Emotional Support Animals provide necessary emotional support to a student with a mental or psychiatric disability that alleviates one or more identified symptoms so that a student may have full participation in and equal access to CIA's housing.
The process to request an ESA is to:
- Review and complete the attached ESA Policy and Agreement.
- Submit veterinarian records including a letter of good health/visit summary indicating good health and vaccine records.
- Submit documentation via the attached ESA Information Request Form or submit a letter from your licensed health care provider on official letterhead that includes all of the following:
- A clear and specific diagnosis.
- Explanation of the current manifestations or functional limitations of the disability.
- Indication of an ongoing relationship between the provider and the student (not a single appointment).
- Recommendation for an ESA, typically includes the current treatment plan.
- Explanation of what symptoms an ESA will address and indicate how the ESA will address your symptoms.
- Credentials of the licensed professional providing the diagnosis (no personal relationship with the individual being evaluated).
Once all documents are submitted, they are reviewed. If your request is approved, that decision will be communicated to Student Life + Housing to confer with your roommates. If your roommates affirm that they do not have concerns with living with an ESA, you will be notified. The process to review documents and conduct the roommate check can take time. You should not plan to bring the ESA to your suite until you have your final approval.
Please note: The letter of good health and vaccine records are required annually and must be submitted before you return to campus with your ESA.