Whittier College is committed to allowing individuals with psychological or emotional disabilities the presence of an Emotional Support Animal (ESA).
Emotional Support Animals are allowed in residence with students if the animal is necessary for them to have equal access to housing, while still ensuring safety for all members of the Whittier community. Students must reach out to Student Accessibility Services (SAS) to request the ESA Request Packet.
Emotional Support Animals
Definition
An ESA is an animal prescribed by a qualified, licensed professional (e.g., therapist, psychologist, or psychiatrist) as part of an individual’s treatment plan in order to bring comfort and minimize the negative symptoms of the person’s emotional or psychological disability. ESAs may provide emotional support, calming, stability, or other kinds of emotional assistance. ESAs are also known as comfort or companion animals, but do not perform work or tasks that would qualify them as “service animals” under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Requirements
Dogs and cats are the most common types of ESA. Both are generally required to be at least 10 months old. While ESAs are not limited to these types, animals with a diet of other living animals are not permitted as ESAs.