Harvard University supports students with disabilities by allowing service animals throughout campus and assistance animals (also called emotional support animals) in University housing as a reasonable accommodation. This policy, administered through University Disability Resources (UDR) and Local Disability Coordinators (LDC) at each school, ensures that all students have equal access to educational opportunities and housing while maintaining campus safety and integrity.
Legal Framework
Harvard University’s ESA policy complies with federal laws protecting individuals with disabilities and ensuring equal access to educational opportunities and housing.
The Fair Housing Act prohibits housing discrimination based on disability and requires reasonable accommodations for individuals who need them. Under the FHA, assistance animals, (defined as animals that alleviate symptoms of a disability through emotional support or comfort), qualify as reasonable accommodations in housing, even where pets are typically prohibited. Unlike service animals, ESAs don’t require specialized training and aren’t limited to specific species.
The ADA distinguishes between service animals and emotional support animals. Service animals (dogs and miniature horses) trained to perform disability-related tasks, receive full public access rights across campus. ESAs, however, provide therapeutic benefits through companionship rather than trained tasks, and therefore don’t have access to non-residential spaces like classrooms or dining halls. While the FHA governs ESAs in housing, the ADA sets the standard for service animals in public areas.
Section 504 prohibits disability-based discrimination in federally funded educational programs and requires universities to provide reasonable accommodations. This includes allowing ESAs in residential settings when medically necessary, ensuring students with disabilities have equal access to housing and the full college experience.
Massachusetts state laws and Cambridge local ordinances may provide additional protections for individuals with disabilities. Harvard ensures its ESA policy meets or exceeds all applicable federal, state, and local requirements, creating a comprehensive support framework for students with disabilities.
Fair Housing Act (FHA)
The Fair Housing Act prohibits housing discrimination based on disability and requires reasonable accommodations for individuals who need them. Under the FHA, assistance animals, (defined as animals that alleviate symptoms of a disability through emotional support or comfort), qualify as reasonable accommodations in housing, even where pets are typically prohibited. Unlike service animals, ESAs don’t require specialized training and aren’t limited to specific species.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
The ADA distinguishes between service animals and emotional support animals. Service animals (dogs and miniature horses) trained to perform disability-related tasks, receive full public access rights across campus. ESAs, however, provide therapeutic benefits through companionship rather than trained tasks, and therefore don’t have access to non-residential spaces like classrooms or dining halls. While the FHA governs ESAs in housing, the ADA sets the standard for service animals in public areas.
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
Section 504 prohibits disability-based discrimination in federally funded educational programs and requires universities to provide reasonable accommodations. This includes allowing ESAs in residential settings when medically necessary, ensuring students with disabilities have equal access to housing and the full college experience.
State and Local Laws
Massachusetts state laws and Cambridge local ordinances may provide additional protections for individuals with disabilities. Harvard ensures its ESA policy meets or exceeds all applicable federal, state, and local requirements, creating a comprehensive support framework for students with disabilities.
Who Qualifies for an Emotional Support Animal
Assistance Animals (ESAs)
Students with documented disabilities may keep an ESA in their university housing bedroom if the animal alleviates symptoms of their disability and is medically necessary for equal access to housing. Documentation from a healthcare provider with whom the student has an established relationship is required, and approval must be obtained from your Local Disability Coordinator before bringing the animal to campus. Typically, only one assistance animal is approved per student.
Service Animals
Students may keep a Service Animal throughout campus, including dormitories and academic buildings, if the animal is trained to perform specific disability-related tasks. Service Animals are welcome in all living and learning environments at Harvard and do not require prior approval, though students should inform their Local Disability Coordinator. Only two questions may be asked: Is the dog a service animal required because of a disability? What work or task has the dog been trained to perform?
Application Process for an ESA
Step 1: Documentation
Contact your Local Disability Coordinator (LDC) at your specific Harvard school to submit a Request for Accommodation. Faculty of Arts and Sciences students contact the Disability Access Office (DAO). You must provide supporting medical documentation that includes:
- Current diagnosis and duration of your treatment relationship with the healthcare provider (brief consultations don’t qualify).
- Explanation of how your disability affects your daily functioning and use of housing.
- Evidence of how the ESA alleviates your disability symptoms and why it’s necessary.
- Confirmation you can manage full-time animal care without worsening your condition.
- Verification of an existing relationship with the specific animal you’re requesting.
Step 2: Review and Evaluation
Step 3: Approval and Completion
If approved, you must complete these steps before your animal arrives:
- Submit current vaccination records and a photograph of your animal.
- Meet with your House Administrator/First Year Dean and DAO to review requirements.
- Sign the service/assistance animal agreement form with emergency contact information.
Important: Animals must be fully vaccinated and housebroken before approval. Students cannot have animals in residence while applications are pending.
Responsibilities of ESA Owners
- Students are responsible for their ESA’s complete care and supervision, including feeding, waste removal, and ensuring the animal doesn’t disrupt dormitory activities or cause difficulties for others.
- ESAs must be fully vaccinated with current health records from a licensed veterinarian.
- An emergency contact must be designated to care for the ESA if the student becomes unable to do so.
- ESAs are permitted only in the student’s assigned bedroom. They cannot access hallways, common areas, classrooms, libraries, dining halls, or other campus buildings. Transport animals in carriers when moving through shared spaces.
- Students are financially responsible for any damage caused by their ESA, including property repairs, deep cleaning, or pest control. Harvard strongly recommends maintaining liability insurance.
- If conflicts arise with roommates regarding the ESA, the university will work to resolve them, which may include room reassignments.
Conflicting Needs and Resolutions
Harvard accommodates both ESA owners and students with conflicting needs such as severe allergies or health conditions affected by animals. Students with documented medical concerns about animal exposure should register with their Local Disability Coordinator or University Disability Resources to discuss accommodations. The university works collaboratively to balance the needs of all students through individualized solutions.
Important Considerations
- ESAs are only permitted in the student’s assigned bedroom and not in other campus buildings.
- Students are typically approved for only one ESA, though each request is evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
- Harvard offers pet-friendly housing through Harvard University Housing for students who want companion animals unrelated to disability accommodations.
- Students with service animals visiting research laboratories or machine shops must notify their Local Disability Coordinator beforehand for safety assessment.
- Each Harvard school has its own Local Disability Coordinator who manages accommodation requests for that school’s students.
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