Shepherd University is committed to making reasonable accommodations to its rules, policies and practices as required by law to afford students with disabilities an equal opportunity to access housing and any associated amenities, including granting reasonable accommodations for Emotional Support Animals.
Definitions
- Emotional Support Animal (ESA), as defined by the Fair Housing Act (FHA), may provide a person: emotional support, calming, stability, and other kinds of support in a housing environment.
- Owner: Student who has requested the accommodation and has received approval to bring the support animal on campus. Students cannot bring animals into housing without obtaining authorization from Accessibility Services.
- Roommate/suitemate: A Shepherd University student who resides with the owner of an ESA. Must complete the ESA Roommate Agreement. The owner is responsible for sending this agreement to all students living in the same space.
Owner Responsibilities
No student may move into a residence hall with an ESA before they have received approval to be an owner from Accessibility Services.
The Owner is solely responsible for the care and custody of the ESA and must meet the following:
- The Owner is required to ensure the animal is well cared for at all times.
- Responsible for providing food and water to the ESA. Bowls of food and water should be placed on mats so that food and water do not get on the floor. Food for the animal should be kept in a closed container within the confines of the Owner's room. Open bags of food are not permissable, as they attract pest.
- A support animal must be cleaned and well-groomed, and the owner should take measures to prevent fleas and odor control.
- The ESA is restricted to the student's residence hall room. The ESA may not be taken to other spaces within the residence halls. Dogs are allowed outside for toileting and exercising and to be kept on a leash at all time while on university proprety.
- The Owner is required to clean up after and properly dispose of the animal’s waste in a safe and sanitary manner. Indoor animal waste, such as cat litter, cedar chips, etc., must be placed in a sturdy plastic bag and tied securely before being disposed of in an outside trash receptacle. Animal waste may not be disposed of in sinks, toilet, or indoor trash receptacles. Litter boxes should be placed on mats so that feces and urine are not tracked onto carpeted surfaces. Litter boxes, cages, crates, or habitats may not be cleaned in college housing showers and sinks. Outdoor animal waste, such as dog feces, must be immediately retrieved by the Owner, placed in a plastic bag, and securely tied before being disposed of in an outside trash receptacle.
Owners may not transfer daily care responsibilities for their animal to another person. This includes all of the above stated responsibilities.
Roommate Rights and Responsibilities
I am fully aware that my roommate is requesting to bring an emotional support animal (ESA) to reside in our shared residence on campus. If this request is approved by all appropriate university entities, I understand and agree to the following:
1. I approve of the animal’s presence and confirm that I am not allergic to it.
2. I understand that 100% of the care of the animal is my roommate’s responsibility, and I have no obligation to care for the animal.
3. I understand that Shepherd University is not responsible for any loss or damage to my personal belongings caused by the Emotional Support Animal.
4. If there comes a time when this arrangement is not compatible for myself or my roommate, I will contact both the Director of Residence Life and Director of Accessibility Services and notify them that the arrangement is no longer suitable for one or all parties involved.
Consent and Signature
Below confirms my receipt of this policy and acknowledges my consent for my roommate/suitemate to have an Emotional Support Animal in their living space.