Ohio Wesleyan University students can own a pet while living on campus. Through differing methods, students can register small pets like hamsters, fish, or cats with the university’s Residential Life office. However, for students who rely on service animals or emotional support animals (ESAs), the process—and the campus response—can be much more complicated.
Navigating policies and misunderstandings
Under the Fair Housing Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), universities are required to make reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities, including allowing service animals in campus housing. But despite federal protections, students at Ohio Wesleyan and other campuses report facing hurdles.
Some students say that misunderstandings among peers, staff, and even faculty contribute to a climate of subtle resistance. “I’ve had RAs question me about why my dog was in the dorms, even after I provided documentation,” said Taylor Morgan, a sophomore who relies on a trained service dog for mobility assistance. “It’s exhausting having to re-explain my rights over and over.”
The emotional support animal gray area
Unlike service animals, ESAs are not required to be individually trained to perform tasks related to a disability. Their purpose is to provide comfort and emotional support. Because of this, they aren’t covered by the ADA in classrooms, but they are protected under housing rules.
Students with ESAs often face skepticism. “People think I just wanted to sneak a pet in,” said Jamie Lopez, a junior who has an ESA cat for anxiety and depression. “It’s not about having a pet. It’s about being able to function and feel safe.”
Push for more education and empathy
Disability advocates on campus argue that the university needs to do more to educate both staff and the student body about the legal rights and legitimate needs of students with service animals and ESAs.
“It would help if there were orientation sessions or trainings that clearly explained the difference between pets, service animals, and emotional support animals,” said Dr. Erin Wallace, a psychology professor who studies accessibility issues. “When people understand, there tends to be more compassion—and fewer intrusive questions.”
Looking forward
Ohio Wesleyan University officials say they continue to work on improving awareness and processes. “We are committed to providing equal access and ensuring that all students feel welcome and supported,” a spokesperson said in an emailed statement.
For students like Morgan and Lopez, the hope is that continued dialogue will eventually turn campus culture from skepticism to support. “At the end of the day,” Morgan said, “my service dog isn’t here for anyone else. He’s here so I can live my life.”
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