Emotional support animals more common on campus

The benefits of assistive animals for people with physical disabilities have long been recognized by health professionals, but recent research suggests people with mental health issues also can benefit from animal assistance.

Emotional support animals can be found in residence halls on college campuses across the country. There is evidence that these animals help alleviate anxiety and depression, but they’re not the same as trained service dogs. 

Ryan McCombs, director of Purdue University Fort Wayne’s Disability Access Center, says his office receives 20 to 30 student requests for emotional support animals every semester. His office approves about 90% of them.

Read the story in The Journal Gazette. (subscription required)