We’re keeping you in the loop by bringing you the latest emotional support animal news report.
This week, we’re covering the University of Iowa’s regulations (and restrictions!) for ESAs and other assistance animals. How are universities handling animals on campus during COVID-19 outbreaks and quarantines? Keep reading to find out.
ESAs Welcomed into Residence Halls at University of Iowa – with Restrictions
The University of Iowa has been open about welcoming emotional support animals. This is not the first year that students living in residence halls can live with their animal companions. However, it is the first year that a global pandemic and quarantines have complicated life on campus.
This school year is shaping up to be one of the oddest, most unusual years to date. Most classes have moved online, social life on campus has ground to a halt, and some students have been isolated because of positive coronavirus tests. As a result, students are seeing serious impacts on their mental health.
University staff has acknowledged these problems and is working out ways to ease stress and anxiety for their students. One solution has been to keep allowing emotional support animals in residence halls, as well as in short-term housing designed for students who must isolate.
Many students all over the United States need the company of their ESA to cope with their mental or emotional disabilities. And thanks to the Fair Housing Act (FHA), they can live together in rented housing—including in university-owned halls.
The University of Iowa is honoring their commitment to comply with the law. Moving in with an ESA means filling out paperwork and filing a Request for Reasonable Accommodations. An emotional support animal letter must also be presented, signed by the student’s primary care provider. Additionally, students must also meet with a University Housing and Dining staff member.
Unfortunately, ESA letter restrictions have made it impossible for some students to get their ESAs on campus. Because the university only accepts letters signed by a primary health care provider, students without health insurance (but who have been cared for by licensed mental health professionals) are seeing their requests to bring their ESA on campus denied.
Those who have been able to bring their ESA on campus, however, report having a good experience dealing with the university. Currently, there are twelve cats, one dog, two hamsters, one gecko, and even one snake living with students on campus. Officials say that as long as the animal isn’t a threat to other students or university property, they’re allowed in.
Source: https://dailyiowan.com/2020/09/20/university-of-iowa-allows-emotional-support-animals-in-residence-halls-during-covid-19/
CertaPet’s Thoughts on This Week’s News
ESAs are terrific companions and we’re sure having them around makes isolation easier for students. During such a stressful and unusual year, it’s crucial to give priority to mental health. University of Iowa’s willingness to manage ESAs on campus should be an inspiration to all universities and colleges. However, we hope that in time, the campus recognizes ESA letters written by licensed mental health professionals as well–not just by general practitioners/primary health care providers. When it does, more students will be able to prioritize their mental and emotional health with the companionship of an animal.
If you’re living with a mental illness, getting an ESA is a wise idea. These loving companions can help you immensely in your day-to-day life. CertaPet is here to make the process of getting an ESA as easy and accessible as can be. To get started, take our 5-minute pre-screening test for free. We’ll put you in touch with a licensed mental health professional. If you qualify, they’ll issue your emotional support animal letter!