Rice University Emotional Support Animal Policy

Rice University Main Takeaways:

Students must obtain approval from the Student Disability Resource Center before bringing an ESA to campus.
Documentation from a licensed mental health professional is required to verify the disability and need for an ESA.
ESAs are permitted only in student housing, not in academic or public campus buildings.
Students are responsible for their ESA’s care, behavior, and any damages caused by the animal.
Only one ESA per student is typically approved, evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Rice University supports students with disabilities by allowing emotional support animals (ESAs) in university housing as a reasonable accommodation. This policy outlines the criteria for qualifying for an ESA, the application process, and the responsibilities of approved students. The policy ensures that all students have equal access to housing while maintaining a safe environment for the campus community.

Legal Framework

Rice University’s Emotional Support Animal (ESA) policy is shaped by federal laws and regulations designed to protect individuals with disabilities. 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 (FHA) prohibits discrimination in housing based on disability. Under the FHA, individuals with disabilities are entitled to reasonable accommodations in housing, which may include the right to keep an ESA, even in residences that otherwise prohibit pets. Universities must make exceptions to pet policies when an ESA is necessary for the individual with a disability to have an equal opportunity to use and enjoy their housing.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

While the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) primarily governs public spaces and services, it distinguishes between Service Animals and Emotional Support Animals. The ADA recognizes Service Animals that are trained to perform specific tasks for individuals with disabilities. However, ESAs provide comfort through companionship and are not granted the same public access rights. ESAs are not allowed in Rice’s non-residential buildings (classrooms, dining halls) under ADA guidelines but are accommodated in housing under the FHA.

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973

Section 504 prohibits discrimination based on disability in programs and activities offered by federally funded educational institutions. Under Section 504, Rice must provide reasonable accommodations, including allowing ESAs in residential housing when necessary to ensure students with disabilities have equal access to university programs.

State and Local Laws

In addition to federal regulations, Texas state laws influence ESA policies at Rice University. The Texas Fair Housing Act mirrors federal protections for individuals with disabilities. Texas requires all dogs to be licensed and vaccinated according to local ordinances. Rice ensures full compliance with relevant state and local regulations.

Who Qualifies for an Emotional Support Animal

Assistance Animals (ESAs)

Students with disabilities may keep an ESA in 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 Student Disability Resource Center.
Service Animals

Students with disabilities may keep a Service Animal in their housing and other campus venues 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 Student Disability Resource Center.

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: Contact the Student Disability Resource Center

Students must contact the Student Disability Resource Center to begin the accommodation request process. Animals should not be brought to campus prior to approval being granted.

Step 2: Submit Documentation

Individuals must submit documentation from a licensed mental health professional that includes:

Verification of the disability under the Fair Housing Act
A statement explaining how the ESA assists in mitigating disability-related symptoms
Evidence that the ESA is necessary for equal access to university housing
Confirmation that the healthcare provider has personal knowledge of the individual’s disability-related need

Step 3: Review and Evaluation

The Student Disability Resource Center will review submitted documentation to determine whether the request meets requirements for an ESA accommodation. This may include consultations with university health professionals and dialogue with the student.

Step 4: Approval and Notification

If approved, the Student Disability Resource Center will notify relevant departments including Housing and Dining. Students will receive guidelines on ESA ownership responsibilities. Denied requests may be appealed to the Office of Equal Opportunity Services.

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Responsibilities of ESA Owners

The student is responsible for care and supervision of their ESA, including cleaning up after the animal and ensuring it does not interfere with residence hall activities or cause difficulties for others.
ESAs must be vaccinated and have a clean bill of health from a licensed veterinarian. Students must comply with all Texas licensing requirements.
Students are responsible for any damage caused by their ESA beyond normal wear and tear. While no pet deposits or fees are charged for approved ESAs, students may be billed for damages or excessive cleaning.
ESAs must be well-behaved and under control. Animals that are disruptive, aggressive, or pose threats to health and safety may be required to be removed from campus.
Students must designate a local emergency contact to care for the ESA if the student is unavailable.

Conflicting Needs and Resolutions

Rice University is committed to accommodating both ESA owners and residents who may have conflicting needs, such as allergies or phobias. Individuals with medical conditions affected by an ESA’s presence should contact the Student Disability Resource Center to discuss accommodations. The university will work to find balanced solutions, which may include alternative housing arrangements.

Important Considerations

ESAs are only permitted in the student’s assigned housing unit and are not allowed in other campus buildings including academic spaces, dining facilities, or recreational areas.
Students are typically approved for only one ESA, evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Pets are not allowed in any Rice Graduate Student Housing facilities. Only SDRC-approved ESAs are permitted.
New undergraduate students should notify the Student Disability Resource Center by June 1st. New graduate students must notify by May 15th for housing accommodation requests.
ESAs are typically limited to dogs, cats, and other small domesticated animals. Exotic and non-traditional animals are generally not permitted.