Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) are animal companions that offer support to those suffering from emotional or mental health problems. Anyone who’s ever spent time with a dog knows just how soothing these furry friends can be! For some, ESAs make everyday life a little bit easier by letting them take this support with them as needed. ESAs are protected under certain laws which is good news for the people who rely on these pets. Keep reading to learn more about Emotional Support Animals.

 

About Emotional Support Animals

A lot of people are confusing Emotional Support Animals with service pets. Unlike service pets, Emotional Support Animals don’t require special training to be certified. They’re known as support animals because they provide a level of comfort and support to those who need it. While most ESAs are dogs, they can also be carts, birds, or even pigs!

 

In order to register your pet as an Emotional Support Animal, you need to have a note from a medical professional confirming this pet is necessary to treat your condition or emotional problem. Emotional Support Animals are used to treat things like anxiety, social disorders, and depression. There are some limitations in the laws surrounding ESAs, but they can be a great source of support for those who need them.

ESA Laws

The main laws protecting Emotional Support Animals are the Fair Housing Act and the Air Carrier Access Act. The Fair Housing Act simply means landlords cannot discriminate against people with ESA and they cannot deny housing to a verified ESA owner. Similarly, the Air Carrier Act means that with proper verification, airlines can’t refuse transportation to ESA animals for those who need it.

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Unfortunately, at this time ESAs are not covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This means businesses can choose to exclude Emotional Support Animals. While many businesses do recognize the importance of ESAs, not all do. Do hotels allow emotional support dogs? Many do, but you’ll need to speak with the particular hotel in advance to review their unique policy. In general, it’s important to carry the proper Emotional Support Animal verification to make it easier to get the support you need.

How to Register an Emotional Support Animal

There is no official registry of ESAs. In order to have a valid ESA, you need to have an Emotional Support Animal Letter from a medical professional. You can speak to your health provider about your options for treatment to see if an Emotional Support Animal is right for you. This letter will ensure you receive the proper coverage under the Fair Housing Act and the Air Carrier Access Act. Your pet does not need any formal training or qualifications to be an Emotional Support Animal.

The Right Emotional Support

Emotional Support Animals are becoming more popular as people recognize the positive benefits of pets. If you are limited by a disability or an emotional disorder, an Emotional Support Animal might be able to provide the right level of support you need on a daily basis. Having ESA certification means being able to live confidently with your pet. Talk to your doctor about whether an ESA is right for you!