University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Emotional Support Animal Policy

UNC Chapel Hill Main Takeaways:

Students must submit requests to the University Compliance Office (UCO) for approval, preferably at least 30 days before move-in.
Documentation from a licensed healthcare provider is required to verify disability and the need for an emotional support animal.
ESAs are permitted only in University Housing with advance approval and cannot accompany students throughout campus.
Students must comply with all North Carolina state and local laws, including animal licensing, vaccination, and identification requirements.
Support Animals must be housebroken, under control at all times, and students are fully responsible for care, supervision, and any damages.

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill recognizes that Support Animals provide individuals with disabilities enhanced autonomy and independence. Through the University Compliance Office, UNC allows qualified students to keep Support Animals (commonly referred to as emotional support animals or ESAs) in University housing as a reasonable accommodation. This policy ensures students with disabilities have equal access to housing while maintaining campus safety and community standards.

Legal Framework

UNC’s Emotional Support Animal (ESA) policy is shaped by federal laws and regulations designed to protect individuals with disabilities, ensuring they have equal access to educational opportunities and housing accommodations. The key legal frameworks influencing this policy include:

Fair Housing Act (FHA)
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
State and Local Laws

Fair Housing Act (FHA)

The Fair Housing Act prohibits housing discrimination based on disability and requires reasonable accommodations. Support Animals that provide emotional support and alleviate symptoms of a disability qualify as reasonable accommodations in housing, even where pets are otherwise prohibited. Housing providers must exempt Support Animals from pet policies unless the exemption would cause an undue hardship.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

The ADA distinguishes between Service Animals and Support Animals. Service Animals, dogs or miniature horses trained to perform disability-related tasks, are generally permitted throughout campus. Support Animals provide emotional support through companionship but don’t have the same public access rights. Animals whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support are not Service Animals under the ADA but may qualify as Support Animals under FHA laws.

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973

As a recipient of federal funding, UNC Chapel Hill must comply with Section 504’s mandate against disability discrimination in all programs and activities. This includes providing reasonable accommodations in residential settings when medically necessary. Section 504 requires that accommodation decisions be based on individualized assessment rather than categorical exclusions, which is why UNC evaluates each assistance animal request on its specific merits.

State and Local Laws

In addition to federal regulations, North Carolina laws and local ordinances also influence Support Animal policies at UNC. The university ensures that its Support Animal policy is in full compliance with relevant state and local regulations, providing a supportive environment for all students while meeting legal requirements.

Who Qualifies for an Emotional Support Animal

Assistance Animals (ESAs)

Students with documented disabilities may keep a Support Animal in their University housing if the animal provides emotional support that alleviates symptoms or effects of their disability. Once approved, Support Animals are permitted only in University housing and are not permitted in other campus areas such as classrooms, dining halls, or research facilities.
Service Animals

Service Animals are dogs or miniature horses individually trained to do work or perform disability-related tasks. Service Animals are generally permitted throughout campus, though restrictions may apply in certain locations such as research labs or sterile environments due to health and safety concerns.

Assistance Animals (ESAs)

Students with disabilities may keep an ESA in their University housing if the animal is necessary to afford them an equal opportunity to use and enjoy campus housing. The relationship between the disability and the need for the ESA must be documented, and approval must be obtained from the ODS.
Service Animals

Students with disabilities may keep a Service Animal in their dormitory or rental unit, as well as other venues on campus, if the animal is trained to perform tasks directly related to the student’s disability. Service Animals do not require prior approval but must be registered with the Office of Disability Services (ODS).

Application Process for an ESA

Step 1: Submit Request and Documentation

Submit a request to the University Compliance Office (UCO), preferably at least 30 days prior to move-in. No Support Animal may be kept in University housing at any time prior to receiving approval. Provide documentation from a licensed healthcare provider that includes:

Confirmation of your disability
Statement on how the Support Animal is necessary to afford you an equal opportunity to use and enjoy University housing
Confirmation that the animal provides emotional support that alleviates symptoms of your disability
Confirmation that the animal has been prescribed for treatment purposes as part of a care or treatment plan

Step 2: Review and Evaluation

The University Compliance Office will review your documentation to determine whether the request meets requirements for a Support Animal accommodation. UCO may require additional information or consultations with university health professionals. Requests are considered on a case-by-case basis consistent with applicable laws.

Step 3: Approval and Notification

If approved, UCO will notify Carolina Housing and other relevant departments to ensure a smooth transition. You will receive guidelines on responsibilities and expectations, including compliance with university policies and local, state, and federal laws.

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Responsibilities of Support Animal Owners

Students must comply with all county and state laws including animal license requirements, vaccination, neutering/spaying requirements, and identification tags.
Keep the animal under control at all times. Support Animals must be housebroken and kept under control by a harness, leash, or other tether when outside the residence.
Feed and exercise the animal, dispose of waste, and cover all costs associated with repair or replacement for any damage caused by the animal.
Ensure your animal does not disturb other residents or interfere with residence hall activities.
You are fully liable for the cost, care, and supervision of the animal, including veterinary care and any damages to university property or injuries to others.

Conflicting Needs and Resolutions

Students with medical conditions affected by animals such as allergies or respiratory issues should contact UCO to prevent a room assignment near a Support Animal. In public areas, persons using Assistance Animals and persons prevented from being near animals should be courteous and find mutually acceptable solutions. The university will resolve conflicts as expeditiously as possible.

Important Considerations

In limited circumstances, Support Animals may be permitted in other campus interior spaces with advance approval from UCO on a case-by-case basis.
Falsely presenting a pet as an Assistance Animal violates North Carolina law.
If removal is necessary, the student will still be given the opportunity to participate in university programs without the Support Animal present.