Service vs Emotional Support Animal

Service Animals

  • Only dogs and miniature horses

  • They must be allowed in

  • You can ask 2 questions to determine if a dog is a service animal: 

    • Is that a service dog?

    • What work or task does it do for you?

  • Service animals must be the following: 

    • under control of the owner at all times, usually on lease 

    • must not be aggressive to other animals or to people

  • They might be used to help physically disabled people, people who are deaf/hoh, blind/low vision, or have seizures, or to alert the person to the presence of allergens

Emotional Support Animals (ESA)

  • Usually any type of animal

  • If they are requesting to bring an ESA to work or to live in housing, UC has a policy in place to facilitate that (see included)

  • The University can require a letter from a physician indicating the animal is for emotional support/therapy. 

  • They also must be 1) under control of their person and 2) non-aggressive.

  • They provide emotional support, well-being, comfort, and companionship to their people.