Assistance Animals

Assistance Animal: A general term referring to any animal providing accommodations to individuals with disabilities. As used within this policy, an assistance animal may be either a service animal or an emotional support animal. Assistance Animals are not considered pets.

Service Animal: A service animal is individually trained to do specific work or perform tasks for the benefit of a person with a disability, including but not limited to physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disabilities. The specific work or tasks performed by the service animal for the benefit of the individual must be directly related to the individual's disability.

Emotional Support Animal: An emotional support animal is any species of animal providing emotional support, well-being, or comfort that eases one or more identified symptoms or effects of a disability. Emotional support animals may also be referenced as “Comfort” or “Therapy” animals.

Pet:  A pet is any animal kept for ordinary use and companionship. 

Service and Assistance Animal Policy:

Service and Assistance Animals, Animal Mascots, and Pets

After reviewing the policy, students must complete the Disclosure and Request for Disability Accommodations form, as well as the Service and Emotional Support Animal (ESA) Request Form.

The ESA form requires documentation from a qualified healthcare provider that outlines the need for an emotional support animal based on a diagnosed disability.

Once both forms are submitted, students should schedule an appointment with the Office of Access and Success to complete the review process.