Animal-Related Housing Accommodations

Requests for animal-related housing accommodations are reviewed through an individualized, interactive process coordinated by Disability Support Services (DSS).

Animals requested through this process are commonly referred to as Emotional Support Animals (ESAs). Unlike service animals, ESAs are not individually trained to perform specific tasks. If approved as an accommodation, an ESA is permitted within the student’s assigned residential environment and designated outdoor areas if necessary for the animal’s care and waste disposal. ESAs are not permitted in academic buildings, classrooms, dining facilities, or other public campus spaces unless otherwise authorized by the university.

Animal-related housing accommodation requests are reviewed on a case-by-case basis, considering the student’s disability-related needs, the requested accommodation, and the residential setting.

Request Process

Students requesting an animal-related housing accommodation must complete the DSS accommodation request process and submit supporting documentation. DSS recommends submitting requests as early as possible, prior to move-in or the start of the academic term.

Requests should be submitted here via the DSS disclosure form

Once all required documentation is received, DSS will generally need at least 10 business days to review the request and schedule a meeting with the student to discuss it. DSS may request additional information if needed to evaluate the request.

Following review of the information provided and discussion with the student, DSS will determine whether the requested accommodation is reasonable and necessary to provide equal access to university housing. Housing Services will be notified of approved accommodations as appropriate.

Submission of documentation does not guarantee approval of the request.

Documentation Guidelines

Documentation must be provided by a qualified, licensed healthcare or mental health professional who is familiar with the student and the student’s disability-related needs.

Examples of qualified providers may include, but are not limited to:

  • psychologist,
  • psychiatrist,
  • licensed counselor,
  • clinical social worker,
  • physician,
  • neuropsychological provider, or
  • other appropriately licensed treatment professional.
  • Please note that the treating provider cannot be a family member.

Documentation should:

  • be provided on official letterhead;
  • include the provider’s name, credentials, licensure information, contact information, signature, and date;
  • reflect an ongoing or recent professional relationship with the student; and
  • provide information sufficient to support the request (next section).

Documentation should include/address:

  • information regarding the student’s disability and current disability-related functional limitations relevant to the residential environment;
  • identification of the specific major life activity or activities substantially impacted by the disability and the manner in which those limitations affect the student in the residential environment;
  • an explanation of the disability-related need for the requested accommodation;
  • information regarding how the animal assists in mitigating or supporting the identified functional limitations;
  • the provider’s assessment of the relationship between the student’s disability-related limitations and the assistance or support provided by the animal; and
  • any additional information relevant to evaluating the request.

DSS reserves the right to request clarification or additional information when necessary to appropriately evaluate a request.

Students are encouraged to avoid websites or services that sell generalized ESA certifications or letters.

Renewal of Accommodation

Because student needs and residential circumstances may change over time, approved animal-related housing accommodations must be renewed each academic year during which the student resides in university housing.

DSS may request updated information as part of the renewal process when appropriate.

Animal Expectations and Responsibilities

Animals approved through the housing accommodation process are not permitted on campus until the accommodation has been formally approved by DSS and all required housing procedures have been completed.

If approved, the student is responsible for ensuring that the animal:

  • remains properly vaccinated, licensed, and in good health consistent with applicable law and university requirements;
    • Required vaccination records include: rabies and distemper; flea/tick; and proof of spay/neutering.
  • complies with District of Columbia laws and university policies;
  • is properly cared for, supervised, and controlled at all times;
  • is housebroken or otherwise appropriately maintained for the type of animal;
  • does not create ongoing disruption, health concerns, safety concerns, or substantial property damage; and
  • resides only in approved residential areas and other university-approved locations (such as designated outdoor areas).

The student is solely responsible for the care, supervision, behavior, and financial costs associated with the animal, including food, veterinary care, cleaning, and damage caused by the animal.

The university may require removal of the animal or revoke approval of the accommodation if:

  • the animal poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others;
  • the animal causes substantial property damage;
  • the animal creates ongoing disruption to the residential environment;
  • the animal is not properly cared for; or
  • the student fails to comply with university policies or approved accommodation requirements.

Students approved for an animal-related housing accommodation must provide a local emergency contact who can remove and care for the animal in the event of an emergency or if the student is unable to do so.

Service Animals

Service animals are distinct from emotional support animals. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), service animals are generally defined as dogs that are individually trained to perform work or tasks for a person with a disability.

Service animals are generally permitted pursuant to applicable disability law and do not require advance approval through the housing accommodation process. However, students with service animals are encouraged to notify DSS so the university may assist with accessibility-related coordination as needed.