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Kean University Emotional Support Animal Guidelines for Residential Students

Kean University follows the most recent guidance from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) regarding emotional support animals (ESA). In accordance with HUD and the Fair Housing Act (FHA), Kean University has created the following guidelines for ESAs in the residence halls.

Definition of Emotional Support Animal (ESA)

An emotional support animal is one that is necessary to afford the person with a disability an equal opportunity to use and enjoy University housing.  An ESA may provide physical assistance, emotional support, calming, stability, and other kinds of assistance.  ESAs do not perform work or tasks that would qualify them as a “Service Animal” under Americans with Disabilities Act.

ESA Approval

Students who wish to explore bringing an ESA to live with them in their Kean housing are required to contact the Office of Accessibility Services (OAS) to learn what information must be submitted to the University’s OAS in order to request approval.  All information will be reviewed by OAS, with input from the Office of Residential Student Services (RSS) staff.

Student Responsibilities

  1.  ESAs must be owned, managed and controlled only by the student who has been approved to keep the ESA.
  1. Student must be in full control of the animal at all times. The animal must be within six (6) feet of student’s person at all times while on University property and outside of student’s room.
  1. The animal is expected to be well behaved (not jumping, nipping, snarling or barking) while in the presence of other people.
  1. ESAs must be transported in an animal carrier or controlled by leash or harness at all times outside of the student’s room.
  1. The student is financially responsible for the actions of the approved ESA, including but not limited to any actions resulting in bodily injury and/or property damage. Students with approved ESAs must take appropriate precautions to prevent injury and property damage.  Any damage requiring maintenance above and beyond the RSS normal maintenance cleaning and any other damage to Kean University property caused by the animal will be charged to the student’s Kean University account.
  1. At all times, the cost of care and maintenance of the health and well-being of the ESA are the sole responsibility of the student. The animal must have an annual examination from a licensed veterinarian and be deemed in good health. The student must provide documentation of the ESAs compliance with all relevant state and local ordinances regarding animal ownership, vaccinations and proper licensure.
  1. The student is responsible for properly containing and disposing of all animal waste.  Indoor animal waste must be placed in a sturdy plastic bag and tied securely before being disposed of in a designated receptacle.  Outdoor animal waste, such as dog feces, must be immediately retrieved by the resident, placed in a plastic bag and securely tied before being disposed of in a designated receptacle.
  1. Animals may only be walked by the student owner in the designated relief area.  No party other than the student is permitted to walk, supervise or control the Animal. Student is responsible for discouraging others from petting, feeding, walking or deliberately startling the animal.
  1. Animals must wear an owner identification tag (which includes the name and phone number of the owner) and a current rabies vaccination tag at all times.
  1. The student will provide OAS and RSS with contact information for a person who can be contacted in the event of an emergency or if the student is unable to care for the ESA at any time.  Current Kean University residents or staff members are not appropriate choices for an emergency contact and will not be permitted.
  1. The student is solely responsible for the health and safety of the animal.  Student is responsible to ensure the animal is kept clean (regular bathing and grooming).  If animal neglect of any kind is suspected, OAS or RSS will contact the student and Kean University Police.  The animal should not be left alone in the unit for unreasonably long periods of time.

Removal of ESA

  1. ESAs shall be removed from Kean University premises if:
    • the ESA bites or displays vicious behavior towards other students, staff, or guests;
    • the ESA is uncontrolled, barking, howling, scratching furniture, excessive noise etc., and the handler does not take effective action to control it; or 
    • the ESA is not housebroken.
  1. If improper animal behavior occurs, the student may be asked to remove the animal from the residence hall within 24 hours.  The animal may not return to the residence hall unless approved by RSS/OAS and then only if the student can demonstrate that s/he has taken significant steps to mitigate the behavior.