Below are instructions, guidelines and policies related to Emotional Support Animals (ESAs). The FSH staff and Resident Assistants alone cannot enforce these policies at all times. We ask that ESA owners abide by the guidelines and community members to help with this process. Speak to each other and learn about each other. Together, we can all create a safe living and learning environment at Family Student Housing.
ESA APPROVAL PROCESS
Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) vs Pets
Though they are not required to have formal training, the primary role of ESAs is to provide their owners with emotional comfort. Emotional support animals can psychologically benefit an individual who is managing mental, emotional or disability issues. Emotional support animals provide comfort, a calming presence, and company. Additional benefits may be reduced anxiety, decreased stress, improved physical health, increased emotional well-being, and reciprocal care. For more information on the difference between emotional, service, and therapy animals visit, Service Dog Certifications.
Approval for ESAs at UCSB
To have an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) or Service Animal in your private residence for your family you must register them through the University and Community Housing Services Office (UCHS) with medical accommodation information. Cristina Martinez ([email protected]) is our contact in UCHS for this process.
Non-registered ESAs such as cats or dogs ARE NOT ALLOWED. Those with non-registered animals are subject to the housing student conduct process which may result in the removal of pet or housing contract cancellation. Additionally, if ESA owners do not follow the ESA guidelines, this same housing conduct process and sanctions may apply as well.
Non-registered ESAs such as cats or dogs ARE NOT ALLOWED. Those with non-registered animals are subject to the housing student conduct process which may result in the removal of pet or housing contract cancellation. Additionally, if ESA owners do not follow the ESA guidelines, this same housing conduct process and sanctions may apply as well.
UCSB does not allow pets on campus property except what is listed in our FSH policy (such as aquarium fish in tanks not exceeding 30 gallons and small caged animals such as hamsters, guinea pigs, turtles, rabbits and small birds).
Legal Protections for ESAs
While emotional support animals do not have access to all public areas, they are protected by law. The legal protections for emotional support animals are ESAs can fly with a person who has an emotional or psychological disability. Also, owners and their ESAs can qualify for no-pet housing with proper application and documentation approval processes.
SAFETY & RESPONSIBILITIES
Protect drivers and maintenance staffDogs are one of the most basic hazards that UPS drivers face. Please be mindful of all delivery drivers when they are dropping off packages. If your apartment door is open, please make sure that ESAs do not run towards the delivery staff. If your ESA does not respond to commands, we encourage residents to keep doors closed to keep animals inside. Maintenance and Operations staff know which units have registered ESAs to schedule appointments with for maintenance related issues/inspections. But ESA owners must support the all persons who may come in contact with the animal.
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ESAs and Communal Spaces
ESAs cannot enter Community Centers, Laundry Rooms, or Study Spaces. ESAs are to either be in the private residence or outside with a leash on, but cannot enter any UCSB public buildings. ESAs can only enter public buildings if approved through the Disabled Student Program. |
DOGS MUST BE ON A LEASH
AT ALL TIMES |
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Diseases transmitted to humans from animal wasteZoonoses—diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans—may be bacterial, viral, or parasitic in etiology. In addition to direct contact, other ways that humans can become infected with zoonotic diseases include contact with infected saliva, aerosol-mediated transmission, and exposure to contaminated urine and feces. Some diseases are: rabies, septicemia, staphylococcus, salmonella, scabies,
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REMINDER:
ESAs CANNOT BE OFF LEASH IN BACKYARD QUAD AREAS, COMMUNITY GARDENS, RESTORED WETLAND AREAS, PLAYGROUNDS, AND BASKETBALL COURTS.
Dog Beaches and Other Options
Of the three-dozen beaches in Santa Barbara and surrounding communities, there are three beaches that provide off-leash freedom - Arroyo Burro Beach, Shoreline State Park, and Thousand Steps. Bordered by dramatic bluffs, Arroyo Burro, also called Hendry’s, is wide and flat, giving dogs free rein to play fetch and splash in the waves. Other dog off-leash parks listed. |