Emotional Support Animal Laws - a Complete Guide
You are interested in learning what an Emotional Support Animal is. There isn't really a big definition that defines what an ESA is. It's typically a pet that you already own that has been given a title by a qualified mental health physician. Emotional Support Animals are usually a companion that helps you with anxiety, depression and other mental health symptoms. They can also cure your feelings of loneliness and go on outings with you. But there are a few laws and rules you need to follow and recognize while having an ESA. They are very important to adhere to for the safety of you and your pet. This will be a complete guide on owning an ESA. Let's start by figuring out how you can qualify for an ESA letter.
Do I Qualify For an ESA Letter?
Initially the first step in finding out if you qualify for an ESA letter. Is to get an evaluation, to see if you and your pet qualify to receive an ESA letter. The fun thing about Emotional Support Animals, is that the type of animal can vary. It all depends on if your furry friend is able to provide you with emotional support. This is very important because you want your pet to be able to assist you when you are feeling down or struggling with a mental health disability. The mental health physician will look at this and determine whether you qualify for an ESA letter. But fear not, the process to qualify for an ESA is quite simple. There are just a few steps to follow if you want to qualify for an ESA. Once you complete these steps you can receive a legitimate ESA letter. Pettable makes it so easy to get an evaluation online for an ESA letter. Pettable will also connect you with a verified mental health therapist in your state. The mental health therapist will evaluate you and determine whether or not you can receive an ESA letter. Pettable offers legitimate ESA services and can guarantee that your ESA letter will work, or you'll receive 100% of your money back.
In order to receive an Emotional Support Letter, you must have a consultation with a licensed mental health therapist and be experiencing any of these symptoms below.
- Depression
- PTSD
- Anxiety
- OCD
What are Some Emotional Support Animal Laws
Now that you have gotten evaluated, and you have qualified for an ESA letter, you may still have questions about the rules and laws regarding bringing your ESA. The laws can be based on the state you are in and the facility you are trying to bring your ESA in. Let's go through a few laws here so that you're prepared to take your Emotional Support Animal with you everywhere as long as you are able to.
The Fair Housing Act (FHA)
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Mental Health Advocates and Mental Health Professionals have done many years of research and have found out that there are many benefits for people with mental health disabilities who have assistive animals. The Fair Housing Act protects the rights of people with disabilities. They allow people moving into no pet housing to bring their pets with them. Even when the landlord's policy explicitly prohibits animals from being on their properties. This is because The Fair Housing Act recognizes that pets are not just pets, but they are assistive animals that help their owners well being.
State Laws
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There are many states that have their own set of rules that protect ESA owners when it comes to housing. The rules are similar to the federal FHA rules and they have almost the same protections and requirements. States such as Florida, New York and California have their own rules but still follow the FHA rules and regulations.
Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA)
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In 1986 Congress passed the Air Carrier Access Act. Under the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) a service animal is any animal that is individually trained or able to provide assistance to a person with a disability. Also any animal that provides emotional support assistance to the person with the disability is covered under the Act. You may need to provide an ESA letter in order to fly with your Emotional Support Animal. Some domestic and international airlines will allow your ESA to board the cabin for free. Check with the airline you are flying with to see if you have to pay any fees for your ESA.
If you have any concerns or questions, contact Pettable to help you with them. Click here for some of the best Emotional Support Animal letter services.
What Can I Do With My Emotional Support Animal?
Technically you can do whatever you like with your ESA. It is a pet that is also your friend or companion. You should be able to take your ESA with you to most places. But be careful assuming that your ESA is allowed with you everywhere. It is not considered a service animal so some public places may not allow you to bring your Emotional Support Animal with you inside their facilities. But remember there are laws that allow your pet to be in no pet housing with you and to also bring your pet on the plane with you. If you are in college check with your university to see their rules on Emotional Support Animals. They may accommodate you if you have a legitimate ESA letter. Be careful bringing your ESA to class with you because they may distract other students or cause allergic reactions. Just check with your university to see if it is allowed. Please note that most hotels and Airbnbs are not required to allow emotional support animals to stay with you. ESAs also may not be allowed in stores, they do not have the same rights as psychiatric service dogs and the business can refuse your ESA. There are also no laws that mandate workplaces to allow you to bring your ESA with you. Be careful bringing your ESA to work.
Sources:
“HUD.gov / U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).” Hud.gov, 2018, www.hud.gov/program_offices/fair_housing_equal_opp/assistance_animals.
How To Get an ESA Evaluation Online
Here are the steps to qualify for an Emotional Support Letter and get an ESA evaluation:
- Click the link here to start your evaluation on Pettable
- Answer the screening questions
- If you are under the age of 18 a guardian needs to be the point of contact with your mental health professional
- Take a 3-minute quiz to match you with the right therapist
- Have your phone consultation with a licensed mental health professional in your state
- Receive your ESA letter within 24 hours
- Pettable promises Money Back Guarantee, 100% refund
FAQs About Getting An Emotional Support Letter Online
Below are a few frequently asked questions about emotional support animals and how you can obtain an ESA letter online.
Is it hard to get an emotional support animal letter?
Actually, the process is quite easy, but you want to make sure you look out for scams. Pettable has been recommended by Newsweek, Thrillist, Abc News, and CBS. Click here to learn more about getting an emotional support animal and ESA letters.
Can I use my ESA letter when I move into my apartment?
Once you get a legitimate ESA letter, you can speak with the landlord about bringing your furry friend along with you to your next apartment. The FHA has made laws, so people can't discriminate against you for having an ESA according to this emotional support animal letter for housing guide.
Can I get an ESA in any state?
The Fair Housing Act allows you to use your ESA for housing in every state. This includes Rentals, Co-Ops, and condominiums.