Rabbits As Emotional Support Animals on College Campuses

As mental health care becomes a more recognized and accepted need for a large percentage of our population, the special loving care an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) can provide has become a valued, supportive treatment in helping people become stronger, healthier individuals in every aspect of their daily lives.

Although many kinds of animals, such as dogs and cats, can serve as ESAs, this post is going to focus upon the ways a rabbit can fulfill the role.

For many young adults heading off to college, rabbits are high on the list of preferred Emotional Support Animals. The college/university officials who determine the types of ESAs accepted on their campuses, recognize rabbits as being quiet, small of stature, able to be litter box trained, and are non-threatening towards other people. Students like them for those reasons, as well as the fact that they are warm, cuddly (depending upon the rabbit's temperament), can be taught to do tricks, have huge personalities in tiny bodies, and can truly become a loving friend and companion.

Throughout the school year, we receive requests from students seeking to be matched with an appropriate ESA and we are always happy to help, provided the student has gone through his/her school's process for acknowledging that the student's doctor or mental health care provider has "prescribed" an ESA as being beneficial to the student's health and well-being. The school must then make accommodations available for the student and Emotional Support Animal. This is made a requirement under federal law by the Fair Housing Act, which enables ESA owners to live with their assistance animal in their home, exempt from pet fees or restrictions.

There are additional steps to the process, which vary from campus to campus. Forms signed by veterinarians providing care to the animal are often required to confirm that the animal is in good health and is up-to-date on vaccinations (vaccinations are typically not needed for rabbits, but they would still need to be examined by a rabbit-knowledgeable veterinarian).

One of our clients, Scheiby E, who adopted Trinket (HCB's Cheerio - pictured above) shared with us a bit of the process she undertook to be prepared to have her Bun on campus with her.

"...I had to first have a meeting with my Student Disability Services (SDS) Advisor to present my doctor's note recommending an ESA, and make my case as to why I needed one. I filled out a form making the accommodations request, and downloaded a veterinarian form from the school. I had to have that filled out and submitted, then after that I got to register her with the school and wait for approval. Thankfully, it wasn't very difficult as my advisor was amazing and helped push it through and was available through it all. I also didn't have to worry about my case closing at any point while I waited for Trinket (to become available and ready to place with me.) Every year (which would be every winter for me) I have to re-register her with the school.

They (the campus' website) also have a list online of what is required of an ESA and its owner, such as behaviors and keeping spaces clean."

Do you feel that having Trinket has helped you personally?

"Definitely. Whenever I've been stressed I'll sit on the floor with her and spend (my) break training and interacting with her. Sometimes she wants my attention while I'm working so I'll take a break then, sometimes she wants to run around when I take a break so I sit and watch her. Trinket also helps me get up in the mornings for sure. I don't sleep in knowing that I have to give her breakfast and let her run around.

I have a habit of forgetting meals for myself, but I never forget Trinket's meals, so I've been using her breakfast and mealtimes as a reminder to feed myself as well. "

Working to match Scheiby with her Trinket was an incredibly rewarding experience. She did her research and was ready and willing to go the extra mile to be matched with a rabbit of just the temperament she was seeking. She accepted our advice and reasoning behind it, and was incredibly patient while waiting for her doe to be born and spend her first weeks of life with us until she was able to be placed with Scheiby. We love knowing that Trinket and Scheiby have each other's backs and that their loving bond of trust is helping them to be more confident with each passing day.

To learn more about ESAs, we strongly encourage interested readers to begin at www.pettable.com .

There is a wealth of information about Emotional Support Animals to be found on their site.

PS. Please enjoy the recent photos of Trinket, submitted by her Bun-Mom, Scheiby E.