The purpose of this policy to provide guidance on when and under what conditions dogs are permitted to be on any Otago Polytechnic campus.
Service Dogs are exempt from this policy. Owners may be required to provide documentation from the certifying organisation.
Health and Safety at Work Act 2015, and all subsequent amendments.
1. Kaimahi are permitted to bring dogs on campus, provided they have completed the consent process, adhere to this policy and respect the rights of kaimahi, ākonga and visitors to feel safe and comfortable at Otago Polytechnic (refer to Clause 12).
2. Ākonga are not permitted to bring dogs on any Otago Polytechnic campus, with the exception of service dogs.
3. Dogs are not permitted in any areas where food is prepared or consumed such as Eden Cafe or Otago Polytechnic tearooms or equivalent.
4. All dogs on campus are subject to Dunedin City Council (DCC) Dog Control Laws and may be removed and no longer allowed on an Otago Polytechnic campus.
5. Dogs must not cause a nuisance or a hazard and must always be under control.
6. Animals, including dogs, that are approved under an Animal Utilisation Protocol (AUP) are permitted in spaces where learning and teaching is conducted. Refer to Animal Use in Research & Teaching Policy.
7. No other animals, including dogs, are permitted in spaces where learning and teaching is conducted, including but not limited to workshops, laboratories, field trips, work placements or equivalent, carpentry house builds, and/or classrooms.
8. Dog owners must ensure the welfare and ethical treatment of their dog, whether used in research, teaching, or present for any other reason.
9. Dogs are not permitted at any Otago Polytechnic functions or in Otago Polytechnic vehicles.
10. Permission under Appendix 1. Dogs On Campus Consent Form does not eliminate the requirement to complete Appendix 2. One-off Dog Visits to an Otago Polytechnic Campus Request Form and Risk Mitigation Form.
11. In the case of damage to Otago Polytechnic property caused by a dog, the owner is liable for payment for cleaning, repair, or replacement, following discussion and agreement with their Formal Leader.
12. Consent Process for dogs on campus (Refer to Appendix 1 Dogs On Campus Consent Form)
12.1. Kaimahi wishing to bring their dog on campus must initiate a discussion with their Formal Leader.
12.2. Kaimahi must then complete the “Dogs On-Campus Consent Form”.
12.3. The dog may be allowed to occupy school/service area office spaces, including individual and shared offices, but only if all kaimahi in these spaces have completed the “Dogs On-Campus Consent Form” agreeing to the presence of a dog.
12.4. Kaimahi dog owners will seek permission from any new kaimahi starting in their work area and acknowledge this may result in a change of conditions for the dog being on campus.
12.5. This arrangement will be reviewed periodically as required e.g. including but not limited to a change in the dog’s temperament.
12.6. The Formal Leader will keep a secure record of all kaimahi requests to have a dog on campus.
12.7. Kaimahi dog owners are responsible for displaying visible signage stating the presence of a dog in a specific area (Refer to Appendix 3. Otago Polytechnic Dogs On Campus poster signage).
12.8. Approved dogs must:
be supervised at all times
have consent to be on-campus
have access to water and shade, and
be kept under appropriate control by their owner, either on a lead, confined in a crate or by use of a barrier.
12.9. If approached or advised that the presence and/or behaviour of their dog is causing discomfort for others, kaimahi must remove the dog from the area, and/or the campus immediately.
12.10. Any issues or concerns with a dog will be dealt with by the Formal Leader who must report any issues in Vault.
13. One-off Dog Visit for an Otago Polytechnic event
13.1. Kaimahi and visitors who wish to bring a dog on campus for an approved event e.g. puppy cuddling are required to complete an approval form at least one (1) month before the event (refer Appendix 2. One-off Dog Visits to an Otago Polytechnic Campus Request Form and Risk Mitigation Form).
13.2. Dogs approved for a one-off event must:
be supervised at all times
have access to water and shade
be on a lead
not be in dog-free zones.
13.3. Animals@OP Committee will ask Health and Safety/the event organiser to display signage stating the presence of a dog in a specific area as part of an approved event (Refer to Appendix 3. Otago Polytechnic Dogs on Campus poster signage).
14. Health and Safety are responsible for displaying permanent Dog Free Zone signage at relevant locations on an Otago Polytechnic campus (Refer to Appendix 4. Dog Free Zone signage and Appendix 5. Eden Café Dog Free Zone, including defined zone).
