Pets are generally not allowed in Guilford College residence halls, with specific exceptions outlined in this policy. The only permitted exceptions include animals officially designated as Service Animals/Dogs, those pre-approved by the ARC as Emotional Support Animals (ESA), or fish in tanks under 10 gallons.
Under federal law, individuals with disabilities may be approved to have an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) as part of a housing accommodation. An ESA may be permitted in campus housing only if the required documentation meets established guidelines and the request is reviewed and approved in advance.
All Emotional Support Animals must receive official pre-approval from Student Disability and Access Services (formerly ARC) and Residential Education and Housing before the animal is brought to campus or resides in the halls.
Please note that ESA approvals are not retroactive—students who bring an animal to campus prior to approval may be subject to conduct action and removal of the animal.
FAQ - what you need to know about emotional support animals (ESAs)
Guilford College is pleased to welcome all Service Animals on campus, adhering to ADA requirements, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Fair Housing Act (FHA). We encourage handlers to inform the ARC about their service animal so that our office can offer additional support.
A service animal is a dog specifically trained to perform tasks or work for the benefit of an individual with a disability. Emotional Support Animals (ESA) are not service animals. It's important to note that, except for miniature horses, other species of animals, whether trained or untrained, are not classified as service animals.
Register your service dog with the ARC
ADA: frequently asked questions about service animals
How to register a service animal with the NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS)