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Student Housing Rights

College & University ESA Pet Policies

How college students with anxiety, depression, or stress can live with an emotional support animal in on-campus residence halls and dorms.

Do College Dorms Have to Allow ESAs?

Yes. University residence halls, student apartments, and dormitories are legally considered "dwellings" under the federal Fair Housing Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. Universities cannot reject a valid clinical letter from a state-licensed practitioner or charge students extra housing deposits.

How to Submit to Campus Disability Services

  1. Complete your clinical evaluation on PawTails and download your signed letter.
  2. Contact your university's Student Accessibility Services (SAS) office.
  3. Submit the official letterhead documentation for immediate housing approval.