ESA & SERVICE ANIMALS

The Official “Pet” Policy at Flamingo Crossings Village

Flamingo Crossings Village’s official policy states: “Flamingo Crossings Village does not allow pets.”

That is a policy that doesn’t tell the full story. If you walk around Flamingo Crossings Village, you’ll see dogs, cats, and other animals throughout the community. That’s because while pets are not allowed, both Service Animals and Emotional Support Animals are allowed. 

Let’s talk about what you need to know if you;

      • are bringing a qualified Service Animal or ESA, and;
      • might be living or not living in an apartment with a service animal or ESA.
Welcome to our bedroom.

IMPORTANT

The default is that you could be assigned an apartment with an “Animal”.  Many people miss that and assume that Flamingo would need to ask if you’re okay with that option – that’s not the way it works. Flamingo assumes that everyone is fine living with a dog, cat or “other*”, even in a shared bedroom 2×2.

If you don’t want to live with a “pet” you need to check the ACCOMMODATION box during DROMS Registration and email Flamingo.

*Other – remember that an “Emotional Service Animal” isn’t limited to a dog or cat. Rabbits, Hamsters, Guinea Pigs and “others” are Flamingo residents.

If You're Bringing a Service Animal or ESA to Your Program

1

During DORMS Registration

You MUST indicate your need for an accommodation during DORMS registration. Select "yes" under the "accommodation needed" section.

According to Disney College Program Support: "A member of the Flamingo Crossings Village team will contact you within four weeks of your arrival date regarding your request."

If your need arises after completing DORMS registration, contact Flamingo Crossings Village at [email protected] (monitored Monday-Friday during normal business hours, excluding holidays).

Important: Bringing a Service Animal or ESA does NOT guarantee you a 4x2 or 4x4 apartment. Room assignments are based on multiple factors and availability.
2

If Bringing a Service Animal (not an ESA) You Also Need follow the Disney Medical Accommodations Process

A Disney Medical Accommodation will ensure you're placed in a role that:

  • Accommodates your disability
  • Accommodates your Service Animal (if applicable)

For more information, visit:
https://support.disneyprograms.com/hc/en-us/articles/360004638992-I-need-to-request-a-medical-accommodation-for-work

The Reality of Having an Animal at the DCP: What You Need to Consider

Service Animals

Service Animals are with you 24/7, doing their job as you do yours. Disney will work with you to accommodate your Service Animal in the workplace because this is required under the ADA. Since the service dog is with you all the time, you don't have to worry about long shifts or being apart from each other for extended periods.

Emotional Support Animals (ESAs)

ESAs ARE NOT Service Animals and therefore they CANNOT come to work with you. Disney has no legal obligation to allow ESAs in the workplace under the ADA, and they do not allow ESAs in Cast Member work areas.

What this means in practice:

Your shifts may be long, and you need to add commuting time. You might be away from your ESA for extended periods. This is where there is a big difference between a dog and a cat as an ESA. Cats (and some other animals) can be self sufficient. Plain and simple --Dogs don't have a litter box. Consider that you might be assigned 10 hours shifts (or longer) and you might need to leave 90 minutes before your shift and won't be home for an hour after. That's 12.5 hours that a dog could be sitting in your apartment bedroom, waiting not only for a potty break, but for some companionship.

The Roommate Coordination Challenge

It sounds like a reasonable request - to ask your roomates to share the responsibility of caring for your ESA, and it can often work out. YOU CANNOT ASSUME THAT YOU'LL HAVE HELP CARING FOR YOUR ESA. It's your animal. Your responsibility.

Questions to Ask Yourself Before Bringing an ESA

1. Can my animal handle being alone for 10-12 hours at a time, multiple days in a row?
2. If I have a dog, can I realistically manage early morning/late night bathroom breaks around long shifts?
3. Am I prepared to handle 100% of the animal care myself without counting on roommates?
4. What happens if my animal gets sick or needs emergency vet care? If your ESA needs to go to the vet during your shift, that could mean calling in sick to work, which results in an attendance point.
5. Can I afford veterinary care, food, and supplies in addition to my other expenses?
6. What's my backup plan if roommate conflicts arise over the animal?
7. Am I prepared to be financially responsible for any damage my ESA causes to the apartment?
8. What happens if my ESA's barking or behavior disturbs other residents? Flamingo Crossings Village may revoke permission to have the ESA if it causes disturbances, and you'd need to arrange for the animal to be sent home.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

Do you have additional questions or helpful information about Service Animals or bringing an ESA that you think could help others.  Please let Navigator know.  We’d love to include your input.     CONTACT US

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