Changes to Dogs on Campus Policy

Based on a range of feedback from key stakeholders, we’re making some fairly big changes to this policy.

The policy is now live, but the changes will come into effect from 1 January 2025 to enable you to get used to and comply with the new conditions.

Find policy here >

Key changes

• Ākonga are not allowed to have dogs anywhere on campus, in The Hub, in classrooms or at any activities.
• The exception are Service Dogs who are allowed to accompany ākonga (refer to definition from Companion Animals NZ – Can my dog be an assistance dog). 
• The public and visitors are also not allowed to have dogs anywhere on campus. The exception again being Service Dogs. 
• Staff* will be allowed dogs in shared workspaces (not classrooms) as long as they have approval from all colleagues within the area. You may sometimes see these dogs in The Hub or in outdoor campus spaces. They need to be under control, supervised and on a lead at all times. 
• Any dog events/dog visits to an Otago Polytechnic campus will require an application to the Animals@OP committee to ensure all aspects of the Health and Safety at Work Act and the Animal Welfare Act are considered, including identifying animal and human risk mitigation strategies (refer to Appendix 2 in the policy).
• Any incidents around dogs on campus need to be lodged in VAULT (our Wellbeing and Safety Reporting tool).

*This includes all contractors. 

Rationale for the changes

• Dogs on Campus Policy review date.
• Staff and student complaints to OP senior leadership, and the Wellbeing and Safety team about dogs being on campus, in food preparation areas such as Eden Café, tearooms and at Otago Polytechnic functions, not being under control and unacceptable dog behaviours.
• Issues regarding staff and students with allergies to dogs and those frightened of dogs.
• Staff and student dogs being present in learning and teaching spaces causing distraction or health and safety concerns.
• Otago Polytechnic are currently not aware of how many dogs are located across campuses, where they are, or if the appropriate process requesting consent for a dog to be on campus has been undertaken. 
  As we currently permit dogs on campus, we are obligated to ensure the safety of all staff and students, and that a dog is suitable to be on campus. 

FAQs

Q: Who were the key stakeholders involved in making this decision?

TKM, PCW, Wellbeing and Safety, HOC ECL, Acting HOP School Animal Health, Animals@OP Committee, and the Policies Committee which included ākonga representation.

Q: How long will I have to comply with this?  

This policy will become active from 1 January 2025. 

Q: What happens if I see a dog behaving aggressively, or inappropriately, showing signs of distress and do not feel comfortable to talk to the dog owner?

Please log a job on VAULT (our Wellbeing and Safety Reporting tool) so this incident can be investigated.

Q: Who do I contact if I have any questions?

Please connect with Francesca.Brown@op.ac.nz (Acting Head of College; College of Engineering, Construction and Living Sciences).