Service Animal and Emotional Support Animal Resources
In This Section
According to the Americans with Disabilites Act, service animals are defined as dogs
that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities.
What is a Service Dog?
A dog trained in specific tasks that mitigate the handler's disability
Permitted access with handler in any place the public is allowed
Extensively trained to perform specific tasks to mitigate effects of handlers disability
Must be in control at all times and behave in a safe manner. Aggression or failure
to remedy misbehaior can result in the dog's removal from a business under the ADA
What is an Emotional Support Animal?
A dog or other animal whose sole function is to provide comfort or provides emotional
support to its owner
Only allowed access in owner's home, college campuses and airplanes as outlines in
Fair Housing Act and Air Carrier Access Act
Basic Manners expected but none required by law
Can be removed if misbehaving
Not allowed in Columbia College Buildings
All support animals need to ........................
How Do I Get an Accommodation for a Emotional Support Animal?
The way in whcih DSPS determines whether the ESA is necessary. The approval of a request
is animal-specific and is not transferable to a different animal.
Required Documentation
Students seeking approval for an emotional support animal must apply or services with
DRS. Students must submit our online application for services.
Students must obtain documentation from a licensed physician or mental health provider
to determine whether:
The individual qualifies as a person with a disability (i.e., has a physical or mental
impairment that limits one or more major life activities); and
The support animal is necessary to afford the person with a disability the equal opportunity
to particpate in the classroom by providing support.
Failure to provide sufficient information may result in your request being denied.
The final document will give us information on the animal you wish to bring to campus.
Completing ourStudent ESA Questionnairewill help us learn more about your ESA.
Once you've submitted all of the documentation, we will contact you to meet in an
interactive process to discuss your request.
