Emotional support animals

If you have an Emotional Support Animal (ESA), registration with Accessibility and Testing is required and includes a documentation review process for determining approval of an ESA for on-campus housing.

ESAs are allowed in a student’s  assigned University Housing unit after approval has been received from Accessibility and Testing, said approval is provided to University Housing, and the required University Housing paperwork is completed. ESAs are restricted to the registered student’s unit and only allowed outside the unit to care for the animal outside of the building or to leave the building with the animal. ESAs are not otherwise permitted inside other University facilities. 

ESAs are required to be housebroken, spayed or neutered, and current on rabies vaccinations. It is highly recommended that ESAs are current on other vaccinations as recommended by a licensed veterinarian for that animal type. 

1. Submit an online application. If you are only requesting approval for an ESA, please complete the “request for an ESA only” application. If you are requesting an ESA AND additional academic accommodations, please complete the main Accessibility and Testing Registration Questionnaire to include information for all supports needed. 
2. Submit supporting documentation. Documentation required includes proof of rabies vaccination and supporting documentation from a qualified provider. The student must provide medical documentation on letter head that is completed and signed by a licensed physician, mental health provider, or other mental health professional who can attest: 
   • The individual has a physical or mental impairment, has a record of such impairment, or is regarded as having such an impairment;  
   • The impairment substantially limits at least one major life activity;  
   • The individual needs the specific animal requested to have an equal opportunity to enjoy the residence hall because the animal does work, performs tasks, provides assistance, and/or provides emotional support with respect to the individual’s disability; and  
   • The documenting licensed physician, mental health provider, or other mental health professional has a documented history of treating the student for the underlying disability. 
3. Check your UGA email for next steps from our office surrounding approval or additional documentation needs.