University Counseling Centers’ Perceptions and Experiences Pertaining to Emotional Support Animals

ABSTRACT

Increasing numbers of students are requesting accommodations for emotional support animals (ESAs) in higher education settings. Since the legislation pertaining to this type of service animal differs from the laws governing disability service animals, colleges and universities are faced with developing new policies and guidelines. A sample of 248 University Counseling Centers (UCCs) completed a survey about student requests for ESA letters of support from their counselor. The UCCs were also asked if they issue official disability diagnoses for clients. Responses showed that UCCs are not yet being asked to write many letters of support for ESAs—56.9% almost never do it, and 31.05% do it only several times per year. And, only 47.18% of UCCs write official diagnosis letters in support of disability accommodations. Yet, most UCCs are aware of the need for official policies in this arena. This article provides general recommendations for establishing university policies.

KEYWORDS:

• Assistance animal
• counseling
• emotional support animal
• service dog

Acknowledgment

We would like thank all the college counseling centers and faculty/staff who participated in this survey and shared their current policies and procedures. We also want to acknowledge and thank all those who have posted their policies online. Examples of a compilation of these policies are available upon request.