Service & Emotional Support Animals

Service Animal

A Service Animal (SA) is defined as a dog that is trained to do work or perform a specific task for a person with a disability. Only two questions may be asked of an individual with a service animal:

  • Is there a disability?
  • Is the animal trained to complete a specific task/duty?

Service Animals do not have a breed restriction and cannot be required to be spayed or neutered.

a German Shepherd dog a Collie dog a Rottweiler dog a Golden Retriever dog

Legally, individuals with service animals are not required to register their animals; therefore, neither SAAS nor any campus department keeps documentation/record of service animals. SAs are not required to wear a vest or be leashed.

Handlers must retain good control over the animal, and the animal must be well behaved. Service animals should not growl, lunge, or be disruptive.

Service animals living on campus must complete the Residence process.

For questions or concerns regarding service animals, please contact SAAS at saas@methodist.edu.

Emotional Support Animals

Methodist University is committed to providing individuals with disabilities an equal opportunity to use and enjoy University Housing. The role of an Emotional Support Animal is to provide comfort and/or emotional support to individuals with disabilities. Emotional Support Animals are not Service Animals under the ADA. However, as with Service Animals, Emotional Support Animals policies do fall under the Fair Housing Act.

The role of SAAS is to verify the student’s documentation for an ESA and to send verification to Housing & Residence Life.  Housing & Residence Life handles the remainder of the process. The process for approval to bring the ESA on campus can take up to 30 days. 

Students who bring an ESA on campus prior to receiving approval from Housings & Residence Life are subject to fines and removal of the ESA.

a ferret a rabbit a cat a bearded dragon

The process to register an emotional support animal (ESA) is listed below.

ESA Approval Process

The first step to register with MU’s Student Access & Accommodation Services is to complete the online Student Information Form.

The 2nd step is to submit to SAAS signed documentation on professional letterhead from a qualified professional who is currently treating you. The letter must state:

  • Diagnosis
  • Identify a nexus (connection) between your treatment plan and your ESA.

This documentation can be emailed to saas@methodist.edu.

The final step with SAAS is when the correct documentation has been received. SAAS will then email you the verification and that Housing/Residence has been notified. You will still need to follow their procedure.

ESAs are to be well behaved (no loud noises, biting, etc.) You are allowed only ONE ESA. If the ESA is a dog or a cat, the animal must be spayed/neutered and have all vaccinations before it is allowed on campus. The Housing & Residence Life process must be completed prior to bring the ESA.

Only approved Emotional Support Animals (ESA) are allowed in Residence housing.  ESAs are not allowed in other campus buildings, including classroom buildings, Berns Student Center, and the Library.