The Fair Housing Act defines an emotional support animal (ESA) as any animal that provides emotional support, well-being, or companionship that alleviates or mitigates symptoms of a disability. ESAs are not pets, but they are also not service animals. They are also not limited to dogs and can be other species animal. ESAs are not allowed in the academic or administrative buildings at HU. 


We encourage you to read through the entire policy. Below is a summary of key points, but does not constitute the entire policy:




How to Request and ESA to Live With You In Campus-Affiliated Housing

First, you will want to reach out to Accessibility Services at ADA@HarrisburgU.edu Next, you will meet with Accessibility Services staff so that the ESA can be approved as an official accommodation. We may request additional documentation such as:

  • Letter from professional expressing the need for an ESA
  • Registration of the animal as an ESA
  • Vaccination records

After meeting with Accessibility Service, you must attend a meeting with Housing and Residence Life staff.


If you are not living in campus affiliated housing then the ESA does not need to be approved by Accessibility Services. You will want to coordinate with your landlord. Accessibility Services can assist by providing you with community resources and information if needed.



Responsibilities for Owner's of ESAs in Campus-Affiliated Housing

  • Attend and be in full control of the ESA at all times. The ESA should have a harness, leash, tether, or be transported in an appropriate enclosure whenever it is outside of the residence hall room where it is housed
  • In shared living spaces, the emotional support animal should be in an appropriate container if the owner is not in the room
  • Follow all rules related to the restrictions of animals from buildings on campus other than their campus-affiliated housing. ESAs are not permitted in academic or administrative buildings
  • Cost of care necessary for the ESA's well-being. The arrangements and responsibilities for the care of the ESA are the sole responsibility of the owner at all times
  • Not leaving the emotional support animal unattended for an unreasonable length of time
  • Independently removing or arranging the removal of the ESA's waste. Waste must be disposed in a sealed bag in the designated trash area.
  • Complying with local and state licensing laws for animal rights and owner responsibilities. ESA's must be current with immunizations and wear a rabies vaccination tag if appropriate
  • Paying for any damage to University property or pest treatment caused by the animal
  • Abide by all applicable Housing and Residence Life policies, including room inspections
  • Notifying Accessibility Services by emailing ADA@HarrisburgU.edu if the ESA is no longer needed
  • Renewing ESA requests every academic year. Owner will be notified of the process for renewal in the Spring semester



Important Considerations for ESAs

An ESA can be asked to leave or not allowed in campus-affiliated housing if:

  • The ESA is found by the University to be out of control or disruptive and the owner does not take immediate and effective action to control it
  • The ESA is not house broken or kept in an enclosure where waste can be managed effectively
  • The ESA is found to be neglected or mistreated and prompt corrective action is not taken
  • The ESA is physically ill
  • The ESA is unreasonably dirty
  • The ESA is brought inside a building other than the approved campus-affiliated housing


If you have any questions about the policy or what constitutes an ESA, feel free to reach out to Accessibility Services at ADA@HarrisburgU.edu at any time!