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Student Access and Accommodation Services

Assistance Animals Policy

Assistance Animal as Defined under the Fair Housing Act (FHA)

Under the Fair Housing Act, a person may keep an Assistance Animal in their dwelling as a reasonable accommodation if:

  1. The person has a disability and/or medical/mental health condition
  2. the animal is necessary to afford the person with a disability and/or medical/mental health condition an equal opportunity to use and enjoy a dwelling
  3. There is an identifiable relationship between the disability and/or medical/mental health condition and the assistance the animal provides. Other names for an Assistance Animal may include Comfort Animal, Therapy Animal and/or Emotional Assistance Animal.

Policy

As a campus that offers and provides housing for students at Illinois State University, University Housing complies with the Fair Housing Act (FHA).

Procedure

Students residing in University Housing with an Assistance Animal must make a Request for Housing/Dining Service and provide appropriate documentation.

Documentation

Documentation should be typed on provider’s letterhead, dated and signed by the provider and verify the following:

  • That the student has a disability and/or medical/mental health condition for which the animal is needed
  • How the animal assists the student, including whether the animal has undergone any training
  • The relationship between the student’s disability and/or medical/mental health condition and the assistance the animal provides.
  • NOTE: Any assistance animal/ESA verification or documentation letters that are purchased online will not be accepted or supported by Student Access and Accommodation Services.