Emotional Support Animals Policy

It is the policy of Elon University to comply with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act as amended by the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 (ADA), the Fair Housing Act, and other applicable federal and state regulations that prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability. Elon University is aware of its responsibility to provide safe, healthy housing to all students living in University Residence Halls and is committed to providing equal access to Residence Life by all students with qualifying disabilities. In keeping with this obligation, it is the policy of Elon University that emotional support animals are permitted in all housing facilities provided the established procedures and policies are followed.

Definition

An Emotional Support Animal (ESA) is an animal providing emotional or other support to ameliorate one or more identified symptoms or effects of a disability. Emotional Support Animals are not required to be trained to perform work or tasks and can be species other than dogs or miniature horses.

Housing Accommodations Committee

The Housing Accommodations Committee will consist of representatives from the Offices of Disabilities Services, Residence Life, Student Health Services and Counseling Services.

Steps for requesting an Emotional Support Animal in University Housing

  1. Step-by-step instructions can be found within the ESA Request Packet on the Disabilities Resources website.

Conflicting Health Conditions and Aversions

  1. Residents with a medical condition or aversion who are affected by animals (e.g. allergies, asthma, respiratory conditions, zoophobia, etc.) because of living in close proximity to Emotional Support Animals should contact the Residence Life Office.
  2. Residence Life will reasonably accommodate residents with medical conditions who need accommodation when living in close proximity to Emotional Support Animals as may be required by applicable law.
  3. The Housing Accommodations Committee will make the decision about conflicting health conditions and medical accommodations. In the event an agreement cannot be reached, the final decision will be made by the Associate Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students.

ESA Policies

Follow-up steps for Emotional Support Animal

  1. Residence Life and Disabilities Resources will maintain a list of where Emotional Support Animals are located.
  2. Campus Safety and Police and Facilities Management will be notified.

If you have questions, please contact the Office of Disabilities Resources.