Students requesting an ESA as an accommodation must:

1. Submit the OARS online registration form to initiate the accommodation request process. If you are already established with OARS, a supplemental request should be submitted.
2. Review the Rules and Responsibilities of a Resident with an Approved Emotional Support Animal through the OARS Accommodate portal.
3. Set up an appointment with an OARS Accessibility Specialist to review the request.
4. Submit the completed OARS Emotional Support Animal Form signed by a qualified medical or mental health professional.** (This form will be shared with the student during the ESA intake meeting.)
5. Submit current and up-to-date vaccination records (including rabies vaccinations if applicable to your animal’s species) and/or an annual veterinary visit report for the ESA that includes documentation of animal type and size, current vaccination records, and proof of flea and tick treatment.
6. Submit a current photo of the Emotional Support Animal.
7. Complete an In Case of Emergency (ICE) Removal Form while filling out your request. This will require you to identify an off-campus person who is not a current HPU student who will take possession of the animal if the animal must be excluded from campus under Section VI of the ESA Policy.
8. Upon approval via eligibility letter, student will receive an identification tag and door decal for the ESA.

** A qualified medical professional, for our purposes, is defined as a non-family member whose professional training qualifies them to diagnose and treat the impairments associated with the student’s disability. The student must either be a current patient of the professional or have a documented established history of treatment.  Each question on the required forms must be completed by the medical professional.

NOTE: Residents requesting an ESA should complete the steps above at least 6 weeks prior to the first day of the semester or academic year when they intend to bring the ESA to campus. The student requesting the ESA will be notified if the ESA is approved or if OARS needs additional information regarding the request. Decisions regarding ESAs may take three or more weeks after documentation from a Medical Doctor, Psychiatrist, Psychologist, Counselor, or Therapist has been received by OARS.  If medical documentation is incomplete or illegible, this may further delay the decision. If the ESA is approved, the student will receive written notification via their HPU email address, and an approved move-in date for the ESA. The ESA may come to campus on or after the date indicated in the approval letter. OARS recommends students begin the process no later than 8 weeks prior to the start of the semester.

Denials of Requests for Emotional Support Animals 

The Resident will receive written notification via their HPU email address with reasons for the denial. The Resident has the right to appeal. The appeal process can be found in the Complaint Process section of the OARS’ Policies and Procedures.

The University is not required to provide accommodations that would pose a direct threat to the health or safety of others.  Thus, if a particular animal requested by a student with a disability has a history of dangerous behavior or an unsafe disposition, the University will deny the request for an ESA.  Additional reasons the University may deny requests include, but are not limited to, the following: (1) result in substantial physical damage to the property of others unless the threat can be eliminated or significantly reduced by a reasonable accommodation; (2) pose an undue financial and/or administrative burden on the University; (3) fundamentally alter the nature of the University’s Student Life operations; and/or (4) otherwise unreasonably interferes with the operation of the University.

Conflicting Health Conditions and Aversions 

Students with a medical condition or aversion affected by animals (e.g. allergies, asthma, respiratory conditions, zoophobia, etc.) should contact OARS if they are assigned to reside in close proximity to an ESA. OARS will work with Student Life to reasonably accommodate residents with disabilities who need accommodation when living in close proximity to an ESA as may be required by applicable law.

ESA Approval

Students previously approved for an ESA, with updated vaccination records, are not required to renew the ESA. The Resident is responsible for submitting updated vaccination records and/or annual veterinary visit reports to OARS prior to expiration of the current records (or anniversary date of ESA approval if vaccinations are not required for the animal). If the Resident fails to submit updated records, OARS will file an ESA violation report and the ESA will be deemed an “unauthorized pet.” For more information about ESAs including the ESA Policy and the Rules and Responsibilities of a Resident with an Approved ESA on the Animals on Campus page.

Rules and Responsibilities of a Resident with an Approved Emotional Support Animal

The Resident must agree to abide by the Rules and Responsibilities of a Resident with an Approved Emotional Support Animal.

If the University grants a Resident’s request for ESA as a reasonable accommodation, the Resident is solely responsible for the custody and care of the ESA and must meet the following requirements:

A.    General Responsibilities

1. BEFORE a Resident may bring the requested ESA to campus, the Resident must be officially approved by OARS following the ESA request process. This includes meeting with an Accessibility Specialist, signing the Rules and Responsibilities of a Resident with an Approved Emotional Support Animal, submitting a photo of the proposed ESA, and completing the ESA In Case of Emergency form identifying an off-campus person who can immediately take possession of the animal if needed. The student must confirm that they have communicated their intent to bring the ESA with current and/or future roommates and suitemates. The student will be allowed to bring the approved ESA to campus on the date identified in the official approval letter from the Office of Accessibility Resources and Services received via HPU email. In most cases, if the ESA request occurs in the middle of the semester, the ESA approval will begin at the start of the next semester.
2. Once an ESA has been approved, the Resident agrees to abide by all other residential policies along with the Rules and Responsibilities of a Resident with an Approved Emotional Support Animal. The Resident will be referred to the Office of Housing Operations for violations of this policy (including failure to submit updated vaccination/veterinary records).
3. The Resident will be financially responsible for expenses incurred above standard cleaning or for repairs (beyond reasonable wear and tear) to the residential premises, including losses, liability, claims, and harm to others caused by the ESA.
4. The ESA approval will be retained throughout the Resident’s time at the University. In the event that the Resident takes a Leave of Absence, is suspended then readmitted, etc., the ESA approval will still apply once the Resident returns to campus, with the exception of suspension or removal from campus directly related to ESA violations.
5. Upon approval, the Resident is required to obtain an ESA identification tag and door decal. The ESA tag must be attached to the ESA’s collar (if applicable) at all times while on campus. If the ESA species is unable to wear a collar, the ESA tag should be displayed on the ESA’s enclosure. The door decal must be placed on the door of the student’s housing assignment. If the Resident fails to place the tag on the ESA’s collar or enclosure, Residence Life will assume the ESA is an unauthorized animal and will proceed with the applicable protocol.
6. An ESA must be contained within the Resident’s assigned individual room when the Resident is not present. The ESA is permitted in the shared living space (suite living room area) if the Resident is present and has obtained permission from suitemates. The ESA is not permitted in other students’ rooms, or other commonly shared public spaces of the University such as classrooms, academic buildings, administrative buildings, libraries, dining service areas, fitness center, outside recreational areas, pools, the Promenade, Robert’s Hall Lawn, etc.
7. When an ESA (regardless of animal type) is left unattended in the Resident’s room, they must be stored in a crate, carrier, cage, or kennel. This containment will allow HPU officials to routinely access the residential facilities for maintenance and other routine tasks without posing a risk to the animal or employees.
8. ESAs must be taken out of and returned to the Resident’s assigned residence by way of the shortest and most direct path. Residence Life will work with the Resident to identify appropriate spaces for the ESA to relieve itself, based on where the Resident resides.
9. The ESA must be maintained under standard restraints, such as a carrier and/or collar, when outdoors, in public areas, or in transit.
10. The Resident is solely responsible for the animal’s well-being, care, and cleaning, including regular feeding, bathing, grooming, daily care, and veterinary services.
11. The Resident is solely responsible for cleaning up after and properly disposing of the ESA’s waste in a safe and sanitary manner. ESA dogs must be “housebroken” (no puppy pads), and ESA cats must be litter box trained.
12. Under all circumstances, animal waste deposited on university grounds or within the facilities MUST be removed immediately and disposed of properly.
13. It is the Resident’s responsibility to ensure that others are not disrupted by the ESA (e.g., barking, excessive noise, etc.).
14. ESAs must be taken with the Resident if they leave campus overnight. The ESA may not be left in the care of any other HPU student or employee.
15. The University and University staff are not responsible for retrieving the ESA if the animal escapes or becomes lost.
16. The Resident must abide by current local and state ordinances, laws, and/or regulations pertaining to licensing, vaccination, and other requirements for animals. It is the Resident’s responsibility to know and understand these ordinances, laws, and regulations. The University has the right to require documentation of compliance with such ordinances, laws, and/or regulations, such as a vaccination certificate.
17. The Resident is required to communicate with their current and/or future roommates/suitemates regarding their intended ESA. If the roommates/suitemates are not in agreement with the ESA arrangement, the Resident must work with Housing and Residence Life to determine alternative housing arrangements. In some cases, the Resident and roommates/suitemates will be required to engage in the ResLife Roommate Mediation process.
18. The Resident is responsible for submitting updated vaccination records and/or annual veterinary visit reports to OARS prior to expiration of the current records (or anniversary date of ESA approval if vaccinations are not required for the animal). If the Resident fails to submit updated records, OARS will file an ESA violation report and the ESA will be deemed an “unauthorized pet.” A fine of $100 per day (that the ESA is on campus) is imposed on the Resident and the Resident will be expected to permanently relocate the animal off campus immediately.
19. The Resident’s living space may be inspected for fleas, ticks, pests, and/or damage to the residential facilities once a semester or as needed. The Office of Residence Life will schedule the inspection and notify the Resident before the scheduled inspection. If fleas, ticks, or other pests are detected through inspection, the residence hall will be treated using approved fumigation methods by a university-approved pest control service. The Resident will be billed for the expense of any necessary pest control treatment.
20. The University may remove or require the removal of the ESA if it poses or has posed a threat to the health or safety of others on campus, the ESA fundamentally alters the nature of a university program or activity, or the Resident does not comply with the Rules and Responsibilities of a Resident with an Approved ESA.
21. ESA approval is valid only for the specific animal OARS names in the official ESA approval letter. To replace a previously approved ESA, the Resident must complete a supplemental accommodation request through OARS and provide new and/or up-to-date documentation for the requested ESA.
22. The University strongly urges the Resident to have their ESA (dog or cat) spayed or neutered prior to bringing the ESA to campus. This recommendation is to ensure animal aggression is minimized and the possibility of the animal becoming pregnant and delivering a litter is prevented. In the situation of an ESA delivering a litter on campus, the Resident will be held responsible and will be referred to the Office of Housing Operations for violations of this policy. Each additional animal will be considered unauthorized, and a fine of $100 per day, per animal, will be imposed on the Resident.
23. The Resident must notify OARS in writing if the ESA is no longer needed as an accommodation for the student in the residential facilities.

Agreement between the Resident and High Point University

The Resident has read and understands the responsibilities of a Resident with an Emotional Support Animal as outlined in the Rules and Responsibilities of a Resident with an ESA. Should the student fail in violating the rules and responsibilities identified above, the approved accommodation may be suspended, they may be required to remove the ESA from University facilities, and/or they may be charged with a violation of student policies.

Click HERE for a copy of the Rules and Responsibilities of a Resident with an Approved Emotional Support Animal.

Service dogs that are required because of a disability and individually trained to perform specific tasks or work are welcome on the High Point University campus and are expected to be under the handler’s control at all times.

Service animals are defined as dogs that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities. Examples of such work tasks include guiding people who are blind, alerting people who are deaf, pulling a wheelchair, alerting and protecting a person who is having a seizure, reminding a person with a mental illness to take prescribed medications, calming a person with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) during an anxiety attack, or performing other duties.  Service animals are working animals, not pets.  The work or task a dog has been trained to provide must be directly related to the person’s disability.  Dogs whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals under the ADA. (ADA.gov Bulletin July 2011)

Service Animal Policy

I. High Point University’s Inquiries Regarding Service Animals

II. Responsibilities of Handlers

III. Removal of Service Animals

IV. Conflicting Disabilities

V. Emergency Response

VI. Public Etiquette towards Service or Assistance Animals

VII. Service Animals in Training

Service Animal Policy

In compliance with all applicable ADA laws, HPU allows Service Animals in its buildings, classrooms, residence halls, meetings, dining areas, recreational facilities, activities and events when the animal is accompanied by an individual with a disability who indicates the Service Animal is trained to provide and does provide, a specific service to them that is directly related to their disability.

HPU may not permit Service Animals when the animal poses a substantial and direct threat to the health or safety of others or when the presence of the animal constitutes a fundamental alteration to the nature of the program or service. HPU will make those determinations on a case-by-case basis.

I. High Point University’s Inquiries Regarding Service Animals

By law, HPU staff and faculty are not permitted to inquire about the nature or extent of a person’s disability requiring a Service Animal. Personnel may make two inquiries to determine whether an animal qualifies as a Service Animal:

1. Is the animal required because of a disability?
2. What work or task is the animal trained to perform?

If the individual answers the second question with a vague/undetailed response (e.g., “the animal provides me comfort”) rather than a specific, observable task, the individual should be referred to OARS to complete the ESA accommodation request process.

HPU cannot require documentation, such as proof that the animal has been certified, trained, or licensed as a Service Animal. Generally, HPU may not make any inquiries about a Service Animal when it is readily apparent that the animal is trained to do work or perform tasks for the individual with a disability (e.g., the animal is observed guiding an individual who is blind or has low vision, pulling a person’s wheelchair, or providing assistance with stability or balance to an individual with an observable mobility disability). Students who disclose their use of a Service Animal will be strongly urged to pick up an animal identification tag and door decal to avoid any concerns with Residence Life.

Specific questions related to the use of Service Animals on the HPU campus by visitors can be directed to the Director of the Office of Accessibility Resources and Services via email at [email protected] or by phone at (336) 841-9026.

II. Responsibilities of Handlers

Students bringing a Service Animal to campus are strongly encouraged to partner with OARS. Additionally, students who live in University-owned housing should provide current and up-to-date veterinary vaccination and record of flea and tick treatment. OARS staff may offer a tag and decal to the student with a Service Animal, but the student is not required to utilize these items.

Handlers are responsible for any damage or injuries caused by their animals and must take appropriate precautions to prevent property damage or injury. The cost of care, arrangements, and responsibilities for the well-being of a Service Animal are the handler’s sole responsibility.

1. Service Animal Control Requirements
   1. The animal should be on a leash when not providing a needed service to the student.
   2. The animal should always respond to voice or hand commands and be in full control of the handler.
   3. To the extent possible, the animal should be unobtrusive to other individuals in the learning, living, and working environment.
2. Service Animal Etiquette
   1. To the extent possible, the handler should ensure that the animal does not:
      1. Sniff people, tables, or the personal belongings of others.
      2. Display any behaviors or make noises that are disruptive to others unless it is part of the service being provided to the handler.
      3. Block an aisle or passageway for fire egress.
3. Waste Cleanup
   1. Cleaning up after the animal is the sole responsibility of the handler. In the event that the handler is not physically able to clean up after the animal, it is then the responsibility of the handler to hire someone capable of cleaning up after the animal. The person cleaning up after the animal should abide by the following guidelines:
      1. Always carry equipment sufficient to clean up the animal’s feces whenever the animal is on campus.
      2. Properly dispose of waste in appropriate containers.

III. Removal of Service Animals or Service Animals in Training

Service Animals and Service Animals in Training may be ordered to be removed by HPU Security and Transportation and/or Residence Life for the following reasons:

• An out-of-control animal: A handler may be directed to remove an animal that is out of control and the handler is not taking effective action to control it. If improper animal behavior happens repeatedly, the handler may be prohibited from bringing the animal into any University facility until the handler can demonstrate that he/she has taken significant steps to mitigate the behavior.
• Non-housebroken animal- a handler may be directed to remove an animal that is not housebroken.
• Direct threat- A handler may be directed to remove an animal that HPU determines to be a substantial and direct threat to the health and safety of individuals. This may occur because of an extremely ill animal, an animal exhibiting aggression toward others, a substantial lack of cleanliness of the animal, or the presence of an animal in a sensitive area, such as a medical facility, certain laboratories, or mechanical/industrial areas.

Where a Service Animal and Service Animal in Training is removed pursuant to this policy, HPU will work with the handler to determine reasonable alternative opportunities to participate in the service, program, or activity without having the Service Animal on the premises.

IV. Conflicting Disabilities

Some people have allergic reactions to animals that are substantial enough to qualify as disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act. HPU will consider the needs of both people in meeting its obligations to reasonably accommodate all disabilities and to resolve the problem as efficiently and expeditiously as possible. Students requiring allergy accommodations should contact the Office of Accessibility Resources and Services.

V. Emergency Response

In the event of an emergency, HPU first responders should be trained to recognize Service Animals and be aware that the animal may be trying to communicate the need for help. The animal may become disoriented from the smell of smoke in a fire or laboratory emergency, from sirens or wind noise, or from shaking and moving ground. The handler or animal may be confused from the stressful situation. First responders should be aware that the animal is trying to be protective and, in its confusion, should not automatically be considered harmful. The Emergency Response Team (ERT) should make every effort to keep the animal with its handler. However, the ERT’s first effort should be toward the handler.

VI. Service Animals in Training (SAiT)

A Service Animal in Training (SAiT) is defined as an animal being trained to provide a specific service to an individual with a disability.  The service(s) the animal is being trained to provide must be directly related to the individual’s disability.

In accordance with North Carolina statute NCGS 168-4.2, an animal in training to become a service animal is permitted in certain locations, along with the trainer, on HPU’s campus that are deemed “places of public accommodation” such as student centers, the Nido and Mariana Qubein Arena and Conference Center, HPU libraries, etc.  Service Animals-in-Training are not permitted in places not deemed “public” such as residence halls and academic buildings (i.e., the classroom).

While on campus, the SAiT is required to wear a collar and leash, harness, or cape that identifies the animal as a Service Animal in Training (this is not required of a fully trained Service Animal).  The Service Animal in Training must be accompanied by the person who is training the Service Animal.  Service Animals in Training must not pose a threat to others, must be under the control of the handler, must be housebroken, etc.  The trainer will be responsible for any damage to HPU property caused by the animal.

High Point University is committed to fostering a respectful campus environment by promoting awareness and educating the university community on proper Service Animal etiquette. It is appropriate to offer assistance if you have concerns or notice confusion related to the Service Animal or its behavior. Through outreach and education, HPU strives to ensure that individuals who rely on Service Animals are supported with dignity and understanding. Please review the tips below on appropriately interacting with Service Animals:

• Talk to the person, not the Service Animal.
• Promote dignity and respect by not asking questions about the person’s disability or requesting identification.
• Refrain from touching a Service Animal without asking permission first.
• Refrain from deliberately startling a Service Animal.
• Do not disturb the Service Animal by talking, calling, petting, barking, or offering food to the animal.
• Keep other animals away from Service Animals.
• Do not attempt to separate a Service Animal from the handler. 
• An unattended Service Animal is a sign its owner needs help.

It’s important to follow these general guidelines when interacting with Service Animals. Though their tasks may not be outwardly visible, Service Animals are performing essential, and sometimes lifesaving, tasks for individuals with disabilities.

A Service Animal in Training (SAiT) is defined as an animal being trained to provide a specific service to an individual with a disability. The service(s) the animal is being trained to provide must be directly related to the individual’s disability.

In accordance with North Carolina statute NCGS 168-4.2, an animal in training to become a service animal is permitted in certain locations, along with the trainer, on HPU’s campus that are deemed “places of public accommodation” such as student centers, the Nido and Mariana Qubein Arena and Conference Center, HPU libraries, etc.  Service Animals-in-Training are not permitted in places not deemed “public” such as residence halls and academic buildings (i.e., the classroom).

While on campus, the SAiT is required to wear a collar and leash, harness, or cape that identifies the animal as a Service Animal in Training (this is not required of a fully trained Service Animal).  The Service Animal in Training must be accompanied by the person who is training the Service Animal. Service Animals in Training must not pose a threat to others, must be under the control of the handler, must be housebroken, etc. The trainer will be responsible for any damage to HPU property caused by the animal.