Student On-campus Animal Policy

This policy outlines why student-owned animals are not permitted on campus at AVT. It aims to ensure the safety, wellbeing and optimal learning conditions for both students and our on-campus animals.

We understand that many students have strong bonds with their pets and may wish to keep them close during their classes on campus. However, for the safety, welfare, and learning experience of all involved, student-owned animals are not permitted on campus.

Reasons for the policy:

Animal Welfare and Stress Management

• The campus environment (full of unfamiliar animals, smells, equipment and people) can be highly stressful for visiting animals, even those that are generally well-behaved and/or socialised.
• Loud noises, medical equipment, restrained animals, and the presence of other unfamiliar species may induce anxiety, fear or reactive behaviour in pets not accustomed to this environment.
• Animals brought by students are not the focus of training and may be left unattended or confined for extended periods, which is not conducive to their emotional wellbeing.

Infection Control and Biosecurity

• Our facility operates under veterinary standards of hygiene and disease prevention. Allowing external animals onto the premises introduces potential biosecurity risks, even for vaccinated and healthy pets.

Learning Environment and Clinical Priorities

• As a professional training facility, our teaching animals must remain the focus of all practical learning. Unplanned presence of outside animals may distract students or disrupt scheduled procedures.
• Student-owned animals may unintentionally interfere with controlled teaching environments, especially during practical assessments or live demonstrations.

Health, Safety and Accessibility

• Some students, staff or clients may have allergies, phobias or other medical sensitivities to certain species, which could be aggravated by their presence.
• The possibility of inter-animal conflict, leash accidents or even minor bites increases with animals that are not under the direct supervision of staff.

Equality and Professionalism

• Not all students have the ability to bring pets, nor are all pets suitable for a shared educational space. A consistent policy ensures fairness and removes ambiguity around what is allowed.

Exceptions: No exceptions are made for student-owned pets, including brief visits or emotional comfort.

Legitimate service animals as defined by disability legislation are welcome but must be registered through the Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety with appropriate documentation supplied, and approved in advance.

Enforcement: Students who violate this policy may be asked to immediately remove their pet from campus and could face disciplinary action under the student code of conduct.

For clarification or questions about this policy, please contact student support.