Harvard University Emotional Support Animal Policy

Harvard University Main Takeaways:

  • Harvard accommodates ESAs for students with documented needs, ensuring a supportive housing experience.
  • Understand the specific requirements and limitations for ESAs and Service Animals on campus.
  • Easy-to-follow steps for getting your ESA approved and moved into university housing.
  • ESAs are permitted in housing under the FHA, Section 504, and Massachusetts laws.
  • Policies ensure a balanced environment, respecting both animal accommodations and those with allergies.
  • Harvard’s Disability Access Office is here to help with registration, guidance, and ESA management.
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Harvard University is committed to ensuring that students with disabilities receive the support they need to fully enjoy university housing. This policy guide outlines the rules, requirements, and rights for students who need to live with Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) or Service Animals. Both types of assistance animals fall under specific federal and university guidelines to ensure a balanced, inclusive campus environment.

ESA Policy Overview

Harvard University’s Emotional Support Animal (ESA) policy is designed to support students with disabilities by providing reasonable accommodations in housing. ESAs are animals that offer comfort and emotional relief to individuals with mental health needs, helping alleviate symptoms associated with disabilities. Unlike service animals, ESAs are not required to be trained for specific tasks, but they play a significant role in enhancing students’ well-being in residential settings.

The ESA approval process is managed by the Disability Access Office (DAO) and includes specific steps to ensure compliance with Harvard’s housing standards, including registration, necessary documentation, and adherence to care guidelines. Approved ESAs are allowed only in the student’s private living area, helping maintain a balance in shared spaces. Harvard’s policies are guided by federal laws, including the Fair Housing Act (FHA) and Section 504, which mandate fair accommodations and aim to provide an inclusive campus experience for all students.

Harvard University adheres to federal laws, including the Fair Housing Act (FHA), which mandates reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities, allowing ESAs in on-campus housing.

  • Fair Housing Act (FHA): Under the FHA, students with disabilities are protected from housing discrimination, which includes the right to keep an ESA in on-campus housing.
  • Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973: This act mandates that students with disabilities receive equal access to education, extending to housing accommodations when necessary.
  • State-Specific Laws: State regulations often align with federal protections but may provide additional rights for students with disabilities.

Harvard University Housing (HUH) Pet-Friendly Residences

For students looking to live with pets that are not Service or Assistance Animals, Harvard University Housing (HUH) offers pet-friendly options. However, students approved for an Assistance Animal under reasonable accommodation can request housing outside the pet-friendly zones.

ESA Care and Conduct

Students approved for Service or Assistance Animals at Harvard must adhere to specific responsibilities to maintain a safe and respectful living environment:

  • Animal Care: The animal must remain in the student’s room, be under control at all times, and be regularly cleaned up after.
  • Roommate and Community Consideration: Students with ESAs must follow guidelines regarding roommates and shared living spaces to ensure everyone’s comfort.
  • Health and Safety Compliance: Animals must be licensed and vaccinated according to Massachusetts state laws, and students are responsible for any property damage or personal injury caused by their animal.

Service Animals at Harvard University

A Service Animal, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), is a trained dog or miniature horse that performs tasks to assist a person with a disability. Service Animals are allowed in all living and learning areas, including classrooms, dining halls, and athletic facilities, provided they are under control.

Requirements for Service Animals

  • All Service Animals must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered unless these interfere with their work or the student’s disability prevents the use of such devices.
  • Students with Service Animals must register with the Disability Access Office (DAO) and complete a service animal agreement form, which includes submitting vaccination records and a photo of the animal.

Special Considerations

  • Some areas, such as laboratories or clinical settings, may pose hazards to Service Animals. Students should consult the DAO for guidance on these environments.

Emotional Support Animals

An Emotional Support Animal provides comfort to students with disabilities by alleviating symptoms related to their condition. Although not trained like Service Animals, they offer essential emotional support and are permitted in university housing to promote an equal opportunity to fully enjoy residential life.

Key Requirements for Emotional Support Animals

  • Assistance Animals are only allowed within the student’s bedroom in their assigned residence hall.
  • They are not permitted in shared spaces such as classrooms, dining areas, libraries, or other campus facilities.
  • Assistance Animals must be fully house-trained and up to date on all vaccinations.

Approval Process

  • Apply: Complete the DAO application in the AIM system.
  • Provide Documentation: Submit a form completed by a clinician to confirm the need for an Assistance Animal.
  • Review Meeting: Schedule an Access Meeting with the DAO for further discussion.
  • Verification and Approval: Once approved, students need to submit the animal’s vaccination records and a photograph, and sign the service/assistance animal agreement.
  • Move-In: The Assistance Animal may be moved in on the pre-agreed date.