)
• Domesticated cats
• Small caged animals (hamsters, guinea pigs, rabbits, ferrets, gerbils)
• Caged birds (parakeets, canaries, cockatiels)
• Freshwater fish in aquariums up to 5 gallons (limit one tank per unit)
• Small reptiles (turtles, geckos, non-venomous lizards) in secure terrariums
Prohibited Pet Types:
• Venomous or poisonous animals (snakes, spiders, scorpions, venomous frogs, etc.)
• Any animal that cannot be caged, kenneled, or leashed safely
• Wild or exotic animals (monkeys, raccoons, foxes, large reptiles)
• Farm animals (pigs, chickens, goats)
• Predatory birds (hawks, owls)
• Any species regulated as a “dangerous animal” under Texas law
Animals must be domesticated, non-aggressive, and manageable within a residential setting. Residence Life reserves the right to deny approval for any animal deemed unfit.
Revocation of Pet Privileges
Residence Life reserves the right to revoke pet privileges at any time if:
• The pet fails to meet or maintain community behavior standards
• The animal becomes a nuisance, disruption, or safety concern
• The animal is involved in repeated or significant policy violations
In such cases, the owner will be notified in writing and required to remove the pet within seven (7) days, or sooner if the situation poses an immediate threat.
Standards of Behavior
Care and Wellbeing – Owners must ensure daily care, food, attention, and a healthy living environment.
Sanitation – Owners must dispose of pet waste promptly; fines apply for non-compliance.
Dominion and Control – Pets must be leashed, kenneled, or in carriers outside the residence; no free roaming.
Community Living – Pets must not disturb or threaten others.
Roommates
A signed Pet Roommate Agreement is required for each roommate before the pet enters the residence.
Fees and Fines
• Fall Pet Fee: $175
• Spring Pet Fee: $175
• Summer Pet Fee: $75
•Unapproved Pet Fine: $500
• Additional Fee if pet is under 1 year old: $175
• Waste Violation Fine: $100 per incident
Application Process & Deadlines
• Fall Term: August 1
• Spring Term: December 1
• Summer Ter
