1. Emotional Support and Service Animals in University Housing
Jennifer Cobb, Director, Enterprise Risk Management
Jonathan Lucia, Director of Residence Life
Joy Norman, Director of Disability Services

2. Definitions
Pets-animals living with owners for purposes of love, affection, and company
Service Animals-animal individually trained to perform specific task or function related to physical, intellectual, or mental disability
Emotional Support Animals-provide therapeutic benefit to person with mental or psychiatric disability

3. Definitions Service Animal Emotional Support Animal Federal Law
ADA, Titles II &III
Fair Housing Act
Type of Animal
Dogs & Miniature Horses *
No Restrictions*
Applies To
All Facilities
Housing Only
Required Training
Specific Training Required
No Training Required
Required Documentation
No documentation required (two question rule)
Letter from health professional
Enforcement
Department of Justice
HUD
*Request may be denied if:
Animal poses health/safety threat
Property Damage is inevitable
Poses undue financial/administrative burden
Alters nature of housing operations

4. What Has Changed? Guidance from HUD (April 25, 2013)
FHA applies to University owned housing
University of Nebraska Kearney Case
U.S. District Court of Nebraska
Partial summary judgment against U. of Nebraska
Will likely be appealed to U.S. Court of Appeals 8th Circuit

5. Documentation Service Animals (two question rule)
Is the animal required because of a disability
What work or tasks has the animal been trained to do?
Emotional Support Animal
Letter from health professional
Identify how animal alleviates or reduces symptoms of mental/psychiatric illness

6. Emotional Support Animal Benchmarking
Discussed at system wide disability services, housing, and student affairs meetings
No specific guidance issued from BOR
Young Harris College and Georgia College have accommodated emotional comfort animals
Incoming student inquired at last orientation

7. CSU Policy
Policy based on review of multiple policies at institutions across the country
Student makes request through Disability Services Office
Approved student meets with Director of Residence Life to review standards
Vaccination and registration records housed in Residence Life office

8. Questions