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Student Access and Accommodation Services

Assistance Animals in University Housing

Illinois State University uses the definition outlined by the Fair Housing Act (FHA) for assistance animals. Other names for an Assistance Animal may include: Comfort Animal, Therapy Animal, and/or Emotional Assistance Animal.

Any student requesting to have an assistance animal in University Housing on the Illinois State University campus should follow the Steps to Request an Assistance Animal.

Steps to Request Academic Accommodations

  1. The student must submit a Request for Assistance Animals. No Assistance Animal may live in University Housing until approval has been granted.

  2. Once a request has been received, a coordinator will reach out to the student to discuss their request and next steps in the process.

  3. SAAS may require that the documentation be provided on the signed, dated letterhead of a treating physician or mental health provider to determine:

    • 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.

  4. The Documentation Review Committee will review the documentation and the student's application to determine eligibility for an assistance animal. When the Committee has determined eligibility, the student will be contacted to schedule an Access Training appointment.

  5. At the Access Training appointment, the student and the coordinator will discuss the approved accommodation and review the rights and responsibilities. The student is required to provide SAAS an annual physical and immunizations from a licensed veterinarian for the animal prior to the animal living in housing.