ESA Request Packet

POLICIES FOR STUDENTS WITH SERVICE/ESA ANIMALS

The learner is encouraged to self-identify with the Office of Inclusive Learning and Accessibility Services (OILAS) as a learner with a disability according to the published procedures to ensure access on campus. The learner requesting to be approved for an ESA, must provide documentation to OILAS that the animal has the appropriate and current license, immunizations, and owner/user ID tag as required by City Ordinances and Georgia State Statutes. ESAs should only be utilized for housing-related accommodations.

Learners should submit their request 120 days prior to being accommodated with an ESA request. Individuals requesting an Emotional Support Animal will follow the office process:

  1. Request accommodation by clicking on the link to create an Accommodate account.
  2. Meet with an OILAS representative to discuss experiences and request.
  3. Complete a review/discuss the Emotional Support Animal Policy.
  4. Submit documentation from a qualified professional.
  5. Submit immunizations and flea protection documentation.
    1. Color photo of animal
    2. Copy of animals up to date vaccination records
    3. Animal Assistance registration form
  6. OILAS will review the request with additional offices as necessary.
  7. Students will be contacted and informed of the request status within 7 working business days.
  8. In cases in which the request for an emotional support animal in the housing setting is denied, students may appeal the decision using the office grievance procedure.

No Animal will be Permitted that:

  • Poses a direct threat to the health and safety of others.
  • Would cause substantial physical damage to the property of the MSM and other residence.

Responsibilities of all ESA Animal Owners/Users

  1. It is the owner’s responsibility to inform others that the animal is a Service Animal and should not be touched, bothered, harassed or fed. The use of a vest or harness that identifies the animal as a service animal is strongly recommended to communicate the animal’s status.
  2. The ESA must always maintain appropriate behavior and on a leash in public areas.
  3. All owners/users are responsible for any damage done by the animal and for the upkeep and cleanliness of any area traversed or occupied by the animal.
  4. The ESA Animal owner/user is responsible for promptly cleaning up after the animal when it relieves itself.
  5. All owners of ESA Animals are expected to ensure the good conduct, health, care, and protection of their assistance animal. The service animal should have the appropriate and current license, vaccinations, and owner/user ID tag as required by City Ordinances.
  6. The owner/user may be asked to remedy the problem or remove the animal if it is disruptive, or if conditions 1-6 above are not met.

Housing Specific Residence Responsibilities:

  1. All approved animals must live with their owners and cannot be supervised by other animal friendly residents for any period. The animal owner is fully responsible for the actions of their animal.
  2. Animals should not cause excessive noise in living quarters.
  3. Only one animal is permitted per resident and must be spayed or neutered.
  4. Animals must be kenneled in the resident’s room during the owner’s absence. When the animal is in public areas on campus it must always wear an appropriate collar and leash.
  5. Litter boxes and cages should be placed on mats and any indoor animal waste must be placed in a plastic bag and tied securely before being disposed of outside trash dumpsters.
  6. When walking animals, waste should be immediately cleaned up properly disposing of it in a secured plastic bag prior to being placed in outside trash dumpsters.
  7. Animal owners are financially responsible for all consequences caused by the actions of the animal. This included bodily injury and property damage in which repairs or replacement for furniture, flooring, walls, and windows. Policy violations, damage to rooms, mistreatment of an animal will not be tolerated. MSM student account will be billed.
  8. During MSM breaks (fall break, Thanksgiving, Winter, Spring and Summer breaks) or any weekday or weekend absence that the animal owner will be away from campus, it is expected that the animal will be removed from campus. Animal owners found in non-compliance will be subjected to disciplinary actions.
  9. Failure to comply with the MSM policies may result in judicial action or additional action deemed necessary by MSM.

General Guidelines and Reporting a Problem Related to an ESA Animal:

The owner/user is responsible for the care and always conduct of the animal. The animal’s owner/user is solely responsible for any damage to property or harm to persons caused by the ESA animal. MSM and its employees shall be held harmless if the animal damages property or causes harm to anyone on campus. MSM follows all applicable laws and regulations to protect the health and safety of the campus community and those animals which it permits in the residential facilities.

Please contact OILAS at 404-756-6719 or oilas@msm.edu for guidance or clarification of any policies or procedures before limiting the use of the ESA. Requests for exceptions or appeals to the ESA Policy will be evaluated and considered on a case-by-case basis, following an interactive process between OILAS and the owner/user of the Animal.