Emotional support animals (ESA) are valuable companions to many, and these animals provide comfort, support, and an essential routine to individuals dealing with certain mental health issues. Students in college can benefit from the addition of an emotional support animal, especially when it comes to dealing with the stress of studying and keeping up with academics.
Our article further discusses the pros and cons of having an emotional support animal in college so you can determine if this is the right option for you.
Can I Bring My Emotional Support Animal to College?
Bringing your emotional support animal to college can be a great choice for individuals who deal with certain mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, and chronic stress. Emotional support animals are great companions when it comes to keeping their humans grounded and dealing with negative or stressful emotions, and they help individuals maintain a sense of routine in their daily lives.
If you feel that you would benefit from the companionship of your emotional support animal while at college, you can undertake the process of ensuring your ESA can live alongside you. It’s important to note that your emotional support animal will only have the right to live with you in a dorm or an off-campus apartment; this is the only right for ESAs covered by the Fair Housing Act. Your emotional support animal cannot accompany you to class on most campuses, though specific school rules do differ.
How Do I Make Sure My ESA Is Valid?
To make sure that you can take advantage of your protected housing rights with your ESA while at college, ensure that you have a valid emotional support animal letter for your companion. This letter will be written by a mental healthcare provider licensed in your state, and it will state your need for living alongside your animal. Your provider will also describe your animal and sign the letter; your ESA letter will generally expire after about a year.
Without a valid ESA letter, you are unlikely to be able to live with your support animal on campus or off-campus, as they will be considered a pet and subject to pet housing rules.
Pros and Cons of Having an Esa in College
There are both pros and cons of having an ESA in college, and it’s important to think about both the positives and the negatives of having your support animal living alongside you before making your final decision.
Pros of having an ESA in college include the following:
- Comfort and support – Your ESA is your companion, and having them at your side in college can help you feel comfort during difficult times, in addition to supporting you during periods of negative emotions and stress.
- Responsibility and routine — Your ESA will need to be cared for daily, which can increase your sense of responsibility and give you a routine to stick to. This can help improve your overall well-being and time management skills.
- Increased social interaction — Your ESA will likely provide opportunities for increased social interaction, which can help you make friends and take the stress out of college.
However, bringing your ESA to college could result in the following cons:
- Increased financial and time commitments – You will need to care for your ESA at college properly, and this can result in increased financial and time commitments; over time, this might cause you more stress if you are not properly prepared for it.
- Navigating housing rules—While you can live with your ESA in college, ensuring that it can stay with you and submitting the necessary paperwork can be stressful and challenging. Because of this, some individuals may prefer to visit their ESA at home instead of bringing them to college.
Carefully think about your preferences, your dorm situation, and your needs when reviewing these pros and cons. It’s important to make a final decision based on what is best for you and the treatment of your mental health condition while you are away at college.
Studying With Your ESA’s Support
Emotional support animals are amazing companions, and bringing your ESA to live with you while you are at college is a great way to keep receiving your animal’s support while completing your higher education. However, there are both pros and cons to living with your ESA at college, and it’s essential that you understand these factors before making a decision about bringing your ESA to college with you.
If you need further guidance, speak to your college’s housing authority about ESA accommodations and discuss your treatment plan with your mental healthcare provider.