What is the process for requesting an Emotional Support Animal?
An ESA may be a dog or cat (most common), small bird, rabbit, hamster, gerbil, fish, turtle, or other small, domesticated animal that is traditionally kept in the home for pleasure. Generally, a dog must be at least 12 months of age to live on campus to assure that the dog is reliably housebroken, not disruptive to other residents, and has all of the shots necessary to make it safe to be around humans and other animals that may be in residence. Any student who is asking for an emotional support animal accommodation must have a psychological disability with symptoms that significantly impair their ability to function. The requested ESA must significantly reduce the disabling symptoms. The efficacy of the ESA must be established before the request is made. Therefore, requests for ESAs should be made prior to the start of the semester, and not a newly adopted animal. Proof of ownership (adoption or veterinary records) is required.
Have your treating professional complete the Documentation for Emotional Support Animal Form (PDF). This documentation must be submitted with your request.
Complete the On-Campus Animal Request Form.
If you are new to SAA:
- Read the the Animals on Campus Policy.
- Click on Request Disability Accommodations.
- When completing the Request Disability Accommodations form:
- Click yes to the question "Are you requesting an emotional support animal?"
- Click on the On-Campus Animal Request Form and complete that form.
- Click and download the Medical Documentation for Emotional Support Animal form. Upload this completed form on the Request Disability Accommodations form or email to saa@pugetsound.edu.
When we receive your online request, we will contact you to schedule a virtual intake meeting. Please email saa@pugetsound.edu if you have questions or would like to request a virtual meeting for assistance.
If you are a current SAA student:
- Read the Animals on Campus Policy.
- Have your treating professional complete the Documentation for Emotional Support Animal Form (PDF) and email it to saa@pugetsound.edu.
- Complete the On-Campus Animal Request Form.
We will contact you upon receiving your request.
Please email saa@pugetsound.edu if you have questions or would like to request a virtual meeting for assistance.