Fordham updated their on-campus dog policy this fall semester. According to the Student Handbook, “students, faculty, staff, and guests are permitted to have dogs in outdoor public spaces provided that they meet certain requirements.”
Christopher Rodgers, dean of students at Rose Hill, stated, “In response to growing interest in the community, Student Affairs worked with the Department of Public Safety to update and revise the animal policy related to dogs on campus this summer.”
Previously, no animals were allowed on campus, with the exception of service or emotional support animals required by a community member. Dean Rodgers expressed, “Though this is a different set of rules than the familiar ones related to accommodations for a disability or for service animals, we did our best to balance this more open policy with various common-sense safety requirements”
One of these safety requirements is that “the dog must be licensed and vaccinated against rabies, the owners must carry proof of their current dog license and rabies vaccination while on University property,” according to the Student Handbook. These licenses can be obtained through the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene’s Dog Licenses website, calling 311 or contacting a veterinarian, animal shelter or pet shop. Furthermore, the dog must be on a leash that is no longer than six feet and all waste from the dog must be picked up and properly discarded.
Last semester, the Substance Abuse Prevention organization at Fordham organized a pet therapy event in which students were welcome to pet and play with dogs during finals season. This was an exception to the previous animal policy that required planning and authorization.
This year, the Psychology Club is looking into gathering another pet therapy event. Psychology club president, Iida Linkka, FCRH ’25, states that New York Therapy Animals is the organization that worked with Fordham in the past, and, hopefully, there will be another pet visit to campus in the spring semester. In collaboration with Fordham’s Office for Student Involvement to manage a budget, along with the updated policy, the process of getting dogs on campus for occasions such as the aforementioned has been facilitated.
In light of the altered policy, President Tania Tetlow’s and Dean Maura Mast’s dogs, Archie and Pumpkin, visited the Rose Hill campus on Nov. 1. Students have noticed a slight increase in dog presence on campus since “Archie Day.” Grace Kniestedt, FCRH ’27, expressed that “[she has] seen parents visiting students during the weekends with dogs.”
“I also like that this decision fosters a more understanding environment to people’s needs,” said Kniestedt.
“In the months since the revision, we’ve seen more dogs on campus and no issues of note have been reported,” said Dean Rodgers.
The Student Handbook has additional information, steps and requirements for those interested in learning more about the animal policy.
