Service Animals and Assistance Animals
Available to: On-campus students
Assistance Animals in University Housing
Indiana Tech Accessibility Services is committed to supporting students with disabilities in accessing and fully participating in University housing. In alignment with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Fair Housing Act (FHA), we work with students to thoughtfully consider requests for assistance animals as part of our accommodation process.
Students are expected to complete the accommodation process and receive approval prior to bringing an animal into campus housing. Animals brought to campus before approval may be subject to review under the student conduct or housing processes. Indiana Tech Housing Pet Policy.
Requesting an Animal in Housing
Students who wish to have an animal in University housing are encouraged to connect with Accessibility Services. Requests are reviewed as reasonable accommodation or modification requests under federal law. Each request is considered on an individual basis to understand whether the animal is necessary to support the student’s access to and enjoyment of their housing experience, and whether the request is reasonable within a residential environment.
While students may use terms such as “service animal” or “emotional support animal (ESA),” determinations are made based on applicable laws and an individualized review of the student’s disability-related needs.
Assistance Animals
Assistance Animals requested for housing (often referred to as Emotional Support Animals or ESAs) are reviewed through an individualized process under the FHA. Accessibility Services works with students to determine whether the animal provides disability-related support that is necessary for equitable access to housing, and whether the request is reasonable in a residential setting.
We recognize that the term “Emotional Support Animal (ESA)” is commonly used; however, our review is guided by federal housing law and a student’s individual circumstances rather than terminology alone.
You will need to provide the following documents with your request for Assistance Animal in student housing:
Once eligibility is approved, you will receive an email with additional information Indiana Tech needs regarding your requested animal.
Service Animals
Service animals are permitted on campus as part of access under the ADA. Students who will have a service animal on campus regularly are strongly encouraged to register with Accessibility Services. Registration allows our office to support the student more effectively and provide a Service Animal ID card, which may help minimize questions and support a smoother campus experience.
Students living in University housing are expected to notify Accessibility Services of a service animal in advance so that appropriate coordination and support can be arranged within the residential environment. This process helps ensure appropriate coordination, communication, and support within the residential environment.