Pet Policy for Staff Accommodation

1. Applicability

1.1 This Pet Policy applies strictly and exclusively to employees who are officially allotted family accommodation by Good Shepherd International School (“GSIS”).

1.2 Employees residing in single, shared, or staff-only accommodation are not permitted to keep pets under any circumstances.

1.3 Pet ownership within school-provided accommodation is a conditional privilege, not a right or entitlement.

2. Management Discretion

2.1 Permission to keep a pet is granted solely at the discretion of GSIS Management.

2.2 Approval:

• Is not automatic
  
• May be refused without assigning reasons
  
• Does not create precedent for other employees
  

2.3 GSIS Management reserves the absolute right to withdraw permission at any time if the pet’s presence:

• Causes discomfort, fear, nuisance, or complaints
  
• Compromises safety, hygiene, or harmony
  
• Violates any provision of this Policy
  

No appeal shall lie as a matter of right.

3. Permitted Pets

3.1 A maximum of ONE (1) pet only is permitted per family accommodation unit.

3.2 The pet may be:

• Either one dog or one cat only
  

3.3 No other animals, birds, reptiles, or exotic pets are permitted.

3.4 Determination of whether a pet qualifies as “small” or suitable for campus accommodation rests entirely with Management.

4. Prior Written Approval

4.1 Written approval must be obtained from the HR Department before bringing the pet onto campus.

4.2 Bringing a pet onto campus without approval constitutes a serious policy violation and may result in immediate removal of the pet.

5. Mandatory Documentation

The following must be submitted to HR prior to approval and maintained at all times:

• Proof of pet ownership
  
• Registration certificate (where applicable)
  
• Valid and up-to-date vaccination records
  
• Veterinary health certificate (if required by Management)
  

Failure to submit or update documentation will result in automatic withdrawal of permission.

6. Mandatory Caretaker Requirement

6.1 Employees cannot be the sole caretakers of pets due to work and residential responsibilities.

6.2 A responsible adult caretaker must reside in the same accommodation at all times.

6.3 Pets must never be left unattended, whether during work hours, overnight, or otherwise.

6.4 If the caretaker is unavailable for any reason, the pet must not remain in school-provided accommodation.

Leaving a pet unattended is considered animal neglect and a serious policy breach.

7. Hygiene, Cleanliness, and Waste Disposal

7.1 Pet owners are personally responsible for immediate, safe, and hygienic clean-up of all pet waste.

7.2 Pet waste must:

• Never be visible in common areas, lawns, walkways, staircases, or annexes
  
• Never be handled by school cleaning or support staff
  

7.3 Any hygiene-related complaint from residents shall be treated as valid grounds for review or withdrawal of permission.

8. Control, Safety, and Movement

8.1 Pets must be leashed at all times outside the accommodation.

8.2 Pets must never roam freely on campus, in annexes, or in neighbouring residential areas.

8.3 Pet owners must not walk pets through neighbouring annexes or shared residential spaces where other residents may feel unsafe or uncomfortable.

9. Respect for Others

9.1 While an employee may love their pet, other residents are not required to like, tolerate, or feel safe around the pet.

9.2 Fear, discomfort, allergies, or unease expressed by any resident shall be respected and taken seriously.

9.3 No resident shall be subjected to a pet’s presence against their comfort or consent.

10. Noise and Disturbance

10.1 Pets must not cause:

• Excessive barking
  
• Whining
  
• Noise disturbance, especially during early morning or night hours
  

10.2 Noise-related complaints may result in immediate review and withdrawal of permission.

11. Damage to Property

Any damage caused by the pet to school property shall be:

• Fully repaired or replaced at the employee’s cost
  
• Recovered through payroll deduction if necessary
  

12. Liability

12.1 The employee bears full legal and personal responsibility for their pet’s behaviour.

12.2 GSIS bears no liability for:

• Injury
  
• Fear
  
• Disturbance
  
• Damage
  
• Allergic reactions
  
• Any incident involving the pet
  

13. One-Time Non-Refundable Pet Charge

13.1 A one-time, non-refundable charge of INR 5,000/- per pet is mandatory.

13.2 The amount must be paid prior to the pet entering campus or may be deducted from payroll.

13.3 This charge is:

• Non-refundable
  
• Non-adjustable
  
• Non-transferable
  

14. Mandatory Pet Policy Undertaking

14.1 A signed Pet Policy Undertaking must be submitted before approval.

14.2 The undertaking shall confirm that the employee:

• Has read and understood this Policy
  
• Accepts Management discretion
  
• Accepts full liability
  
• Commits to hygiene, safety, and animal welfare
  
• Acknowledges that permission may be withdrawn at any time
  

Failure to submit the undertaking results in automatic rejection.

15. Non-Compliance

Any violation may result in one or more of the following:

• Immediate withdrawal of pet permission
  
• Direction to permanently remove the pet from campus
  
• Disciplinary action under the GSIS Code of Conduct
  
• Financial recovery for damages
  

Pet ownership within a residential school campus is a conditional privilege, not an entitlement. The safety, comfort, hygiene, and well-being of students, staff, neighbours, and animals shall always take precedence over individual preferences.

GSIS Management’s decision in all matters relating to pets shall be final and binding.

Confidentiality

• This policy is a confidential document of GSIS.
• No part may be reproduced or transmitted in any form, electronically or mechanically, without prior written permission from School Management.
• Unauthorized reproduction or transmission may lead to civil or criminal liability.

Amendments

The School reserves the right to modify, amend, or alter this policy, wholly or partially, at any time as deemed appropriate.