1.19.00
The purpose of the Pet Policy is to allow members to keep uncaged animals while protecting the health and safety of House members, and the physical condition of the House. Dogs are not allowed in our Houses because they are apt to cause extensive damage to the House, and pose a liability in the case of bites. Pet owners must submit a Pet Agreement so the SHC is aware of all pets living in the system and has assurance that every pet has been properly vaccinated. The barriers to submitting a Pet Agreement are low, thus any member or House that does not register its pets is subject to a harsh penalty. Individual Houses may enforce stricter pet policies, but those policies may not directly violate any part of this section.
1.19.01
The term “pet” refers to all cats and other uncaged animals. Dogs are not allowed in any House.
1.19.02
No House located within the city of East Lansing may house more than four uncaged pets in accordance with East Lansing city code (Code of Ordinances City of East Lansing, Michigan Section 4-4a). This restriction does not apply to Houses located outside of the city of East Lansing.
1.19.03
The Maintenance Vice President is responsible for collecting reports from the Maintenance Officers as to which pets are living in each House, and who owns them at the beginning of each semester.
1.19.04
All pets must be registered with a single pet owner.
1.19.05
All pets must be approved by the House’s current membership when the pet owner applies for admittance of the pet, in accordance with any rules set in the House’s constitution. The Member Services Coordinator will inform prospective members of the pet’s pending residence before they sign a contract for the House.
1.19.06
Each pet is subject to re-approval at the first House meeting of each semester.
1.19.07
All pet owners must submit a Pet Agreement signed by the House Maintenance Officer and the pet owner to the Maintenance Vice President prior to the pet taking residence in the House. This Pet Agreement must specify that the pet owner is financially and otherwise responsible for any damage the pet causes to the House and that the pet owner has alternate housing plans for the pet.
1.19.08
Any member with a current outstanding balance of over $100 may not file a Pet Agreement.
1.19.09
All pet owners must submit proof of all vaccines and shots upon submitting a Pet Agreement to the Maintenance Vice President.
1.19.10
Upon request of the House, the Maintenance Vice President may require proof that the Pet has been treated for parasites or other health issues. Failure to treat the Pet or provide proof of treatment may result in referral for the Pet Owner or removal of the animal.
1.19.11
Any costs from damages attributed to the pet will be the responsibility of the pet owner and will be assessed to the owner by the House Treasurer on the charge sheet.
1.19.12 – VIOLATIONS OF THE PET POLICY
Any House that allows an uncaged pet for any amount of time without a properly submitted Pet Agreement will receive a written warning from the Maintenance Vice President. The House has one week to remove the pet or register it. After one week: