Emotional Support Animal (ESA)

Emotional Support Animal (ESA) 

St. Catherine University provides reasonable accommodations when necessary to afford a person with a disability the equal opportunity to use and enjoy University housing. An Emotional Support Animal (ESA) is an accommodation, not a pet. 

An ESA is an animal that provides emotional support alleviating one or more symptoms or effects of a person’s disability. A disability (physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activity) and a disability-related need for an animal in University housing determines eligibility for this accommodation. 

Below are the 2 forms that need to be completed and returned to the SA&A office to begin the request for an ESA. After both of these forms are received and reviewed, our office will contact you. Students who are determined as eligible for an ESA accommodation are guided on how to request an animal.  

An animal does not need to be pre-registered as an ESA. An animal is required to be at least 10 months of age if it is a dog, at least 6 months of age if it is a cat, and at least 1 year of age for other species by the move-in date. For dogs and cats, vet records will be collected that confirm the animal's age, that they are spayed/neutered, and up to date on recommended vaccinations including Rabies. General animal information and necessary vet records are reviewed by an ESA committee. Allow up to 30 business days for processing and approval of an animal request after all required information has been submitted. An animal request could require further conversation or be denied if it poses a safety concern (i.e. reptiles can carry salmonella), due to size (i.e. a Great Dane may not have enough space in a dorm room), if it is unreasonable or inappropriate, or not in compliance with University requirements and local law. In this case, we would discuss the concerns with the student and encourage them to request a different animal if necessary.   

For questions about ESAs, you may contact Jessica Schiffler at: jmschiffler911@stkate.edu