Anxiety and depression among college students have become a growing problem. Students often come with these diagnoses.‘Emotional support animals’ are viewed by many as being important in assisting students with these issues as well as various disabilities.

    There is significant support for recognizing the therapeutic value of animals. The Fair Housing Act protects students with disabilities. The issue of requiring universities to allow such animals in student housing is somewhat of an open question. But universities do recognize the importance of such animals especially during exam times.

     Universities need to examine more the issue of dogs and cats in university housing as a means of addressing the mental health issues of their students.

“Dogs, Stress and College Life,” (Oct. 5, 2015)