An Emotional Support Animal (ESA) is an animal that serves as a therapeutic support to anyone that has a diagnosable psychiatric condition such as anxiety or depression. ESA’s are typically dogs or cats. ESA’s are expected to be trained and well-behaved like any ordinary house pet, but they don’t need to be specially trained like other service dogs.
To have your animal qualify as an ESA, you need a letter from a licensed mental health professional stating that an ESA is needed to support your mental health. ESA letters give people with psychiatric diagnoses specific legal rights protected by federal laws. This includes benefits for you and your ESA during airplane travel and the right to have your ESA in your home even when there is “a no pet” policy in place.
Many people choose to exercise their federal right to have an ESA serve as their companion - particularly when they need support flying on a plane or moving into a building that restricts animals.
To learn if you are a good fit for an Emotional Support Animal (ESA), schedule a consultation.