Disability Resource Center

Housing Accommodations

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The DRC works in partnership with on-campus housing (University Housing Services and University Village) to provide accommodations that meet the student’s needs. Accommodations in housing are approved on a case-by-case basis and are dependent on the nature of the disability and/or health condition, as well as the impact in the campus living environment. Students requesting a housing accommodation must follow the housing procedures for applying and contracting, as well as be approved by the DRC for a housing accommodation. Housing accommodations are dependent on a student’s standing with University Housing Services and/or University Village. On-campus housing is in high demand, and the DRC recommends students complete their housing applications early. For more information regarding Housing procedures, please visit University Housing Services.

Emotional Support Animals

Emotional Support Animals (ESA), sometimes called assistance, therapy, support or comfort animals, are not recognized by the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) as Service Animals.  Such animals must follow the general policies regarding animals on campus unless they are service animals.   The right to have an emotional support animal (ESA) in and around University Housing facilities is based upon establishing that the use of the animal is a reasonable and necessary accommodation. Animals that pose health risks from diseases or safety concerns generally will not be approved.  Once approved, Emotional Support Animals are only allowed on University housing premises. ESA’s are not allowed inside classrooms, laboratories, and other spaces around campus. Students are only allowed one emotional support animal while living on campus. ESA requests will be approved on a case by case basis. If the animal poses a threat or a disturbance to the campus community, the University has the right to remove the animal from campus.  

Below are criteria specifically for ESA dogs and cats. All other ESA animal requests will be approved on a case-by-case basis.

Emotional Support Animal Details and Criteria

  1. Dangerous, poisonous, and/or illegal animals are not permitted.
  2. The approved Emotional Support Animal must be contained within the private residential unit at all times, except when transported outside the apartment in an animal carrier or controlled by leash or harness. An ESA should always be under the owner’s control when outside of the residential unit.

  1. Emotional Support Animals must have all veterinarian recommended vaccinations to maintain the animal’s health and prevent contagious diseases. Documentation of vaccinations is due at time of submission to University Housing Services (UHS). Cal Poly Pomona reserves the right to request an updated verification at any time during the animal’s residency.
  2. If state or local licenses are required for the Emotional Support Animal, they must be obtained and kept current in compliance with the local jurisdiction (i.e., dog license) requirements.
  3. All Emotional Support Animals, if taken outside a unit, must wear identification tags with home address/telephone number and, if applicable, vaccination information.
  4. All Emotional Support Animals must be housed in acceptable conditions within the residential area (i.e.: appropriately sized crate/carrier, ability to move freely through the residential area, etc.)
  5. An emotional support animal must have current vaccinations, be under control and be maintained in a manner that considers the health and hygiene of the animal and those who come in contact with the animal. Dogs and cats, for example, must be housebroken and well-groomed.
  6. All Emotional Support Animals must be treated humanely. If mistreatment is reported, the student will be reported.

Owners are responsible for properly containing and disposing of all animal fecal waste.

  1. Indoor Emotional Support Animal waste, such as cat litter, must be placed in a sturdy plastic bag and tied securely before being transported to outside trash dumpsters. Litter boxes should be placed on mats so that feces and urine are not tracked onto carpeted surfaces. Litter boxes must be in owner's bed space area of the unit.
  2. Outdoor services animal waste, such as dog feces, must be immediately retrieved by owner, placed in a plastic bag, and securely tied before being disposed of in outside trash dumpsters.

Students with an approved ESA may be charged for damages caused by their animal. If the ESA causes unreasonable damages, the student will be charged a damage fee to be estimated by University housing.

Emotional Support Animals are not permitted on campus until the accommodation request has been made and approved by the Disability Resource Center. Students found with unauthorized animals in residence halls will be subject to sanctions under the Student Code of Conduct. To request living on campus with an emotional support animal please review the process below:

  1. Student follows DRC Registration Procedures (please refer to DRC Registration).
  2. Student must have their qualified health care provider complete our ESA Support Animal Request Form (PDF). Once the form is completed the student must submit directly to the DRC.
  3. Student engages in the interactive process with the DRC to determine eligibility for use of the requested accommodation.
  4. If the accommodation is approved, the DRC notifies the student and University Housing Services or University Village of the accommodation determination.
    1. Please note that the student must consult directly with the roommate(s) to confirm if they agree to live with the ESA. If the roommate(s) does not agree to live with the ESA, the student with the ESA will be reassigned to a different living space.
    2. Student must also provide proof of vaccination, proof of spayed/neutered documents, and a picture of the animal. Student will also be required to complete an ESA housing contract.