You are probably familiar with guide dogs or seizure alert dogs. These are great examples of service animals, but that doesn’t mean they are the same as an emotional support animal (ESA). The confusion between the two is understandable, both are animals that offer some sort of benefit to their handlers. In simple words, the main difference is that a service animal has been especially trained to perform certain tasks directly related to their handler’s disability, while an emotional support animal has not been trained for specific tasks or duties related to the handler’s disability. Additionally, service animals have been defined by the Title II and Title III of the ADA as “a dog that has been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability.”
Service animals are pretty much defined and understood by most of the population, but ESAs still have some awareness to gain. So, let us tell you about emotional support animals, how important they are for some students and how colleges throughout the country make sure that ESAs are not only welcome, but an integral part of their students’ well-being!
Laws for ESAs
Emotional support animals are referenced in the Fair Housing Act (FHA) and the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA). These are the two federal laws that any ESA handler should know, but besides those, each state can have different laws related to ESAs. However, the ACAA has recently stopped covering ESAs, which means that whether you can fly with your ESA or not will depend on the airline you choose. Regardless of where you are, colleges are required to allow emotional support animals as they are required to allow service dogs. This is mainly because of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the previously mentioned FHA. Remember, ESAs are not just pets, and while colleges can decide if they allow pets or not, they really don’t have a choice when it comes to ESAs.
Why Are ESAs Good for Students?
Multiple studies have shown that the presence of emotional support animals on campus helps reduce the stress and anxiety that students (and faculty) feel. This is exactly why universities like Stockton not only allow ESAs on their property, but encourage them. Dr. Valerie Hayes, Esq., chief officer for Diversity and Inclusion in Stockton University talks about the benefits in mental health and wellbeing that come from the bond between human and animals. College is known to be a stressful time for many, with burdens varying from academic stress, anxiety about the future, personal relationships, financial stress and more. It’s not hard to see how college, while known as being one of the best times in life, can also be one of the most stressful.
In recent years, mental health awareness and wellbeing has become an integral part of schools’ priorities when it comes to their students derived by their need for mental health services. Many, if not all, colleges offer some sort of counseling services that aim to provide relief and support to students. However, taking those first steps towards therapy or counseling can be intimidating, and many students who could potentially benefit from those services don’t take advantage of them. A study conducted in Troy University by Adams et al., shows that in such cases, emotional support animals can work as a sort of self-therapy, reducing stress and depression from a more comfortable and familiar perspective for some students. The study shows that Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) has increased its popularity in schools and universities since around 2005, and it has proven that contact with animals significantly reduces anxiety in students.
Besides the benefit of reduced stress, ESAs help increase the sense of control in their handlers, becoming a motivation for them to get out of bed in the morning, do the best they can in their day and take care of their loyal companion. Other benefits from ESAs are lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, bettering overall health and well-being. Furthermore, a study conducted by Adamle, Riley and Carlson (2009) showed that therapy dogs might help students form relationships with others, making the benefits of ESAs more than just reducing stress and increasing motivation, but also allow students to feel comfortable making new friends and, in turn, encourage a better experience in college with a broader support net.
Colleges Embracing Emotional Support Animals.
We’ve mentioned that because of federal laws like FHA and ACAA, colleges are obligated to allow ESAs on their property. We have also mentioned that allowing and encouraging are different approaches to ESAs, making some schools much more supportive and welcoming to ESAs than others. A 2021 study published in the Georgia Journal of College Student Affairs showed that ESA use and mental health concerns have risen among students on college campuses, as well as in students’ considerations when choosing a school to attend. As mentioned, Stockton College does a fantastic job of implementing the FHA, and Dr. Valerie Hayes, Esq., briefly yet successfully explains it by mentioning the FHA applies to Stockton because of the fact they offer housing for students. She also mentions Stockton is covered under the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination, showing how not only federal but also state laws affect the implementation of ESAs on campus. Additionally, she mentions Stockton’s non discrimination policies and procedures, showing the commitment Stockton has to its students by not merely applying federal and state law, but going beyond and creating their own regulations around ESAs. However, Stockton is not a pet friendly campus, meaning that ESAs must have the required documentation that proves their status as an emotional support animal and not just a pet.
Some students have presented concern on how tricky bringing your pet to school can be regardless of federal laws, making schools like Stockton more appealing to those that simply can’t part ways from their furry friend as long as it’s an ESA. Remember, emotional support animals are not the same as pets, and schools might ask for specific documentation that confirms the need of an ESA. For example, USC asks students that want to bring their ESA with them to begin the process of documentation early in their process of housing. These obstacles bring us to some important questions.
Are ESAs allowed on campus?
Yes. As per the previously mentioned federal laws, emotional support animals must be allowed by all schools. It is also important to review your specific state laws on ESA, as well as the University’s requirements for documentation.
Are ESAs allowed in class?
Depends on your school. While ESAs must be permitted in all colleges, their access to certain facilities might be limited. ESAs are not service animals, and do not enjoy all of the same rights that a service animal does. So, while the FHA allows your ESA to live with you even on property where pets are not allowed, it does not necessarily give your ESA access to every space on campus.
Do I need an ESA certificate?
Depends, but it’s most likely you do. We mentioned Stockton College as an ESA-friendly school because of how easy it makes it for their students to access the information they need for their process of bringing their ESA with them. However, they do ask for documentation that proves your companion is an ESA. Some schools do not need an ESA certificate, and these are known as pet-friendly schools. These are schools that allow pets on campus, like Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, Florida, self-described “pet-friendliest campus on the planet” Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri, and University of Northern Colorado.
Is an ESA right for me?
Owning an animal is a great responsibility, so we can’t give you a concrete answer here. Needing an ESA is something only you and your therapist can decide. If you do decide on having an ESA, Supportive Colleges aims to provide you with any information you might need. If you decide an ESA is not right for you but still want to attend a school that offers pet-therapy, we have highlighted some, and continue to do so, in our Mental Health Support page.
ESAs and You.
Going beyond the legal definitions and state regulations, the impact of emotional support animals is undeniable. Studies speak volumes on how the presence of these companions can help reduce stress, anxiety and depression among students and faculty alike. From fostering a sense of motivation, to encouraging social connections and feeling you always have someone to talk to, ESAs make college life more enjoyable for thousands of students. As colleges increasingly prioritize mental health and well-being, embracing and not just “tolerating” ESAs has become synonymous with inclusivity and support.
If you have any questions or comments on emotional support animals and your own experience in school, don’t hesitate to contact us! We are working for you and want to hear from you. Your opinion is very important to us because it’s thanks to your concerns that we can provide the information you and hundreds of other students want.
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