• Section 1 - Purpose / Objectives
• Section 2 - Scope / Application
• Section 3 - Definitions
• Section 4 - Policy Statement
• Section 5 - Procedures
• Roles/Responsibilities
• Procedures
• Section 6 - Guidelines

Section 1 - Purpose / Objectives

(1) Ensure Victoria University provides safe work place for all of its employees, students and visitors on all the campuses and in relation to all activities under the control and management of the University.

(2) Protection of employees, students and visitors from allergic reaction, animal attack and stress caused by fear of animals while attending University sites and activities.

(3) Refer managers, teachers, academic staff and researchers to the Animal Welfare Policy for all animals used in scientific educational or artistic research or teaching as this procedure is strictly for privately owned pets on brought to campus for purposes unrelated to any VU activity.

Section 2 - Scope / Application

(4) This procedure applies across the University and to all University employees.

Section 3 - Definitions

(5) Nil

Section 4 - Policy Statement

(6) Nil

Section 5 - Procedures

Roles/Responsibilities

Procedures

(7) Victoria University is committed to providing and maintaining high standards of health and safety in the workplace. The University promotes a proactive health and safety philosophy based on effective communication and consultation. Health and safety issues that are identified will be taken seriously and addressed promptly to eliminate or mitigate the risk of harm.

(8) Pets in the workplace pose a variety of health hazards, including allergic reaction, hygiene issues and bites or scratches as well as potential psychological stress. Thus, owners or those in control of pets at the University must take care to ensure their own safety and the safety of others. The general rule is that employees should not bring pets to work unless the animal is specifically required for the work being conducted, co-workers have been consulted, and there is specific compliance with the Animal Welfare Policy .

(9) Any pets brought onto Victoria University campus grounds must be restrained and accompanied by a responsible person at all times.

(10) If any pet causes a nuisance or shows aggressive behaviour while on University sites it will be banned from all University sites.

(11) The University does not allow pets inside buildings unless the animal is specifically required for the work being conducted, co-workers have been consulted, and there is specific compliance with the Animal Welfare Policy .

(12) Reference to and compliance with the Animal Welfare Policy is mandatory whenever there is a work related reason to have an animal on campus for teaching or research purposes which includes drama or theatricals, events and outdoor activities.

Exceptions

(13) The following privately owned animals are exempt from the building entry exclusion:

1. guide dogs or seeing eye dogs which are specially trained dogs that enable blind or visually impaired people to avoid obstacles/hazards and increase their independence and confidence in mobilising and accessing the community;
2. guide dogs in training;
3. assistance animal, which means any animal trained to perform tasks or functions that assist a person with a disability to alleviate the effects of his or her disability. This does not include companion animals.

Pet owners

(14) If you bring a pet onto campus you must:

1. keep the pet on a lead no longer than 1.5 metres or enclosed in a cage and accompany them at all times;
2. carry a bag or have other means of picking up and removing your pet's faeces;
3. immediately collect any faeces and dispose of it in a sealed bag before placing it in a rubbish bin;
4. not enter a building with your pet unless your pet meets one of the exemption criteria.

Section 6 - Guidelines

(15) Nil