{"id":1023,"date":"2023-07-07T19:00:32","date_gmt":"2023-07-07T19:00:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tarleton.edu\/sas\/?page_id=1023"},"modified":"2026-07-07T11:36:05","modified_gmt":"2026-07-07T11:36:05","slug":"emotional-support-animals","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.tarleton.edu\/sas\/emotional-support-animals\/","title":{"rendered":"Emotional Support Animals"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Emotional Support Animals (ESA)<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

Tarleton State University is aware of its responsibility to provide safe living environment to all students who wish to live on campus.  In keeping with this obligation, emotional support animals will be permitted in housing facilities provided that established requirements are met, including determination of the need for the animal by the Office of Student Accessibility Services <\/strong><\/a>and Department of Residence Life. The animal is not allowed in other areas of campus such as but not limited to: all university buildings with exception of residence halls, classrooms, classroom labs, community\/shared bathrooms, lounges, dining halls, dining rooms, indoor recreational rooms, computer labs, and study rooms.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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FAQ<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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What is an Emotional Support Animal (ESA)?<\/h2><\/div>
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The main purpose of an emotional support animal (ESA) is to provide emotional support, well-being, comfort, or companionship to their owners.  An ESA must be domesticated, and well-behaved. Their presence is generally limited to residential facilities including their common areas.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Do I have to notify anyone if I bring my ESA on campus?<\/h2><\/div>
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Yes, if you plan to bring an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) on campus, especially into campus housing or university facilities, you generally must notify the appropriate office and obtain approval first.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Is an ESA considered a service animal?<\/h2><\/div>
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No. An emotional support animal is not a service animal and not afforded access to all public places. Requests to possess an ESA in a residential facilities including their common areas must be approved by the Office of Student Accessibility Services and Residence Life. Students must present a letter from a qualified professional licensed in Texas stating details about the patient\u2019s needs, treatment, and how the animal is a vital part of that treatment. The ESA must also have all their immunizations records from their veterinarian. ESA registration from an outside organization is not recognized.
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ESA Request Process<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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1<\/span><\/div><\/div>

Request for Accommodations<\/h2><\/div>\n

Complete the Office of Student Accessibility Services\u2019 Request for Accommodations AIM Application Form Link<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

2<\/span><\/div><\/div>

Discuss ESA Process with Staff<\/h2><\/div>\n

Meet with the Office of Student Accessibility Services staff to discuss ESA process<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

3<\/span><\/div><\/div>

Submit the following Required Documentation<\/h2><\/div>\n

Submit the provider letter to the Office of Student Accessibility Services studentaccessibilityservices@tarleton.edu<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A. Letter from a Licensed Therapeutic Provider<\/u> (Letter must be no older than one year, written on professional letterhead, dated, and signed by the provider)<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n