Service Animals in Residence - Housing & Conference Services

At York University, approved animal accommodations in residence are referred to as “service animals” and are supported through Student Accessibility Services.

Residence is a shared living environment. These guidelines outline expectations for students with approved animals and for those living in shared spaces.

I am bringing a service animal

I am living with someone who has a service animal

Students with Approved Service Animals

Before Bringing Your Animal to Residence

You may only bring your animal into residence after:

Receiving confirmation of your accommodation from Housing;
Meeting with your Residence Life Coordinator (RLC); and
Signing the required No Pet Clause Exemption Agreement.

Your Responsibilities

You are fully responsible for your animal at all times
Your animal must be healthy, well-groomed, and appropriately cared for
Animals must not be left unattended for extended periods

Your animal must not pose a risk to others
Excessive noise, aggressive behaviour, or disruption is not permitted
When outside your room, your animal must be in a carrier or on a leash (as appropriate)

You must maintain a clean and sanitary living space
Animal waste must be cleaned immediately and disposed of properly
Odours must be managed to avoid impacting others

Animals should remain in your assigned room unless necessary and properly controlled
Animals should not access shared spaces unless in accordance with Housing guidance

Residence is a shared environment:

Housing will notify roommates that an animal is present
You are expected to be respectful and cooperative
If concerns arise, Housing will work with all parties to find reasonable solutions

You must make appropriate arrangements for your animal if you will be away
Another resident may assist for short absences, but you remain fully responsible
For longer absences, off-campus care (e.g., family, boarding) is recommended
You must provide an emergency caregiver contact to Housing

If Issues Arise

If concerns are identified (e.g., cleanliness, behaviour, health impacts):

Housing and Residence Life will review the situation
You may be asked to adjust practices
Additional measures (including relocation or further action) may be required

Guidelines for Students Living with an Approved Animal

Overview

You may be living with a resident who has an approved animal as part of a disability-related accommodation.

Housing & Conference Services is committed to supporting all residents and maintaining a safe, respectful living environment.

The animal has been approved through an official accommodation process
The resident is responsible for the animal’s care, behaviour, and impact
The presence of the animal is not based on preference

Residents with approved animals are required to:

Maintain cleanliness and hygiene
Keep animals under control
Prevent noise, odour, and disruption
Follow all residence expectations

You may raise concerns if you experience:

Allergies or health-related impacts
Ongoing noise, odour, or cleanliness issues
Concerns about safety or animal behaviour
Impacts to your use and enjoyment of your living space

Housing & Residence Life will review concerns and take reasonable steps to support all residents.

If a concern is raised, Housing & Residence Life may:

Speak with involved residents
Establish adjustments or expectations
Implement environmental strategies
Explore alternative housing arrangements where necessary

To support a positive environment:

Communicate concerns early
Engage respectfully with others
Participate in Housing-led solutions

Important Reminder

While accommodations cannot be denied based on preference alone, your wellbeing is important. Housing will work to balance the needs of all residents and find fair, reasonable solutions.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, you will receive an email when you are able to bring your animal into residence.

As part of the agreement, you will provide information on someone you trust to care for your animal in case of emergency.

Contact Housing - your concern will be reviewed.

Service animals may go with their handler to areas they are required to as part of their service. Animals in common areas must be secured in a carrier or on a leash at all times.