Students who are considering requesting an Emotional Support Animal in University housing should complete the following steps. An animal may not be brought to campus until the student has received written approval from Disability Support Services and completed all Residence Life requirements.
1. Review the ESA information and expectations: Read the University’s ESA information guide so you understand where an ESA is allowed, your responsibilities for care and supervision, roommate considerations, emergency expectations, possible costs, and circumstances that may require removal of the animal.
2. Complete the Disability Support Services Intake Form:Â Submit the and indicate that you are requesting an ESA as a housing accommodation.
3. Submit supporting documentation:Â Provide documentation from a qualified healthcare or mental health provider that explains the existence of a disability, the disability-related need for the ESA, and how the animal supports your ability to use and enjoy University housing.
4. Meet with Disability Support Services:Â DSS will review your intake form and documentation and schedule a meeting with you as part of the interactive accommodation process. The meeting allows DSS to discuss the request, clarify documentation, and understand your specific accommodation needs.
5. Receive an accommodation decision:Â DSS will determine whether the requested ESA is a reasonable housing accommodation. Each request is reviewed individually, and approval is not automatic.
6. Receive written approval from DSS:Â If the accommodation is approved, DSS will provide written notification. Approval from DSS does not mean the animal may immediately move into University housing. Residence Life requirements must also be completed.
7. Coordinate with Residence Life:Â DSS will notify the appropriate Residence Life staff that the accommodation has been approved while limiting disclosure of disability-related information. Residence Life will then work with you regarding housing and animal requirements.
8. Provide required information about the animal: Before the animal arrives, provide Residence Life with the animal’s name, type, description, photograph, applicable vaccination or licensing records, veterinary information if requested, and any other required information.
9. Provide two emergency contacts: Identify two people who can promptly remove the animal from campus if an emergency occurs. These individuals may not relocate the animal to another University housing space.
10. Address roommate or shared-space concerns: Residence Life will communicate with roommates or others who may be affected by the animal. If a roommate has a disability-related, medical, or other legitimate concern, Residence Life will work with everyone involved to determine an appropriate housing solution.
11. Review and sign the ESA agreement: After approval, review and sign the University’s ESA Policy Agreement or acknowledgment confirming that you understand and agree to follow all University and Residence Life expectations.
12. Receive final authorization from Residence Life: Residence Life will confirm that all required records, emergency contacts, and agreements have been received and will provide final authorization for the animal to move into your assigned housing space.
13. Bring the ESA to campus only after authorization: Do not bring the animal into University housing until both the DSS approval and Residence Life process are complete.
14. Follow all ESA expectations: You remain responsible for the animal’s care, supervision, behavior, cleanliness, waste disposal, damage, and compliance with University requirements throughout your residency. You must also notify Residence Life that an ESA is present when submitting maintenance requests.
15. Report changes: Keep the animal’s records and emergency contact information current. A replacement or different animal must complete the full approval process before being brought to campus.
Process at a Glance
Review expectations → Submit DSS intake form → Provide documentation → Meet with DSS → Receive an accommodation decision → Complete Residence Life requirements → Receive final authorization → Bring the ESA to campus.