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.
Federal law permits individuals with disabilities to have an animal for emotional support. An Emotional Support Animal (ESA) may be considered for accommodation in campus housing if the provided documentation meets specific requirements.
It's crucial to note that any ESA must receive PRE-APPROVAL from the ADA Accommodation Committee, Residential Education and Housing, and the Accessibility Resource Center (ARC) staff before residing in the halls. Please be aware that this accommodation does not
FAQ - what you need to know about emotional support animals (ESAs)
Watch out for ESA (Emotional Support Animal) letter mills!
Be careful with online services offering quick ESA letters without proper evaluation. Using them can lead to invalid documentation, causing legal and housing problems. It's important to get your ESA letter from a licensed mental health or medical professional who conducts a thorough assessment to make sure your request is legit and benefits both you and your animal companion.
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)