Emotional Support Animals in University Housing
Emotional Support Animals
An Emotional Support Animal (ESA) is an animal that provides disability-related emotional support, comfort, or therapeutic benefit to a student with a documented disability. Emotional Support Animals are not considered service animals under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
An ESA may be approved as a housing accommodation through the Office of Access and Disability Services (ADS) when supported by disability-related need.
ESA Approval Process
Students requesting an ESA as a housing accommodation must complete the housing accommodation request process through ADS and provide supporting documentation establishing:
- the presence of a disability; and
- the disability-related need for the ESA within the residential environment.
ESA requests are reviewed through an individualized interactive process in coordination with ADS and Residence Life.
Students seeking approval for an ESA in University housing are encouraged to submit requests as early as possible and should notify Residence Life during the housing application process whenever possible. Requests submitted close to the start of the semester or after housing deadlines may impact housing availability or implementation timelines.
Approval for an ESA is generally valid for one academic year and must be renewed through ADS and Residence Life for continued approval in subsequent years.
ESA Access and Limitations
Approved Emotional Support Animals are generally permitted only within the student’s assigned residential space and areas necessary for entering and exiting University housing.
ESAs are not permitted in classrooms, dining facilities, libraries, academic buildings, or other campus facilities unless otherwise authorized by the University.
Student Responsibilities for ESAs
Students approved to have an ESA in University housing are responsible for:
- maintaining appropriate control of the animal;
- complying with vaccination and licensing requirements;
- ensuring proper care and supervision of the animal;
- cleaning and disposing of animal waste appropriately;
- preventing excessive disruption, property damage, or health and safety concerns within the
- residential community; and
- complying with all University housing policies and community standards.
Students will also be required to provide updated health or vaccination documentation and emergency contact information related to the animal.
An ESA may not be left unattended in University housing for extended periods of time or overnight without the student being present.
Conflicting Needs and Community Considerations
The University recognizes that members of the residential community may experience allergies, medical concerns, or other disability-related needs involving animals. The University will make reasonable efforts to balance the needs of all students through an individualized assessment and collaborative process.
Revocation of ESA Approval
The University reserves the right to revoke approval for an ESA when:
- University policies or the ESA agreement are violated,
- the animal creates ongoing disruption or safety concerns,
- the animal is not properly cared for or controlled,
- the accommodation is no longer necessary within the residential setting, or
- false or misleading information was provided during the request process.
The University reserves the right to implement interim measures or require temporary removal of an animal when necessary to address health, safety, or community concerns.