Emotional Support Animals
This section outlines the use of emotional support animals by students, employees, visitors, and other participants in services, programs or activities.
An emotional support animal is an animal that is necessary to afford a person with a disability an equal opportunity to use and enjoy a dwelling when there is a relationship between the person’s disability and the assistance the animal provides. While emotional support animals are often used as part of a medical treatment plan as therapy animals, they are not considered service animals under the ADA.
Emotional Support Animals in University Buildings
Individuals are not permitted to bring emotional support animals inside UT Austin buildings (other than university housing), or to UT Austin events and functions, including, but not limited to, lectures, performing arts venues, or athletics facilities/events. This applies to students, employees, visitors, and other participants in services, programs or activities.
Emotional Support Animals in University Housing
Students, faculty, staff, and visitors must seek registration for an emotional support animal to reside in university housing space. Be aware that it may take time for information to be received from health care professionals. Insufficient documentation may result in accommodation delays or denial.
Appeal
Should an individual’s request for an emotional support animal in university housing be denied, the individual may appeal the decision to Institutional Accessibility and Accommodation.
Students in University Housing
Before an emotional support animal can move into university housing with a student with a disability, a request must be submitted to and approved by Disability and Access. Failure to obtain approval may result in the animal being removed from university housing. To initiate the approval process, students should follow the process outlined on the Disability and Access website.
Employees in University Housing
Requests made by faculty or staff residing in university housing should be directed to Institutional Accessibility and Accommodation. Before an emotional support animal can move into university housing with an employee with a disability, a request must be submitted to and approved by Institutional Accessibility and Accommodation. Failure to obtain approval may result in the animal being removed from university housing. To initiate the approval process, employees should contact Institutional Accessibility and Accommodation to begin the accommodation process.
Visitors in University Housing
University Housing and Dining provides lodging for participants of special groups, conferences or workshops, and summer camps, which are affiliated with or sponsored by UT Austin. Before a visitor with an emotional support animal can stay in university housing, a request must be submitted to and approved by Institutional Accessibility and Accommodation.
A minimum stay of one (1) week is required for visitors with emotional support animals. UT Austin will not process requests to bring an emotional support animal into university housing from visitors staying less than one (1) week. Failure to obtain approval may result in the animal being removed from university housing.
Visitors should contact Institutional Accessibility and Accommodation to initiate the approval process at least three (3) weeks before his or her scheduled arrival.
Service Animals
Guidance on Service Animals
Emotional Support Animals
Guidance on Emotional Support Animals
Service Animals in Training
Guidance on Service Animals in Training
Guidelines and FAQs
Guidance on the Animals on Campus policy and frequently asked questions
Contact Us
Contact Institutional Accessibility and Accommodation via email at ada@austin.utexas.edu or submit the contact form.
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Dr. Jennifer Maedgen
Senior Associate Vice President
ADA/Section 504 Coordinator
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Report a Barrier
We want to know about any physical barriers you may encounter on your journey through campus. Use our form to report a barrier so we can review and create an action plan.