Emotional Support Animal

Emotional Support Animal Definition
An animal that provides emotional support that alleviates one or more identified effects of a person’s disability.

Emotional Support Animal Request Process

• Contact USI Disability Resources regarding the ESA process. The office will email the student an electronic form link to complete. Additionally, the email includes a PDF document that must be completed by the student's medical provider and returned to Disability Resources. It is important to make the provider aware that in addition to the verification form, additional information is required on the provider’s letter head, which is outlined on the form. The request is unable to be processed without both components being completed.
• Disability Resources reviews the requests and ensures all documentation is present.
• After the request has been reviewed and meets the criteria, a representative from the Disability Resources office will complete an intake appointment with the student to assess their eligibility for an ESA on campus. If the student is approved, Disability Resources will send an notification to the Housing and Residence Life (HRL) office.
• Upon receiving approval for the ESA from Disability Resources, the student is sent an email containing instructions on how to register the animal with HRL. Please note HRL reserves the right to not allow an animal that has a history of dangerous behavior or if it is determined housing facilities are not conducive to that type of animal.
  • The student must provide the following information:
    • Type of animal
    • Name of animal
    • Photo of animal
    • Backup handler contact information (A backup handler is someone who can take the animal should the animal owner become unable to care for it. The handler should live within a reasonable distance from campus and be able to travel to campus within 24 hours to retrieve the animal in the event of an emergency/the owner is unable to care for the animal.)
    • For animals that are required by local and state laws to be vaccinated for rabies, the student must provide documentation of a current rabies vaccination. Animals without a current rabies vaccination will not be allowed onto campus until the vaccine has been received and documentation submitted.
• After the student provides all necessary information and documentation requested, HRL contacts the student via email to arrange an in-person meeting.
• During the meeting with HRL, the student will review the University's animal guidelines, initialing and signing the document. Staff will also review specific aspects of the policy that are crucial for students to be aware.
• After the in-person meeting with HRL is concluded, the student is then permitted to have the animal reside with them in their designated living space.
• To provide enhanced security for apartments and residence halls with animals and allow emergency personnel to know where animals reside, HRL staff will place an animal tag that is visible from outside the apartment or residence hall suite. Each tag is numbered and will be assigned to a specific resident. The tags may not be removed while living in the space. Residents must return the tag when they check out and turn in their key. If a resident does not return the tag, a fine will be added to their student account.