Accessibility Services: Emotional Support Animals (ESA)
Emotional Support Animals (ESA)
Georgian Court University recognizes that some students with disabilities may benefit from having an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) as a reasonable accommodation in university housing. ESAs provide therapeutic benefit through companionship and are prescribed by qualified mental health professionals as part of a treatment plan.
Important Distinction: Emotional Support Animals are different from Service Animals. While Service Animals are trained to perform specific tasks and have broad public access rights, ESAs provide comfort through companionship and are generally permitted only in housing with proper documentation and approval.
Eligibility Requirements
Student Requirements:
To request an ESA accommodation, students must:
- Be registered with Accessibility Services
- Have a documented disability that substantially limits one or more major life activities
- Demonstrate that the ESA is necessary to afford equal opportunity to use and enjoy university housing
- Be capable of independently caring for the animal
Documentation Requirements:
Students must provide current documentation from a qualified mental health professional that includes:
- Licensed Provider: Documentation must come from a psychiatrist, psychologist, licensed clinical social worker, or other qualified mental health professional
- Treatment Relationship: The provider must have a treatment relationship with the student (not just a one-time evaluation)
- Disability Verification: Clear identification of the student’s mental health disability
- Functional Limitations: Description of how the disability substantially limits one or more major life activities
- ESA Necessity: Explanation of how the ESA alleviates symptoms or provides therapeutic benefit related to the disability
- Professional Credentials: Provider’s name, title, license information, and contact details
Animal Requirements
Acceptable Animals:
- Most commonly dogs or cats
- Other animals may be considered on a case-by-case basis
- Must be typical household pets (exotic animals generally not permitted)
Animal Standards:
The ESA must:
- Be house-trained and under the control of the owner
- Be current on all required vaccinations
- Be licensed according to local regulations
- Not pose a direct threat to others or property
- Not cause substantial property damage
- Not create unreasonable disturbance to others
Housing Accommodations
Residence Hall Policy:
- ESAs are permitted in university housing with proper approval
- Students with approved ESAs may be assigned to specific housing that best accommodates the animal
- Standard pet fees are waived for approved ESAs
- Normal housing policies regarding guests, room changes, and conduct still apply
Roommate Considerations:
- Roommate allergies or phobias will be considered in housing assignments
- Students cannot be required to accept a roommate with an ESA if they have documented allergies or other health concerns
Student Responsibilities
Care and Control:
Students with ESAs are responsible for:
- Complete care of the animal, including feeding, grooming, veterinary care, and exercise
- Supervision and control of the animal at all times
- Cleaning up after the animal, both inside and outside
- Ensuring the animal does not disturb others or damage property
- Removing the animal immediately if it becomes disruptive or poses a threat
Financial Responsibility:
Students are financially responsible for:
- Any damage caused by the ESA to university property
- Additional cleaning costs beyond normal wear and tear
- All veterinary care and animal-related expenses
Documentation Updates:
Students must provide updated documentation:
- Annually or as requested by the university
- If there are changes in the animal or student’s condition
- If the ESA is replaced with a different animal
Application Process
Step 1: Initial Contact:
Contact Accessibility Services to discuss your ESA request and receive application materials:
- Phone: 732-987-2646
- Email: lfahr@georgian.edu
Step 2: Submit Documentation:
Provide complete documentation from your mental health professional using our ESA verification form or comprehensive letter meeting all requirements.
Step 3: Review Process:
Accessibility Services will review your request and may:
- Request additional information or clarification
- Consult with other campus departments
- Schedule a meeting to discuss the accommodation
Step 4: Housing Coordination:
If approved, work with Housing Services to:
- Identify appropriate housing assignment
- Complete housing accommodation agreements
- Provide required animal documentation (vaccination records, licenses)
Important Policies
Public Access:
ESAs do not have public access rights like Service Animals:
- ESAs are generally restricted to approved housing areas
- ESAs cannot accompany students to classes, dining facilities, or other campus buildings
- Special exceptions may be considered on a case-by-case basis for specific therapeutic needs
Removal of ESA:
The university may require removal of an ESA if:
- The animal poses a direct threat to others
- The animal causes substantial property damage
- The animal creates unreasonable disturbance
- The student fails to maintain control or care for the animal
- Documentation becomes outdated or insufficient
Appeals:
Students who disagree with ESA-related decisions may follow the university’s grievance procedures for students with disabilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I bring my ESA to class?
A: Generally, no. ESAs are typically approved only for housing accommodations. If you believe you need your animal for classroom support, discuss this specific need with Accessibility Services.
Q: Is there a fee for having an ESA in housing?
A: No, standard pet fees are waived for approved ESAs. However, students remain financially responsible for any damage or additional cleaning costs.
Q: Can I get an ESA letter online?
A: Documentation must come from a qualified mental health professional with whom you have an established treatment relationship. Online evaluations typically do not meet this requirement.
Q: What if my roommate is allergic to my ESA?
A: Housing will work to find solutions that accommodate both students’ needs, which may include alternative housing assignments.
-
Luana Fahr
Director of Student Success and Academic Support/Accessibility Officer - Jeffries Hall, Room 130
- Phone: (732) 987-2646
- Email: lfahr@georgian.edu