Service and Emotional Support Animals

Service Animals

As defined by federal law, a service animal is “any dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability.”

Individuals with disabilities may be accompanied by their service animals on Wake Forest University property where members of the public or participants in University services, programs, or activities are allowed.

In addition, North Carolina law requires that a dog being trained to perform as a service animal has the same rights as a fully-trained dog when accompanied by a trainer and identified as such. For purposes of this guidance, service dogs and service dogs in training are referred to collectively as “service dogs.” It is important to note that puppies who are learning basic obedience and socialization skills to prepare for further training are not considered service dogs in training.

There is also a distinction between service dogs that are trained to respond to an individual’s needs and untrained “emotional support” animals whose mere presence may positively affect a person’s disability. The former, with their recognition and response training, are covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act, while the latter–therapeutic though they may be–are not covered.

If a dog is not trained to do work or perform tasks, and only provides comfort or emotional support, the dog is not a service dog.

To learn more, please review the University’s Service Animal Guidelines on the Center for Learning, Access, and Student Success (CLASS) website.

Students living in University housing are encouraged to register their Service Animal with the Office of Residence Life and Housing. For guidance please contact us at housing@wfu.edu.

Service dogs may be excluded from campus under the following circumstances:

  • The dog is disruptive and not effectively controlled.
  • The presence of the service dog would fundamentally change the nature of the job, service, or activity.
  • The service dog’s presence, behavior, or actions pose an unreasonable or direct threat to property and/or the health or safety of others.
  • The dog is not housebroken.
  • The animal is not provided appropriate care to maintain health and well-being, and/or the animal is mistreated or abused.

The University is not responsible for the care or supervision of a service dog. Individuals are responsible for the following:

  • The well-being of a service dog as well as the cost of any damages as a result of the service dog.
  • The immediate clean-up and proper disposal of all animal waste.
  • The control of the dog at all times.
  • Harnessing, leashing, or tethering the service dog, unless an individual’s disability precludes the use of a restraint or if the restraint would interfere with the service dog’s safe, effective performance of work or tasks.
  • Following all requirements for the presence of animals in public places mandated by state or local ordinances (vaccination, license, animal health, leash).

Emotional Support Animals (ESA)

An Emotional Support Animal provides emotional support, well-being, comfort, or companionship that is directly related to a residential student’s disability.

The Fair Housing Act includes both Service Animals (defined in the previous section) and untrained Emotional Support Animals, which are not limited to dogs. Under the Fair Housing Act, a student may keep an ESA in their University housing as a reasonable accommodation if: 

  • The individual has a disability;
  • The animal is necessary to afford the student with a disability an equal opportunity to use and enjoy University housing; and
  • There is an identifiable relationship or nexus between the disability and the assistance the animal provides.

The Housing Accommodation Review Committee (HARC) will determine on a case-by-case basis whether an Emotional Support Animal is a reasonable accommodation.

Consistent with applicable laws and regulations, an ESA may be prohibited from a University facility or program if the animal’s behavior or presence poses a direct threat to the nature of a program or activity, if the animal is disruptive, if its presence would result in substantial physical damage to the property of others or the University, or if the animal substantially interferes with the reasonable enjoyment of the housing of others.

As with service animals, individuals are responsible for the control, care, and supervision of their emotional support animals at all times, and the University may exclude an ESA under the circumstances described in the Service Animals at the Wake Forest University section above.

An Emotional Support Animal is not a Service Animal. Unlike a Service Animal, an Emotional Support Animal does not assist a person with a disability with activities of daily living, nor does it accompany a person with a disability at all times. Emotional Support Animals are only permitted to reside in the student’s bedroom.

Where it is not readily apparent that an animal is a Service Animal as defined by the ADA, or an Emotional Support Animal under the Fair Housing Act, Wake Forest may require sufficient information and documentation to determine whether the animal qualifies as a Service or Emotional Support Animal under the applicable law.

If a student desires that an ESA live in University housing, they must submit a disability-related accommodation request at least thirty (30) days prior to the date the animal will arrive on campus.

Emotional Support Animals must be approved through HARC and properly registered with the Office of Residence Life and Housing PRIOR to bringing the animal to campus.

Click HERE to download our Vet Verification Form that will be required before an animal can be fully registered and approved to come to campus.

Expectations of ESAs

A “Student Partner” as referenced in these guidelines refers to an individual who benefits from the ESA. 

The term “Handler” used within these guidelines refers to the Student Partner of the ESA as well as any other person who has been properly designated – as outlined in these guidelines – and who is in control of the ESA.

The following behavioral requirements apply to domesticated dogs and cats. Student requests for any other animal will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Dangerous, poisonous, and/or illegal animals are not permitted.

As noted above, an approved ESA may reside in University housing with its Student Partner when the animal’s behavior and care do not create unreasonable disruptions for other residents, staff, and other university community members. Disruptions, including noise levels, will be addressed by Residence Life and Housing staff in the same manner as disruptive behaviors are addressed with all students and their guests.

Animal Control

The ESA must be under the control of its Student Partner or Handler at all times within the student’s assigned University housing.

  • It is expected that the ESA will be controlled by a leash or harness at all times while in the Student Partner’s assigned University housing.
  • The ESA may be off-leash/harness within the confines of the Student Partner’s bedroom, but must remain under the control of the Student Partner or Handler and must be leashed/harnessed outside of the bedroom. Additionally, the ESA must be leashed/harnessed within their bedroom upon request.
  • When the ESA is unattended, it must remain crated in the Student Partner’s bedroom.
  • The ESA is not permitted in a University facility other than the Student Partner’s assigned University housing.

Animal Health and Wellbeing

  • All ESAs must have all veterinarian-recommended vaccinations to maintain the animal’s health and prevent contagious diseases.
  • Student Partners are expected to submit documentation of vaccinations before July 1 for the Fall semester and November 1 for the Spring semester. 
  • The University reserves the right to request updated documentation of vaccinations at any time during the animal’s residency. 
  • Dogs and cats are required to be licensed and in compliance with North Carolina and Forsyth County laws and ordinances. Note: Currently Forsyth County does not require animal registration. 
  • All ESAs taken outside of the residence must wear identification tags with the Student Partner’s contact information, and an up-to-date rabies tag from the county or state of the student’s residence.
  • ESAs which are ill should not be taken into public areas.
    • Students with an ill animal may be asked to leave University facilities or remove the animal from campus.

Animal Cleanliness

  • Student Partners and Handlers are responsible for properly containing and disposing of the ESA’s solid waste (e.g. feces). 
  • Indoor solid waste, and/or used litter, must be placed in a plastic bag, and securely tied before being disposed of in an outside trash receptacle. Indoor solid waste must be removed in a timely and regular manner. Litter boxes should be cleaned regularly and placed on mats to minimize contamination of carpeted surfaces. 
  • Outdoor solid waste must be immediately retrieved by the Student Partner or Handler, placed in a plastic bag, and securely tied before being disposed of in an outside trash receptacle.
  • Student Partners and Handlers are responsible for feeding and watering the ESA within the confines of their bedroom.
  • ESA food should be kept in a closed container in the Student Partner’s bedroom.
  • If the ESA Animal vomits, urinates, leaves solid waste, and/or becomes incontinent, it is the responsibility of the Student Partner or Handler to make sure the contaminated area is cleaned up immediately.
    • If the contamination occurs indoors, the Student Partner or Handler should clean up immediately and contact Facilities and Campus Services at 336-758-4255 for additional disinfection. If services to disinfect interior surfaces are required and all associated costs will be billed to the Student Partner.
  • Bathing or cleaning of an ESA is expected to avoid odors and/or to manage shedding.
    • Student Partners and Handlers may not use showers/tubs within University housing to bath or clean their ESA.
  • Student Partners and Handlers are responsible for taking effective precautions to avoid flea and tick infestations.
    • If the ESA is found to have fleas or ticks, the Student Partner will be responsible for reporting the issue to Residence Life and Housing immediately, eliminating the fur coat infestation, and laundering all pet bedding.
    • Treatment of the Student Partner’s living space and any other impacted spaces will be coordinated by Residence Life and Housing and all associated costs will be billed to the Student Partner.

Student Partner Responsibilities

  • The Student Partner must provide the Office of Residence Life and Housing with the following via the Housing Portal before an ESA will be approved:
    • Completed ESA Registration
    • Uploaded Veterinarian Verification Form
    • Completed Handler Agreement(s) (if applicable)
  • The Student Partner is responsible for assuring that the ESA does not interfere with the routine activities of the University, including University housing, or cause difficulties for students who reside there.
    • Sensitivity to individuals with allergies, and to those who fear animals, is an important consideration for the Student Partner in order to ensure an environment that supports the individual needs of all who reside or work at the University.
    • When a Student Partner is informed of another individual affected by their ESA, they will refer the individual to Residence Life and Housing.
  • The Student Partner is financially responsible for the actions of the ESA including bodily injury or property damage, beyond ordinary wear and tear, including, but not limited to, cleaning costs and any replacement of furniture, flooring, drapes, or wall coverings.
    • The Student Partner is expected to reimburse these costs upon repair and/or move-out.
    • If a repair is made prior to move-out, charges will be posted to the Student Partner’s account for payment.
  • The Student Partner agrees, as all students do, to continue to abide by all other University and Residence Life and Housing policies. Having an ESA does not preclude the Student Partner from following by all other University and Residence Life and Housing policies.
  • Any violation of the above guidelines and expectations will be documented and reviewed by the Office of Residence Life and Housing. Repeated and/or severe violations may prompt
  • Should the Service or Emotional Support Animal be disqualified or removed from the premises for any reason, the Student Partner is will remain responsible for the terms and conditions of the housing agreement for the remainder of the term of the agreement.

Emergencies

An alternate/emergency caregiver is required for all registered Service Animals and for all Emotional Support Animals.

  • This person must be local to Winston-Salem and be able to pick up an animal within 2 hours of being notified.
  • Other students living in University housing may NOT be an alternate/emergency caregiver.

In the event that a student is unable to care for their animal and the alternate/emergency caregiver is unreachable, Residence Life and Housing will seek out local boarding services for the animal. The Student Partner will be responsible for any and all fees associated with said boarding services.

Pets

A pet is an animal kept for ordinary use and companion. A pet is not considered a Service or Emotional Support Animal. 

Residents are not permitted to have or keep pets in university housing. The only exception to this policy are fish in tanks of 10 gallons or less.

For more on Residence Life and Housing policies, please review our Guide to Community Living.