Definitions
Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) are animals that perform tasks and/or provide service, assistance, or emotional support which alleviates one or more identified symptoms or effects of an individual’s disability. Some, but not all, animals that assist persons with disabilities are professionally trained. Other Assistance Animals are trained by the owners. In some cases, no special training is required. The question is whether or not the animal performs the assistance or provides the benefit needed as reasonable accommodation by the person with the disability. Dangerous, poisonous, and illegal animals are not permitted as Assistance Animals.
Approved animals or assistance animals are animals that are permitted in Olin College student housing. This can include Emotional Support Animals and service animals. Different laws and regulations govern the use of an ESA versus a service animal.
A pet is an animal kept for ordinary use and companionship. A pet is not considered an approved animal. Students are not permitted to keep or bring pets in student housing. Furthermore, if an animal provides comfort to their owners, but do not provide a direct benefit for a disability-related need, they are still considered pets and are not permitted on campus.
The owner is the resident student who has received written permission from the College to keep an Approved Animal in student housing under this policy.
A service animal is a dog who is trained to do work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability. These dogs are trained in certain tasks or work that directly relates to their owner’s disability. Under certain, restricted circumstances, a miniature horse can also function as a service animal.