04/25/2024
After seeing one of our writers, Grayson, mention Emotional Support Animals (ESA’s) in his article “The Benefits of Academic Accommodations,” I decided I would expand on the process as someone who’s gone through the ESA process. I recognize the Fairmont State website is sometimes hard for new students to navigate, so I hope this can help anyone who wants to go through the process or is planning for their first semester here. I want to start off by saying ESA’s can be any domesticated animals, whereas service animals for medical use are dogs. ESA’s and Service Animals are not the same when it comes to training and laws. ESA’s are not medically trained, they are only protected by Federal Fair Housing Act (FFHA), and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). FSU’s website defines ESA’s as, “Any animal that provides emotional support alleviating one or more symptoms or effects of a person’s disability.” However, service animals are considered medical equipment for those with health issues. ESA’s are there for those who struggle with mental health and other disorders, they can alleviate loneliness, and sometimes help with depression, anxiety, and certain phobias in a housing environment like college dorms.
https://columnsfairmontstate.com/4455/student-life/feel-like-you-could-benefit-from-having-a-pet-on-campus-here-is-an-explanation-of-policies-and-the-application-process/
