Dog on Campus? Paw-fect!
The #IAMOKSTATE blog inspired us to make sure everyone is up to speed when it comes to on-campus pet policies at OSU-Tulsa. Because how could we not love our furry friends?
We all wish our pets could come with us everywhere but sadly that isn’t so. Fur-real?
OSU’s policy states
“...only dogs specifically recognized by Pete’s Pet Posse and dogs identified as service animals as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act are allowed in campus buildings. Approved emotional support animals are restricted to residential housing. Other than in the case of these limited exceptions, pets and emotional support animals are not to be in campus buildings.”
Good news is you can still get some puppy love in campus buildings.
If you’re not familiar with Pete’s Pet Posse, it’s our Pet Therapy Program which allows campus community members’ pets to become therapy animals. They’re trained to provide affection and comfort to people. Our Pete’s Posse Tulsa dogs visit and service OSU-Tulsa and OSU Center for Health Sciences!
You’ll know them by their #AmericasBrightestOrange vests. Want to hang with them? Follow them on social media to find out where they’ll be.
Pete’s Pet Posse aren’t the only ones with an important job. Please remember to respect service animals.
A service animal is any dog individually trained to work or perform tasks to help an individual with a disability. These animals should not be touched while they are working, as to not distract them from their important jobs.
TIP: Because of these differences, you should always ask before touching an animal. Regardless of if they are wearing a vest.
Lastly, here’s a few tips on how to make sure everyone (and every pup) is safe and comfortable:
Leash Love
Keeping your dog on a leash protects them from running away and potentially getting hurt or lost; plus Tulsa has a mandatory leash law. Pet owners cannot allow any dogs to run at large, aside from in no-leash areas. (This applies to cats too.)
Stop...Potty time!
No one wants to step in their dog’s poop, or your dog’s for that matter! Always come prepared with waste baggies to take care of any messes.
Go fetch!
We all deserve a little playtime with our sunshine. Want to take your pup out for some fun?
Check out some of the dog friendly parks right here in Tulsa: