Campus ESA Responsibilities

ESA Responsibilities by Department

The purpose of this guide is to define the various SF State campus departments who may or may not play a role in determining eligibility for and supporting a student with an Emotional Support Animal at SF State. If there are further questions or a need for additional information after reviewing this guide, you are encouraged to contact DPRC.

Definition of an Emotional Support Animal

An ESA is an animal provides emotional support that alleviates one or more identified symptoms or effects of a person's disability. Unlike a service animal, it is not trained to perform specific tasks directly related to an individual’s disability. An emotional support animal may also be referred to as an assistance animal, a comfort animal, or a therapy animal. An emotional support animal is not restricted by species like a service animal. 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. Emotional support animals must also meet additional requirements as specified in an approval allowing the emotional support animal in university housing. Emotional support animals are not protected by the ADA. For more information, please see the CSU Policy on Service and Support Animals on Campus.

Counseling & Psychological Services

Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) provides both crisis and short-term counseling for students. Because state law and CSU policy require providers to have an ongoing therapeutic relationship with patients in order to prescribe an ESA, CAPS counselors cannot write ESA letters. 

Disability Programs & Resource Center 

The Disability Programs & Resource Center (DPRC) is responsible for determining whether an ESA constitutes a reasonable accommodation in housing. These determinations are made using a combination of the student’s self-report and accompanying medical documentation. DPRC may approve the need for an ESA but does not typically specify a particular animal. DPRC will provide guidance to students if there are concerns about the size, species, or other potentially problematic qualities of their chosen animal that may result in difficulty housing the ESA. If issues arise concerning the behavior or care for an ESA, DPRC consults with Housing and Residential Life on potential remediation. DPRC does not solely determine whether an ESA should be removed from Housing.

University Housing

University Housing establishes the license agreement between the university and the student that stipulates each party’s responsibilities around living in a university housing unit. Upon receipt of an ESA approval from the DPRC, Housing will issue an ESA Addendum to the student through the student’s Housing Portal. The addendum stipulates the resident’s responsibilities regarding the care and behavior of the ESA. The student must read and sign the addendum prior to moving the ESA into their unit. University Housing may decide to order the removal of an ESA if they find that the terms of the addendum have not been met. DPRC will be included in the notification process except in the case of necessary removal as independently determined by UPD or SF Animal Control. 

Residential Life

Residential Life manages housing communities on a day-to-day basis. Residential Life appoints and manages Resident Assistants and Area Coordinators who respond to student needs and concerns within university housing communities. In regard to ESAs, Residential Life’s role primarily consists of gathering information regarding ESA-related disputes, reports of neglect, or behavioral issues. Residential Life will try to resolve any issues with the ESA’s owner prior to any referrals to Student Conduct or recommendations to remove an animal from housing. 

Office Student Conduct

If there is a finding that a student has violated the ESA Addendum or any other applicable portion of the Student Conduct Code, Residential Life or University Housing may refer the issue to the Office of Student Conduct (OSC) for remediation.