Human Resources

Service Animals and Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) Policies

Policy

Definitions

  • Service Animal: A dog (or, in limited cases, a miniature horse) individually trained to perform tasks directly related to a person’s disability. Service animals are protected under the ADA and are allowed in the workplace as a reasonable accommodation.
  • Emotional Support Animal (ESA): An animal that provides emotional or psychological support but is not trained to perform specific tasks related to a disability. ESAs are not covered under the ADA and are not permitted in the workplace at Southwestern University.