Campus Housing - Pets

Institute Policies & Relevant Law

The Institute allows up to two “friendly” domestic pets per apartment – breed restrictions may apply. Domestic pets include cats and dogs.  Exotic and non-traditional pets are not allowed and new pets cannot be added while in residence.  Pets, including emotional support animals, are limited to the members’ apartment and not allowed in any academic, administrative, or common buildings on campus.  Destructive or disruptive behaviors may result in a request for removal of the pet.

A $100 fee is charged per pet, per term, and will be billed to your Institute account. A $125 fee will be charged for any unregistered pet discovered after one week of occupancy. Apartments with a pet must use Institute-provided slipcovers on all furniture.  Dogs must be housebroken (trained to eliminate outside) and are only allowed in first-floor units. Any damage or need for additional cleaning caused by a pet will be billed to the resident. Please note that if you are taking care of a pet for someone else in your apartment, the same fees and regulations will apply. 

Princeton's Animal Control Officer regularly patrols the Institute's campus, woods, and surrounding area. To avoid penalties, all dog owners are required to adhere to Princeton's laws:

By law, all dogs must be accompanied by and under the control of a responsible person, and the dog must be on a leash not to exceed 8 feet in length, 24 hours a day. Dogs in parks shall be restrained by a leash not to exceed 16 feet. Owners are also required by law to remove all feces deposited by such dog on public or private property and must dispose of same in a sanitary manner.

Importing Animals to the US

New Jersey State law mandates that all dogs six months of age or older be licensed. When applying for your dog's license, a valid rabies certificate must be presented; and by presenting a spaying/neutering certificate from your veterinarian you will be exempt from the $3.00 state surcharge for an unsterilized dog. The license fees are $20.00 and $23.00.; Dog licenses are also obtainable by mail by contacting the Princeton Clerk's Office, 400 Witherspoon Street, Princeton, NJ 08540.