Emotional Support Animal (ESA) Policies

Under federal disability laws, Emotional Support Animals (ESA) are NOT Service Animals and cannot be with an individual at all times. ESA fall under Fair Housing Act (FHA). Under the FHA, a housing provider MAY request reliable documentation of the disability itself and the disability-related need for the ESA. Online certification of an assistance animal alone does not establish either criteria. * For more information see: US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Approval from DSS is required to bring an ESA to campus housing. Requests and ESA documentation should be submitted at least 60 days before the anticipated move-in date. Approval is not guaranteed. 

*ESA must be an animal commonly kept in households: dogs, cats, small birds, rabbits, hamsters, gerbils, other rodents, fish (no more than 10 gallon tank), turtles, or other small, domesticated animals that are traditionally kept in the home. The following are not considered an ESA: reptiles (other than turtles), barnyard animals, monkeys, kangaroos, and other non-domesticated animals are not considered common household animals.

If approved by DSS, the ESA is allowed ONLY in the student's assigned dorm room and the residence hall's outdoor space for waste disposal as applicable. ESA is NOT permitted in any common areas in housing (no exceptions). ESA must be in an animal carrier, on a leash, or under harness control when going outside. ESA accommodations must be requested every semester by completing the housing accommodation request eform in eTrieve.

DSS will consider the following factors when determining if the presence of the ESA is deemed reasonable, when reviewing ESA requests, and/or in determining housing assignments for students with an ESA: 

• The size of the animal is too large for available assigned housing space (generally limited to 60 pounds)

• The animal's presence would force another individual from individual housing (e.g. serious allergies)

• The animal's presence otherwise violates individuals' right to peace and quiet enjoyment

• The animal is not housebroken or is unable to live with others in a reasonable manner

• The animal's vaccinations are not up-to-date

• The animal poses or has posed in the past a direct threat to the safety or health of the individual or others such as aggressive behavior towards or injuring the individual or others, potential transmission of zoonotic diseases

• The animal causes or has caused excessive damage to housing beyond reasonable wear and tear

• There is already an approved ESA in your assigned housing space/room (generally only one approved ESA per housing space will be permitted and generally only one ESA per student will be permitted - DSS will review this policy on a case by case basis to determine if a second ESA can be permitted - dependent upon type and size of ESA - some requests for a second ESA cannot be approved and will be determined by DSS)

CTC takes the stance that campus housing is not an appropriate setting to raise a young puppy/kitten. Generally, dogs must be at least 12 months of age and cats six months of age. Proof of rabies vaccination and other vaccinations as needed are required for dogs. Appropriate vaccinations also required for cats. Proof of an up-to-date exam for the animal from a licensed veterinarian that attests to the absence of communicable diseases and parasites to show that the animal does not pose a notable risk of zoonosis and is in good health may also be required for other types of animals. A picture of the animal must also be provided. Size/weight of ESA and crate must be able to reasonably and safely fit in dorm room for approval. Only one ESA per student will be permitted with approval from DSS in order to fulfill the intent of the FHA requirements of providing support to a student with a mental health disability.

The student must request approval for the ESA for housing with DSS by completing ALL the required eforms listed below and required documents listed below:

• Student Intake E-Form (must attach verification form or required documentation as explained below under ESA verification form section)
• ESA Registration E-Form (must attach verification form or required documentation as explained below under ESA verification form section;  must attach proof of rabies vaccination/other required vaccinations and/or record of good health from licensed veterinarian; must attach picture of the ESA; this eform is required to be submitted every year or as required by DSS)
• Housing Accommodation E-Form (must attach verification form or required documentation as explained below under ESA verification form section; must attach picture of the ESA; this eform is required to be submitted each semester)
• ESA Verification Form (Reliable documentation must be from a qualified/licensed mental health professional with whom the student has an established/ongoing therapeutic relationship with -  an evaluator that the student has only met with once or twice should not complete this form. Students may elect to submit a letter from their treating mental health provider they have an established history/on going therapeutic relationship with in lieu of the ESA verification form, but letter must be on an official letter head with evaluator's credentials/signature and must still provide all information required/listed on the ESA verification form -  refer to verification form above). ESA documentation may be updated every year or as required by DSS. Documentation or ESA verification form MUST be attached to the Student Intake, ESA Registration and Housing Accommodation e-Forms - incomplete forms will be returned back to students)

The owner is responsible for the animal's care, complying with laws, cleanliness, and control. The animal must not pose a threat, and waste must be promptly cleaned. No excessive noise or disruptive behavior is allowed. Students will be required to sign a liability form with DSS before final approval for ESA.

• The College is not responsible for the animal during emergencies, and it cannot be left alone for over 6 hours.
• The owner is financially responsible for any damage or bodily injury caused by the animal. Maintenance staff entry requires the owner's presence.

The College/DSS may remove the ESA if the animal poses a threat, the owner does not comply with ESA policies, or the animal causes uncontrollable disturbances. Failure to comply with ESA policies may result in the loss of the ESA housing accommodation.

If maintenance staff needs to enter a student's room, the owner must be present. Work cannot be done without the owner being there.

Morton Hall Housing Application: students are REQUIRED to complete the housing application with Morton Hall, which is a separate process. Questions should be directed to the Residence Hall Manager.