Service & Emotional Support Animals (ESA)

Process for Requesting an ESA Accommodation

Under the Fair Housing Act, students with a documented disability may request an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) in campus housing if it is a reasonable accommodation and does not pose a direct threat. Approval from PASS is required before bringing an ESA to campus. 

Complete the Housing Application and Submit Documentation:
Housing Application

It is highly recommended that you submit the Housing Documentation Form with your application.Housing Documentation Form

Alternatively, you may submit a letter from a licensed professional with whom you have has a therapeutic relationship for at least 30 days (as required by California law). The letter must:

• Verify you disability.
• Explain the disability-related barrier, and
• Show how an ESA helps address this barrier as part of your treatment plan with no alternative.

Requests for an emotional support animal are reviewed individually. PASS considers safety risks, property damage, functional limitations, and whether the student can care for the animal. Students must already have an established relationship with the ESA.

Do not bring your ESA to campus until approval is granted. Any animal found in campus housing will be removed and the animal will not be considered for approval. 

If approved, you must sign an ESA Agreement outlining responsibilities and conditions. Additionally, you will be required to supply veterinary records and room/suitemate signatures.

Service Animals

A service animal is defined as: Any dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability. The work or task that the dog performs must be directly related to the individual’s disability.
The following animals are not considered service animals under titles II and III of the American with Disabilities Act (ADA):

• Any animal besides dogs (though there are special provisions permitting miniature horses in some cases);
• Animals that serve solely to provide a crime deterrent effect, and
• Emotional support, comfort, or companion animals.

The regulations also provide that Pitzer College need not accommodate a service animal if it poses a direct threat to the health and safety of others, the owner cannot effectively control it, or if the animal is not housebroken.