An Emotional Support Animal (ESA) is an animal that provides a therapeutic benefit (e.g., emotional support, comfort, companionship) to a person with a mental health or psychiatric disability (such as a serious mental health condition). An ESA is not considered a Service Animal, but under U.S. law, an emotional support animal is also not considered a pet and is generally not restricted by the type of animal. Any domesticated animal may be considered as an ESA (e.g., cats, dogs, mice, rabbits, birds, hedgehogs, rats, minipigs, ferrets, etc.) and they can be any age. However, an ESA must be manageable in public and must not create a nuisance.
WHAT IS AN ESA LETTER?
An Emotional Support Animal Letter (ESA letter) is like a golden ticket affirming your mental health diagnosis and the crucial role of your furry companion in your wellness journey. Think of it as a doctor's note prescribing cuddles and wagging tails! Remember, only an ESA letter from a licensed healthcare professional is valid!
DO I QUALIFY FOR AN ESA?
To qualify for an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) and secure an emotional support animal letter, you will first have to undergo an evaluation conducted by a licensed mental health professional. This assessment aims to determine whether or not you have a recognized emotional disability that could positively benefit from an ESA. Below is a list of mental/ emotional health conditions that may qualify you for an ESA letter:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- PTSD
- ADHD
- Autism
- OCD
- Phobias
- Panic Attacks
- Bipolar Disorder
- Eating Disorders
- Personality Disorders
- Acute Stress Disorder
RENTING WITH YOUR ESA?
Fair Housing Act (FHA) is a federal law that prevents discrimination against tenants in their homes. One type of prohibited discrimination is refusing to provide reasonable accommodations to a person with a disability. A reasonable accommodation in this case is a change in how a dwelling is normally run to allow a person with a mental heath condition or disability to fully enjoy their housing. This includes permitting an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) in a “no pets” building.
AIR TRAVEL WITH YOUR ESA:
The United States Department of Transportation (DOT) gives airlines the green light to treat an Emotional Support Animal the same as a regular pet instead of an assistance animal. Each airline holds the power to decide on their individual animal policies. So be sure to check different airlines to find animal polices that work for you before traveling.
