Assistance Animals
Service Animals and Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) serve different roles and are treated differently under the law. Service Animals are trained to perform specific tasks for individuals with disabilities, such as guiding someone who is blind or alerting a person with epilepsy to an oncoming seizure. Because of their training and function, Service Animals are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and are generally allowed to accompany their handlers in most public places, including restaurants, stores, and public transportation.
Emotional Support Animals provide comfort and emotional stability to individuals with mental health conditions but are not required to have specialized training. As a result, ESAs are not granted the same public access rights as Service Animals and are generally not allowed in public spaces that prohibit pets, though they may receive accommodations in housing and sometimes in air travel under specific circumstances.
Service Animals
Under the ADA, a service animal is defined as a dog or miniature horse that has been individually...
Emotional Support Animals (ESA)
An emotional support animal is any animal that provides emotional support, alleviating one or mor...
How to Apply for an ESA
Under the Fair Housing Act, an Emotional Support Animal may be approved while living in on-campus...
Required Documentation
When applying for an ESA, students must complete the Emotional Support Animal Application and att...
ESA Expectations
Residents approved to have an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) by Access & Accommodation Services a...
FAQs
When can I bring my animal to campus? Your animal is not allowed on campus until you receive wri...