So some background first: I have a cat and I have the doctors notes I need to bring her onto campus for esa purposes. My parents are split between me committing to bringing her, and saying I should just leave her home. She is essentially my cat, and I’m entirely in charge of her and have been for years. They have left it up to me to decide whether or not to address it with the school and do all the appropriate forms to apply to bring her on. My mom warns me of “unintended consequences” of doing this. My dad thinks I’ll have a hard time finding jobs later (for example government jobs like police officer who look into your background). My mom worries itll affect my later in life and people will think I have a HUGE disability and kind of look like a crazy unstable person. Will any of these things really happen? Will my decision to bring my cat onto campus as an esa really effect my opportunities in college and later in life?
The primary question is whether the school will allow a cat in the dorm. I would never take my cat to live in a dorm because of the noise, confusion, comings and goings in the room or other chaos. Even a comfort animal needs comfort and security. Even if you could, please don’t take your precious cat to college. That would increase your and your pet’s significantly. Please no from my pets.
The college has to allow you to take the cat, but can require you to live in a particular dorm, on the first floor, not in a LLC.
When you are asked in the future if you have any medical requirements, how are you going to answer the question? The school could not disclose a medical or mental health condition.
If you really need your cat as an emotional support animal, not just as a pet, then it doesn’t matter what the future consequences may be. If you don’t really need your cat as an emotional support animal and are lying/exaggerating what she is just to keep your pet with you, it’s dishonest.
There is a college in Florida, maybe someone will remember which? I’ll try to find it, that allows small pets to be brought on campus.
I think it was Eckerd that I was remembering. After the 1st semester. There are others listed here that have policies as well. https://www.■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■/find-colleges/articles/student-life/20-pet-friendly-college-campuses/