Emotional Support Dogs — What to Know About Certification, Public Access and How to Get One

As mental health awareness grows, more people turn to emotional support animals (ESAs) for comfort and companionship. Emotional support dogs, in particular, have become increasingly popular due to their loyalty, love, and ability to offer emotional support to their owners.

If you’re considering getting an emotional support dog, you may have many questions about certification, public access, and how to obtain one. This article will provide you with everything you need about emotional support dogs, including their benefits, certification process, public access rights, and how to get one.

Hook: “Did you know that emotional support dogs are not considered service animals under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)?”

What are Emotional Support Dogs?

Emotional support dogs provide emotional support and comfort to individuals suffering from emotional or mental disabilities. These disabilities may include anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other mental health conditions.

Unlike service dogs, emotional support dogs do not have any specific training to perform tasks that assist individuals with disabilities. Instead, they provide emotional support through their presence and companionship. Emotional support dogs can be any breed or size, and their primary function is to provide comfort and support to their owners.

Certification Process for Emotional Support Dogs

Unlike service dogs, emotional support dogs do not require any specific certification or training. However, to qualify for an emotional support dog, you must have a diagnosed emotional or mental disability.

To obtain an emotional support dog, you must first have a letter from a licensed mental health professional, such as a therapist, psychiatrist, or psychologist. This letter must state that you have a diagnosed emotional or mental disability and that having an emotional support dog would provide therapeutic benefits.

Once you have the letter, register your emotional support dog with an online registry or organization. This registry will provide you with an emotional support dog certification, which you can use to prove that your dog is an emotional support animal.

Public Access Rights for Emotional Support Dogs

Emotional support dogs are not considered service animals under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). As a result, emotional support dogs do not have the same public access rights as service dogs.

However, emotional support dogs are protected under the Fair Housing Act (FHA). This means landlords and property managers must make reasonable accommodations for individuals with emotional support dogs, even if the property has a “no pets” policy.

In addition, emotional support dogs are also allowed to accompany their owners on airplanes under the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA). This act requires airlines to allow emotional support dogs on flights if they meet specific requirements, such as being well-behaved and not causing a disturbance.

Conclusion

Emotional support dogs can be valuable for individuals with emotional or mental disabilities. While they do not have the same public access rights as service dogs, they are protected under the Fair Housing Act and the Air Carrier Access Act.

If you’re considering getting an emotional support dog, obtain a letter from a licensed mental health professional, register your dog with an online registry, and familiarize yourself with the laws and regulations surrounding emotional support dogs. With proper certification and training, emotional support dogs can provide a sense of comfort, love, and support to their owners.