The presence of Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) is assigned as a housing accommodation. All rules established for the assignment and support of housing accommodations under the DigiPen Institute of Technology’s (DigiPen’s) general Housing Accommodation Policy apply to the presence of ESAs unless they are specifically contradicted in this policy.
DigiPen will accept and consider requests for reasonable accommodation in DigiPen Housing and Residential Life program (DigiPen Housing) at any time. The student making the request for accommodation should complete the required steps to request a housing accommodation, provide required documentation regarding the ESA, submit a completed ESA Agreement, and complete any required veterinary and licensing documentation at the time of application.
Requests for ESAs should be submitted to Disability Support Services as soon as possible and before moving into DigiPen Housing. However, if the request for accommodation is made after the housing application deadline for each housing session, DigiPen cannot guarantee that it will be able to meet the student’s accommodation needs during the first semester or term of occupancy. No animal may be brought to campus at any time prior to the student receiving official approval from Disability Support Services and DigiPen Housing.
If the need for the accommodation arises when the student already resides in DigiPen Housing, they should contact the Disability Support Services Office and complete the required steps to request a housing accommodation, including submitting a required documentation regarding the ESA as soon as possible. DigiPen cannot guarantee that it will be able to meet the accommodation needs during the semester or term in which the request is received.
Should the ESA be removed from the premises for any reason, the student is expected to fulfill their housing obligations for the remainder of the housing contract.
The student must abide by current city, county, and state ordinances, laws, and/or regulations pertaining to licensing, vaccination, and other requirements for animals. It is the student’s responsibility to know and understand these ordinances, laws, and regulations. DigiPen has the right to require documentation of compliance with such ordinances, laws, and/or regulations, which may include a vaccination certificate.
Reason for Policy
This policy explains the specific requirements applicable to the student’s use of an ESA in DigiPen Housing. It does not apply to service animals, whose presence on campus is explained in DigiPen’s Service Animal Policy.
Policy Statement
DigiPen and DigiPen Housing will consider a request by a student with a mental health and psychiatric disability for reasonable accommodation from this prohibition to allow the presence of an ESA even though it is the policy of DigiPen Housing that students are generally prohibited from having animals of any type in its housing program.
DigiPen will consider such modification of policy, as mandated by the Fair Housing Act (FHA), in order to ensure that the student has an equal opportunity to use and benefit from DigiPen’s housing program. DigiPen will not ask the student with a disability to pay a fee or surcharge for an approved ESA. However, the student may be held financially responsible for any damage caused by the ESA or for failure to properly clean up after the ESA. Such charges, when applicable, are typically assessed during the housing move‑out process.
ESAs are not permitted in DigiPen Housing until the student has submitted a housing accommodation request through Disability Support Services, provided all required documentation, and received formal approval from both Disability Support Services and DigiPen Housing following a meeting with the student. Students will be charged $100 per day for having an unapproved animal at DigiPen Housing and the student will go through the conduct process for violating DigiPen Housing policies.
Should the student provide knowingly false information regarding the need for an ESA or refuse to follow appropriate direction from DigiPen personnel concerning their conduct in relation to the ESA, DigiPen may refer the student to Student Conduct for any decision regarding sanctions.
Even if the student with a disability establishes necessity for an ESA and it is allowed in DigiPen housing, an ESA is not permitted in other areas of DigiPen’s facilities, including but not limited to campus classrooms, study areas, lounge spaces, or other apartments managed by DigiPen Housing. Permission to bring an animal approved as an ESA into other areas on campus will be considered under a separate process through the DSS.
Definition: Emotional Support Animal (ESA)
DigiPen defines an emotional support animal (ESA) as an animal that provides emotional, cognitive, or similar support and thus reduces the symptoms of a psychiatric and mental health disability. Unlike service animals that are trained to perform specific tasks that are important to the independence or safety of their disabled handler, ESAs generally are not trained to perform disability-specific tasks. Their therapeutic support is a function of their presence and interaction with the person with a disability.
General Expectations of ESA
The dogs must be contained (crate/cage) when the student is not in the assigned bedroom. DigiPen reserves the right to inspect the crate/cage. Neither the dogs nor the cage/crate and accessories can be washed in communal bathroom facilities.
The cats must stay in the assigned bedroom when the student is not in the assigned housing unit.
Generally, only one animal will be approved to serve as an ESA for a student, and only one animal may reside in a housing unit.
Dogs should be at least 12 months old. Cats should be at least six months of age. Dogs and cats must be spayed/neutered before being brought into DigiPen Housing. ESA must be spayed/neutered, have documented Rabies vaccination, and all other required vaccinations as recommended by a state licensed veterinarian. DigiPen Housing may request animal health records at any time
An ESA should be contained within the student’s assigned bedroom except to the extent the student is taking the ESA out for natural relief. When an ESA is outside the privately assigned individual living space, it must be in an animal carrier or controlled by a leash or harness.
ESAs may not be left overnight at DigiPen Housing to be cared for by any individual other than the student. If the student is to be absent from DigiPen Housing overnight or longer, the ESA must be removed from DigiPen Housing.
Criteria for determining if presence of an ESA is reasonable
In considering whether to approve an ESA for residence, DigiPen will consider the following:
The space needed for the cage/crate in which the ESA will be housed is too large for available assigned housing space
The ESA’s presence is problematic for another individual living in housing (e.g., because of allergies)
The ESA’s presence is disruptive to the housing environment for other residents (e.g., because of noise or odors)
The ESA is not housebroken or is unable to live with others in a reasonable manner
The ESA poses health risks from zoonotic diseases or safety concerns regarding containment that cannot be sufficiently mitigated for inclusion in the communal living setting
The ESA’s vaccinations and annual wellness examinations are not up to date
The ESA poses or has posed in the past a direct threat to the student or others such as aggressive behavior towards or injuring the student or others; or
The ESA causes or has caused excessive damage to housing beyond reasonable wear and tear
Student’s Responsibilities for an ESA
When DigiPen approves a student’s request to live with an ESA in DigiPen Housing, the student is solely responsible for the custody and care of the ESA and must meet the following requirements.
General
The student agrees to abide by all equally applicable residential policies that are unrelated to the student’s disability such as assuring that the ESA does not unduly interfere with the routine activities of the residence or cause difficulties for individuals who reside there.
The ESA is allowed in DigiPen Housing only as long as it is necessary because of the student’s disability. The student must notify Disability Services Office in writing if the ESA is no longer needed or is no longer in residence. To replace an ESA, the new animal must be necessary because of the student’s disability, and the student must follow the procedures in this Policy for consideration of a specific animal to serve as an ESA.
The student must provide written consent for Disability Support Services and DigiPen Housing to disclose information regarding the request for and presence of the ESA to those individuals who may be impacted by the presence of the ESA including, but not limited to, Residential Advisors and other DigiPen personnel and potential and/or actual roommates. Such information shall be limited to information related to the ESA and shall not include information related to the student’s disability.
Vaccinations and Licensing
The student must abide by current city, county, and state ordinances, laws, and/or regulations pertaining to licensing, vaccination, and other requirements for the ESA. It is the student’s responsibility to know and understand these ordinances, laws, and regulations. DigiPen has the right to require documentation of compliance with such ordinances, laws, and/or regulations, which may include a vaccination certificate.
At the request of Disability Support Services, the student must submit unexpired, verified documentation of vaccinations and licensing. In addition, the student is required to provide documentation of an annual wellness examination by a qualified professional to demonstrate continued compliance with ESA care requirements.
Care of ESA
The student is required to ensure the ESA is well cared for at all times. Any evidence of mistreatment or abuse may result in immediate removal of the ESA and/or discipline for the responsible individual.
The student must fully cooperate with DigiPen’s personnel regarding meeting the terms of this Policy and developing procedures for care of the ESA (e.g., cleaning the ESA, feeding/watering the ESA, designating an outdoor relief area, disposing of feces, etc.).
ESAs may not be left overnight at DigiPen Housing to be cared for by any individual other than the student. If the student is to be absent from their residence hall overnight or longer, the ESA must be removed from campus. The student is responsible for ensuring that the ESA is contained, as appropriate, when the student is not present during the day while attending classes or other activities.
DigiPen personnel shall not be required to provide care or food for any ESA including, but not limited to, removing the ESA during emergency evacuation for events such as a fire alarm. Emergency personnel will determine whether to remove the ESA and may not be held responsible for the care, damage to, or loss of the ESA.
Annual Wellness Check
At the request of Disability Support Services, the student is required to provide documentation of an annual wellness examination by a state-licensed veterinarian to demonstrate continued compliance with ESA care requirements.
Dominion and Control
Notwithstanding the restrictions set forth herein, an ESA must be properly housed and restrained or otherwise under the dominion and control of the student. No student shall permit the ESA to go loose or run at large. If the ESA is found running at large, the ESA is subject to capture and confinement and immediate removal from DigiPen Housing.
Animal Waste
The student is solely responsible for the prompt and proper cleanup of all waste generated by their ESA. Waste must be removed in a timely manner to prevent unreasonable odors, health hazards, or unsanitary conditions within the residence or surrounding areas.
The student is required to clean and dispose of all ESA waste daily in an appropriate outdoor trash receptacle. All waste must be securely bagged prior to disposal. Failure to maintain sanitary conditions may result in review of ESA privileges and potential disciplinary action.
Damages
A student with a disability may be charged for any damage caused by the ESA beyond reasonable wear and tear to the same extent that it charges other individuals for damages beyond reasonable wear and tear. The student’s living accommodations may also be inspected for fleas, ticks or other pests, when necessary, as part of DigiPen’s standard or routine inspections. If fleas, ticks, or other pests are detected through inspection, the residence will be treated using approved fumigation methods by a DigiPen-approved pest control service. The student will be billed for the expense of any pest treatment above and beyond standard pest management in DigiPen Housing. DigiPen shall have the right to bill the student’s account for unmet obligations under this provision.
Removal of an ESA
DigiPen may require the student to remove the ESA from DigiPen housing if:
the ESA is not housebroken
the ESA poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others or causes substantial property damage to the property of others;
the ESA’s presence results in a fundamental alteration of DigiPen Housing program;
the student does not comply with the Student’s Responsibilities set forth in this policy; or,
the ESA or its presence creates an unmanageable disturbance or interference with DigiPen community or apartment community.
If it is determined that the ESA must be removed from DigiPen Housing and the student fails to comply within 24 hours, DigiPen may have the ESA removed to the nearest, appropriate animal shelter. Additionally, failure to comply with the order for removal may result in a referral to Student Conduct for a violation of student conduct policy.
Non-retaliation Provision
DigiPen prioritizes and values access to needed accommodations. DigiPen will not retaliate against any person in the event they do not comply with policy or because they have requested or received reasonable accommodation in DigiPen housing, including a request for an ESA.
Procedures
Approval for having an ESA in DigiPen’s housing program is a two-step process. First, the student must establish their need for an ESA. Approval for a specific animal to serve in that role is a separate step. The student may need to consider an alternative to the requested animal. Generally, ESAs approved to reside in DigiPen’s housing program are dogs or cats, but DigiPen will consider requests for other commonly domesticated animals on a case-by-case basis.
Under the Fair Housing Act, a housing provider may request reliable documentation when an individual requests reasonable accommodation of an ESA and has a disability-related need for the accommodation that is not obvious or otherwise known.
DigiPen will base such determinations upon the consideration of the behavior of the particular animal at issue, and not on speculation or fear about the harm or damage an animal may cause. Any removal of the ESA will be done in consultation with Disability Support Services.
Appeals and complaints arising under this policy shall be handled under the provisions of Grievance Procedures. The student will be afforded all rights of due process and appeal as outlined in that process. If the ESA is excluded from DigiPen Housing, the ESA must remain off campus during any appeals process.
Requesting an ESA
To request an ESA as a housing accommodation, a student must follow the required steps to request a housing accommodation. Disability Support Services strongly recommend medical providers complete our ESA information request form as it contains additional information not often addressed in a typical doctor’s note. The ESA housing accommodation will not be approved until the student completes all the required steps to request housing accommodations.
The student will need documentation from an appropriate professional (i.e., a physician, psychiatrist, or other mental health professional) that can:
Identify the student and verify their mental health disability
Share the relevant history of the proposed ESA’s effectiveness as a form of treatment for the disability
State the need for the proposed ESA as a part of the student’s current healthcare/treatment plan
Explain how the proposed ESA helps alleviate the impact of the identified disability/health condition
Establish the long-term relationship with the proposed ESA that has broad and diffuse impact that reduces the overall level of symptoms
Provide some examples of the proposed ESA’s effectiveness.
Some websites sell letters of support, certificates, registrations, and licensing documents for ESAs to anyone who answers certain questions or participates in a short interview and pays a fee. Generally, such documentation from the internet is not, by itself, sufficient to reliably establish that a student has a mental health disability or support the finding that there is a disability-related need for an ESA.
The student must also submit a completed ESA Agreement Form along with the required veterinary and licensing documentation at the time of application.
Useful Resources
ESA policy updated on March 1, 2026.