Student’s best helper

Emotional support animal can be very helpful, but can carry their own set of responsibilities

By McKenna Moret / Assistant Opinion Section Editor / The USD Vista

No college student is a stranger to stress and struggling. However, for students who are differently-abled, whether that be regarding their physical, mental, or emotional health, finding a way to cope is of the utmost importance. Some find their solution in the form of an animal companion, or an emotional support animal (ESA). However, for first years and sophomores, living on campus with an animal can cause some issues, and it is important to consider whether they are worth taking on or if they will simply create more stress.
One of the first considerations when inquiring about ESAs on campus is University of San Diego policy. According to “Policy on Emotional Support Animals in University Housing,” USD’s requirements to bring an emotional support animal into campus housing are specifically outlined.

In order to have an emotional support animal live with a student on campus, the student must present official documentation from a practicing physician that validates that the animal alleviates one or more symptoms of a disability. In addition, documentation from a veterinarian that states that the animal is in good health and is up to date with its immunizations is required. There must also be an application sent in to the Disability and Learning Difference Resource Center and the Office of Residential Life must approve the animal. All of this must be done at least 60 days before the school year begins.

Lilli Bean, a sophomore who lives in the Alcala Vistas, chooses not to bring her emotional support animal Nala onto campus. Bean described her reasoning behind the choice.
“I want to give Nala the best life possible, and I don’t feel like I’m capable of doing that while I’m living on campus,” Bean said. “Nala is a dog who needs a lot of attention and space to play and exercise, and I don’t think the apartment I’m in allows me to give her those things.”

Aside from space, students considering bringing an emotional support animal onto campus must consider their schedule and the amount of time they have available to care for their  animal. Having a lot of classes back to back can necessitate being away from their ESA for long periods of time, which may cause some issues, as animals like dogs require a significant amount of attention and care.

Mary Smith, a sophomore and Residential Assistant (RA) in Maher Hall, spoke about the responsibility that comes with being a pet owner.

“If someone were to have an emotional support animal in their dorm, they would have to be sure that it was one of their main priorities, as an animal being treated improperly would definitely be something I would have to step in and confront,” Smith said.

It is also vital to consider the type of animal a student wants to bring onto campus, as different animals have different needs. Dogs tend to require more attention from their owner. Cats don’t always require the same attention, but they do have litter boxes that need to be cleaned and students need to be wary of the damage that their claws could do to school property if left unsupervised. Even smaller animals, like hamsters, need to have their enclosures cleaned regularly as to avoid an unsanitary living space.

There’s also the concern of determining how compatible the animal will be with a potential roommate. One must make sure that all roommates are comfortable with having an animal in their space, and that all of the supplies needed to care for an emotional support animal do not impede on the shared space. Living in a single dorm room could alleviate these issues, but these housing options tend to be more expensive, and are not always accessible to students.

There are also resources on USD’s campus for those struggling with various disabilities, such as the counseling center and University Ministry. Students can always speak to their RAs about their struggles, or they can be referred to other resources through their RA. Students must also keep in mind that an RA is not held to the same level of confidentiality as a counselor is, and that anything that concerns harming oneself or another will be reported under Title IX requirements.

Aside from the drawbacks of having an animal on campus, there are many benefits to bringing an emotional support animal to USD.

For Smith, an RA in Maher, one of the greatest things that ESAs provide is an added joy to campus life that goes beyond the students they are directly serving.

“It really makes me happy to see animals on campus, and I think the effect that they have is campus-wide,” Smith said. “I think it really brings a sense of home to campus, and helps brighten up the day of anyone who comes into contact with the animal.”

Aside from the happiness it may bring others, the most significant benefit of living with an ESA is the support that they provide. Many people find that having an animal companion with them significantly reduces stress levels and provides them with a sense of comfort and ease, which just might make the extra cleanup, trickier schedule, and application process completely worth the time. The key is for students to know themselves and their limits, as the responsibility of an ESA is a lot to take on, whether on campus or not.