CMC Student Policy Regarding Animals
Animals/Pets
CMC seeks to create a living and learning environment for students that is conducive to development, interaction, and a healthy well-being for all students living in a communal space. No pets or animals, other than fish in a maximum of one, 10-gallon tank per student are allowed in student rooms. Animals/pets other than fish constitute a violation of the Residence Hall License Agreement which all CMC students sign upon entering CMC. Possession of an unapproved animal on campus may result in disciplinary action through the CMC student conduct process and possible removal of the animal from campus.
Service & Emotional Support Animals
CMC will permit service animals and emotional support animals in on-campus housing as a reasonable accommodation through the process described below.
Some CMC students with disabilities may be prescribed and/or require the use of a service animal or an emotional support animal. Determination of whether an emotional support animal will be permitted in on-campus housing is made on a case-by-case basis, through an interactive process involving the individual requesting the accommodation and relevant campus personnel. In all cases, the needs of the individual are balanced with the impact of an animal on other campus residents, members of the CMC community and visitors. A student who requires a service animal does not require Approval from the College.
Service Animals
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, a service animal is defined as a dog, or in some cases a miniature horse, that has been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability. The task(s) performed by the animal must be directly related to the person’s disability. Animals whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals.
False representation of a service animal is a violation of California Penal Code 365.7. A student found to have falsely represented a service animal will be in violation of the CMC Student Code of Conduct and will face disciplinary action through the student conduct process and possible removal of the animal from campus.
Emotional Support Animals (ESA)
Under the Fair Housing Act (FHA) and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) is an animal that provides emotional support that alleviates one or more identified symptoms or effects of a person’s qualified disability. ESAs are not pets and are not considered service animals under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA); rather, they are animals that have been prescribed to provide necessary support or companionship to a person with a qualifying disability.
Process for Requesting an ESA
A qualified student with a disability, (i.e., has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities) who is requesting an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) should request a meeting with the Assistant Dean of Students for Disability Services & Academic Success. The student shall provide a completed Request for Accommodations Form and supporting documentation explaining how the animal will be necessary to offer the student equal opportunity to access and enjoy Claremont McKenna College on-campus housing in a way that would not otherwise be possible. A student is not permitted to live with an ESA on campus until given written approval by the Assistant Dean of Students for Disability Services & Academic Success.
Handler’s Responsibilities in CMC On-Campus Housing
Handlers are responsible for their service animal or emotional support animal at all times.
All Handlers are required annually to provide documentation that their animal complies with all local laws pertaining animal licensing & registration, vaccinations, and owner identification. A vaccination certificate or letter indicating an up-to-date rabies vaccination from your veterinary health provider will be required. See the Claremont Municipal Code for current local laws.
Removal of Approved Animal
A handler may be required to remove their service animal or ESA if there is a violation of College policy.
Resources for Animal Handlers
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