Overview

At Denison University, we want to ensure that everyone feels safe and welcome, including students with Emotional Support Animals (ESAs).

An ESA is an animal that provides comfort and support to someone with a mental health disability. It’s an important part of their treatment plan and helps them thrive in college.

ESAs are different from service animals. Service animals are trained to perform specific tasks to assist individuals with disabilities. In comparison, ESAs provide emotional support and companionship.

Approval is required before you can bring your ESA to campus; you’ll need to go through the registration process detailed below.

  1. Register — You will need to register in the myAccommodations portal.
  2. Request Form — Complete the Emotional Support Animal Request Form located under “Online Form” in your myAccommodations portal.
  3. Contact Medical Professional — Have your qualified medical professional fill out the request for information form.
  4. Make an appointment — Meet with the Assistant Director of the Academic Resource Center to review your documentation.
  5. Accommodate — The Academic Resource Center will provide notification of the decision in writing to the student through Accommodate. Please note: Students will need to complete a renewal form annually if they would like the animal approved as a continuing exception to the policy.

 If you’re a student with a disability and believe you need an ESA or have any questions about the ESA Registration Process, please contact disabilityservices@denison.edu.