Emotional Support Animals

Whitman College is committed to providing equitable access to housing for students with disabilities.

While Whitman is a no-pet campus, students with a documented disability may be eligible to request an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) as a housing accommodation through Disability Access Services (DAS).

An ESA is approved as a housing accommodation only and is not permitted in classrooms, academic buildings, dining facilities, libraries, or other campus spaces unless otherwise authorized by law or College policy.

If you are considering requesting an ESA, DAS is available to answer questions and help you understand the process.

What Is an Emotional Support Animal?

An Emotional Support Animal (ESA) is an animal that provides emotional or psychological support that helps alleviate one or more symptoms or impacts of a disability.

Unlike service animals, ESAs are not individually trained to perform specific tasks related to a disability.

ESAs are considered through an individualized review process and are approved as housing accommodations under the Fair Housing Act (FHA).

Requesting an ESA

Step 1: Submit an ESA Request

Complete an accommodation request through Accommodate.

Step 2: Submit Documentation

Upload the required ESA Verification Form and any supporting documentation through Accommodate.

Documentation should help DAS understand:

• Your disability-related needs
• The connection between your disability and the support provided by the animal
• Why the ESA may be necessary for equal access to housing

Documentation from a provider who has an established therapeutic relationship with you is strongly preferred.

Step 3: Meet with DAS

After documentation has been submitted, schedule a meeting with DAS through Accommodate.

This conversation allows us to:

• Learn more about your experiences.
• Discuss housing-related barriers.
• Review accommodation options.
• Answer questions about the ESA process.

Step 4: Complete the Housing Review Process

Students approved for an ESA may be required to complete additional housing-related forms and procedures through Residence Life and Housing, including roommate notifications when applicable.

Step 5: Receive Approval Before Bringing an Animal to Campus

Animals may not be brought into College housing until written approval has been received.

Important Deadlines

To allow adequate time for review and housing coordination, students are encouraged to submit requests as early as possible.

Requests submitted during the academic year should be completed at least 6–8 weeks before the semester in which the accommodation is needed. While DAS reviews requests throughout the year, submitting materials by the recommended dates helps maximize available housing options and allows sufficient time for review.

Fall Semester

• June 1: Recommended submission date for housing accommodations

Spring Semester

• Nov. 15:  Recommended submission date for housing accommodations

Documentation Requirements

Students requesting an ESA must provide:

• A completed ESA Verification Form
• Documentation from a licensed healthcare provider
• Confirmation of the disability-related need for the ESA
• Current veterinary records, including vaccination information
• Proof of licensing when required by local law
• A completed ESA Agreement before final approval

Annual Renewal

ESA accommodations must be renewed annually.

Annual review allows DAS and Residence Life to:

• Confirm continued disability-related need
• Review any changes in housing circumstances
• Verify updated animal health information
• Ensure current records and agreements remain accurate

Students with approved ESAs will receive information regarding annual renewal requirements.

Animal Guidelines

To support a safe and healthy residential environment, approved ESAs should:

• Be domesticated animals permitted by applicable laws
• Be appropriate for a shared residential setting
• Be healthy, vaccinated, and free from contagious conditions
• Be house-trained and reasonably manageable in a community living environment
• Be cared for responsibly by the student owner

Whitman generally approves cats and dogs as ESAs because they are most compatible with residential housing environments.

All ESA requests are reviewed individually.

Animals Typically Not Approved

Certain animals may not be appropriate for college housing due to safety, health, legal or environmental concerns.

Examples may include:

• Wild or exotic animals
• Venomous animals
• Farm animals or livestock
• Animals prohibited by law
• Animals requiring specialized environments that cannot reasonably be accommodated in college housing

Each request is reviewed individually through the interactive process.

Student Responsibilities

Students approved for an ESA are responsible for:

• Maintaining control of the animal at all times.
• Providing daily care, supervision and exercise.
• Keeping living spaces clean and sanitary.
• Cleaning and properly disposing of animal waste.
• Following all Residence Life and ESA Agreement requirements.
• Ensuring the animal does not create ongoing disruptions within the residential community.
• Students must find off-campus care for the animal if they will be away overnight.

Students are financially responsible for any damages, cleaning costs, pest treatment or other expenses resulting from the animal.

Students must also identify an emergency contact who can care for or remove the animal if necessary.

Living in a Shared Community

Whitman recognizes that students may have different disability-related, medical, or health needs within shared residential environments.

When concerns arise regarding allergies, asthma, animal-related fears or other health conditions, DAS and Residence Life will work collaboratively with all parties to explore reasonable solutions and support access for everyone involved.

Housing accommodations are considered individually and may require adjustments to support the needs of multiple students.

When an ESA May Be Removed

In limited circumstances, the college may require the removal of an ESA if:

• The animal poses a direct threat to health or safety.
• The animal causes significant property damage.
• The animal creates substantial disruption within the residential environment.
• The animal is not being appropriately cared for.
• The student does not comply with college policies or the ESA Agreement.

Whenever possible, DAS and Residence Life will work with students to address concerns before removal becomes necessary.

Questions?

If you are considering an ESA or have questions about the process, we encourage you to contact us.

Disability Access Services (DAS)

Email: das@whitman.edu

We are happy to help you understand the process, discuss documentation requirements and identify next steps.