Emotional Support Animal (ESA) Accommodation Request Documentation Requirements 

Fayetteville State University Accessibility Services works in collaboration with the Department of Housing and Residence Life (HRL) to review Emotional Support Animal (ESA) accommodation requests for students residing in university housing. ESAs may be approved as a reasonable housing accommodation when documentation supports that the animal provides assistance related to a student’s disability and helps reduce disability-related barriers within the residential environment.

Students requesting an ESA must submit appropriate documentation through the AIMs portal so Accessibility Services can review eligibility and determine appropriate housing-related supports in accordance with university guidelines and applicable housing regulations.

Students requesting an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) in university housing, once all gathered, must upload the following documentations through the AIMs portal for review:

1. Completed ESA Accommodation Request Form - FORM PENDING RELEASE - PLEASE FOCUS ON GATHERING ALL OTHER DOCUMENTS

Students must submit the ESA Accommodation Request Form through the AIMs portal at least 8 weeks prior to the end of the current semester. This form includes required student information and the provider verification section completed by a licensed healthcare or mental health professional.

2. Animal Photograph and Housing Enclosure (If Applicable)

A clear, current photograph of the animal must be provided. If applicable, students should also include a photograph of the animal’s housing enclosure. ESAs must be appropriately contained or secured when the student is not present in the residential space, in accordance with Housing and Residence Life guidelines.

3. Veterinarian Assessment

A veterinary assessment must be on official letterhead and include the veterinarian’s name, credentials, licenses number, contact information, and professional signature. The assessment should provide the animal’s name, species, breed, age, and health details, and include a statement verifying that the animal is healthy and suitable for living in a residential environment.

4. Current Vaccination Records

Proof of current (up-to-date) vaccinations in accordance with local and state animal health regulations, provided on official veterinary documentation and verifiable by a licensed veterinarian listed on the record.

5. Spay or Neuter Verification

Proof that the animal has been spayed or neutered, provided on official veterinary documentation and verifiable by a licensed veterinarian listed on the record.

ESA Accommodation Requests Deadlines

Fall 2026 - Summer 2027: May 15, 2026

Late ESA Requests

Students requesting Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) in university housing are encouraged to submit their request and supporting documentation at least eight (8) weeks prior to the last day of the final exam period for the current semester. Requests submitted later may not allow sufficient time for review and housing coordination. In such cases, requests may be reviewed and accommodations implemented for the following semester.