How do I apply to have an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) in residence?🔹Can I bring my emotional support animal to live with me at school?🔹What do I need to do to get permission for an ESA in residence?🔹How do I get approved to have a support animal in my dorm?

If you’re a student living in residence and believe an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) would help support your well-being, you can apply through Accessible Learning Services.

✅ How to Apply for an ESA in Residence

  1. Contact Accessible Learning Services
    Email accessible.learning@acadiau.ca to request an ESA application package and a summary of the process.

  2. Submit your application and documentation

    • Include documentation from a qualified mental health professional.
    • Your documentation must show a clear link between your disability and the need for the ESA, as defined by An Act Respecting Accessibility in Nova Scotia (Section 1a).

  3. Apply early

    • Submit your completed application at least 4 weeks before your ESA’s anticipated move-in date.
    • This gives the university time to review your request and notify you of the decision.

 Note: Approval is not guaranteed, and early submission does not mean your ESA can move in before the approved date.

📘 Helpful Definitions

  • Emotional Support Animal (ESA): An animal that provides comfort to a person with a disability, helping to reduce symptoms of that disability. Unlike service animals, ESAs are not trained to perform specific tasks.
  • Service Animal: An animal trained to assist with specific tasks related to a person’s disability. These animals are allowed in public spaces and accompany their owner at all times.
  • Accessible Learning Services: The department at Acadia that supports students with disabilities, including accommodation requests like ESAs.

🐾 ESA Requirements

  • The animal must be non-venomous and live in a species-appropriate enclosure.
  • The animal’s standard care and habitat needs must be met without modification.
  • Animals that require the following cannot be approved:
    • Heating elements of any kind
    • Large fish tanks
    • Live feeders (including insects)

🛑 Additional restrictions may apply at the discretion of the university.

🔗 Suggested Terms and Links

📝 Special Notes

  • Students must give explicit permission to begin the ESA application process.
  • You may have a support person attend your intake meeting, but you must be present.
  • ESA applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
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