Dean Allen Harrison hosts information session on emotional support animals
By Ava Cargan ’27, Staff Writer
Allen Harrison, who oversees the Accessibility Resources office at Hamilton, held an information session regarding having an emotional support animal (ESA) on campus. Under the Fair Housing Act, Hamilton is required to accept applications for ESAs, animals that brings therapeutic comfort for someone living in a residence. The Fair Housing Act dictates the ability to accommodate emotional support animals. Most common emotional support animals are dogs, cats, and some caged animals. There is a preference for more mature pets — cats should be at least 2 years old, and dogs must be at least 3 years old.
In your application, students are asked to be specific about the therapeutic elements of the emotional support animal. For the fall semester, applications must be submitted by July 1 and for the spring semester, by December 1. There is a four-step application process, and students are required to meet with Dean Harrison before bringing an emotional support animal on campus.
Students intending to bring a dog or cat on campus, must also submit vet records, and make sure their shots and immunizations are up to date. For animals that do not require vaccinations, students will still need the vet form completed by a professional. The animals should have a clean bill of health before they come to campus. The last required element is a recent picture of the animal, as each student will get an ID with a picture of their animal, similar to a Hill Card.
Students must also fill out the Emotional Support Animal agreement that is sent to Dean Harrison. This agreement discusses the specifics of the application process, the definition of an emotional support animal, and information to agree upon. The emotional support agreement includes guidelines for animal care, instructions for interactions with roommates and the community and additional agreements; there are guidelines in bold that Dean Harrison emphasizes as particularly important. There are different forms to fill out when submitting this form that need to be completed, more information can also be found on the Hamilton College Accessibility Resources website. In the beginning of the application process, students will provide information about themselves and their animal.
There is a portion for students to fill out, and they are encouraged to be specific in describing the request, specifically in sharing the medical or psychological disability that impacts them. The rest of the form is for the mental health provider about diagnosis and other information. It also asks for the name and credentials of the provider. There also needs to be veterinary health forms, shot records of the animals and various questions about the health of the animal. This will need to be updated annually. Once all of this is uploaded into the emotional animal agreement form, Dean Harrison will evaluate the information.
Another important thing to note is that each student will have to provide a name and information for an alternate caregiver. This is important in case the student leaves campus for a period of time that requires another caregiver for the animal. However, the animal is only approved in your space, the alternate caregiver can not bring the animal to their room. There will have to be arrangements made between the primary caregiver and the alternate caregiver.
Students looking for more information can visit the Hamilton College Accessibility Resources website. If students are serious about wanting an emotional support animal, Dean Harrison is available to discuss accommodations.
