海角大神

Emotional Support Animal
Request and Approval Process

Procedures for Requesting an Emotional Support Animal in University Housing

The procedure for requesting an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) follows the general procedures set forth in the University Housing Reasonable Accommodation Policy and the requirements set forth below. However, to the extent the requirements and procedures in this Policy conflict with the University Housing Reasonable Accommodation Policy, this Policy shall control.

Animals are not allowed into University Housing until all of the following steps have been completed and the resident has official approval to bring the animal to campus from the Office of Accessibility and Accommodations.

Stage 1: Review Policies, Submit Documentation, Meet with OAA

1. The resident must read both the 海角大神 Housing Reasonable Accommodation Policy and the 海角大神 Emotional Support Animal (ESA) Policy and Agreement in full.

2. The Resident must provide the following documentation to OAA:

i. A signed and dated copy of the EIU ESA Policy & Agreement

ii. An Accommodation Request Form

iii. The Provider ESA Recommendation Form completed by a qualifying provider showing that the animal is prescribed as part of an ongoing treatment plan. The type of animal being prescribed should be indicated. Other documentation may be accepted but the OAA reserves the right to determine if the documentation provides sufficient information.

3. Upon review of documentation, the OAA director will meet with the resident to discuss the request. The OAA will contact the student to schedule a meeting.

4. The request may be discussed with the Housing Accommodation Committee when necessary.

Stage 2: Notification of ESA Request Determination

1. Resident will be notified by the OAA in writing if the request for an ESA has been approved or not.

i. The notification will include a determination of the need for an ESA and if the specific animal requested has been approved.

2. If the ESA need and specific animal are both approved, a designated representative from University Housing will also be notified.

Stage 3: Review with University Housing and Additional Documents

1. Once the need for an ESA and the specific animal have been approved, the resident must meet with a designated representative from University Housing to review policies and provide the following additional documentation:

i. Records from a certified veterinarian with proof of up-to-date vaccinations and information about the general health of the animal

ii. The EIU Housing ESA Registration Form

iii. Roommate/Suitemate Agreement (if applicable)

Stage 4: Animal May Come to Campus

1. Once all of the above steps have been completed and verified, the OAA will notify the resident in writing that the animal may now come to campus.

Stage 5: Annual Renewal of ESA

1. Resident must submit the following documentation by August 1st of the upcoming academic year in order to bring the approved ESA back to campus each Fall semester:

i. A statement from relevant certified provider on official letterhead indicating the continued need for an ESA (the ESA Recommendation Form does not need to be completed again).

ii. A new signed and dated copy of EIU ESA Policy & Agreement

iii. Records from a certified veterinarian with proof of up-to-date vaccinations and information about the general health of the animal

iv. The EIU Housing ESA Registration Form 

v. Roommate/Suitemate Agreement (if applicable)

Failure to submit these documents in a timely manner may result in a delay of the animal’s return to campus.

If any part of the request is denied (the need for an ESA and/or the specific animal requested), the resident may appeal following the Accommodation Determination Reconsideration and Appeal procedures.

If for any reason an approved ESA can no longer be on campus and the resident wishes to bring a different animal, the resident must contact the OAA to request approval for a different animal. A different animal than the ESA previously approved is not allowed in University Housing until it has been approved to come to campus by the OAA.

Webpage last updated 05/29/2025.