I’m looking to move off-campus in order for me to have a dog. I’ve been diagnosed with depression, anxiety, and almost positive I’m on the autistic spectrum - didn’t know I needed a dog until I came to school 10 hours away from home. I’m scheduled to get the “prescription” / paper for an ESA in December.
I’ve asked my school if I can bring this animal in second semester - they said no and that ESA’s are only taken on a yearly basis (which I obviously missed the deadline for because I don’t have it yet).
I figured this was fine and that in order for me to have a dog no problem, I’d just have to move off campus in a pet-friendly are. That is, until I remembered the binding contract for a 2018-2019 dorm. I know that dropping out of the school entirely is typically the only reason that this contract can be terminated, although the occasional illness also is a viable reason.
Since the school literally won’t let me have my ESA on campus when the time comes (next semester), and won’t let me move into on-campus housing that allows animals (already asked them this too), would that be a viable reason? They’ll probably ask for the documentation which, as I mentioned, I don’t have yet.
@coyoteuglee have you been in touch with your school’s health support system and/or Office of Disability Services to discuss your situation and work out a plan of action? It’s important to bring the resources of the school into the process to assist you here.
School can be a trigger for a whole lot of stress reactions and art school (particularly foundation year which I’m assuming you are in) can be particularly hard. Don’t hesitate to reach out to the school so that you, your provider and the school can all partner to support you. If you have an eval. from a health provider regarding your anxiety and depression you can forward that to Disability services and ask for an intake. They may be able to work with housing on the ESA thing.
Keep in mind that owning a dog is a HUGE responsibility; despite your busy schedule and long hours in the studio, your dog will need regular care, walks, interaction with you, etc. Plus there is boarding to consider or transportation with your pet. Despite your feelings, it may not be the best option in reality. Think through this with your provider or counselor. Don’t just get an ESA because you think it’ll make you feel better.
If you can get a doctor/therapist to state that that you need to have an ESA, and the school can’t accommodate that ESA, you may have grounds to terminate your housing contract. But you need to take it step by step. First, get the diagnosis and the prescription for the ESA. Then go to the office of student disabilities on campus to find out what is needed to allow you to have an ESA on campus. Get that paperwork done. Then talk to housing. If they can’t accommodate you at that point, then you may have grounds to get out of that contract. But not until you’ve gone through all the steps first.
First get the documentation, then work with the Office of Disability services and revisit the issue with the school. They may be able to accommodate you over the semester break although if they can, there is a reasonable chance you will have to change rooms. If they cannot accommodate you then you can discuss breaking the housing agreement – but be sure you have somewhere to move to that is close to campus and affordable.
Keep in mind that things aren’t as simple as just getting a note and showing up with a therapy dog – there are other people in your room/dorm who may have needs that also have to be taken into account (ex. people can be severely allergic to dogs, people can be afraid of dogs etc.). I’m guessing that is why the school wants to handle these accommodations at the start of the year.
Moving off campus is a big change and having a dog (especially a new dog that is not yet fully trained) is a huge responsibility. Given your anxiety, consider if you are able to take those two things on at the same time.
As they say “Don’t put the cart before the horse.” That is, first figure out your diagnosis and what is going on with you. then see if the doctor diagnoses depression, autism spectrum disorders or something else. Then try to get a service dog if necessary. True service dogs for people with autism spectrum disorders are trained already and meant to be in and among students and classrooms etc. ESA, while are helpful, do not have training and are not performing specific duties. You are 10 hours from home, in a new environment, and are understandably having some issues but an ESA may or not be the answer. If you just want a dog, I would caution against it at this time as it is another responsibility at at a tough time. Don’t think the dog will change anything instantly. If you are just trying to game the system do not do it. It will bring more headaches for you. The school is not going to be able to act on this right away in any regard so take the time to explore if you really need/want it and see a professional to see why you feel the way you do. Good luck
Not sure why everyone is commenting on a month-old topic. Lol
Anyway, they were able to move me into a single in a pet-friendly building (so no roommate / allergy concerns) and have already approved the first step of my ESA request - right now I’m working on my documentation.
I know my diagnosis. I have for almost 2 years now, this isn’t anything new. It is very possible to have an ESA in college, in fact a majority of the people in my new building have them - the person who had the room before me had a dog actually.
I have worked with dogs for almost 2 years now In my job back home, and I of course have one back home. I am more than experienced to take care of one and am confident that I can do so. I don’t go out on the weekends, don’t really have many friends, and am in my dorm much more than I am in class.
@coyoteuglee because they didn’t notice the date and because they care.
Good to hear you are doing well and you got what you wanted. Hope the dog makes things easier for you