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How to Qualify for An Emotional Support Animal
Overview
If you have an emotional disability, you can legally qualify for an ESA, short for an emotional support animal. You must have documentation of an emotional or mental disability from a psychologist, therapist, psychiatrist, or other duly licensed and/or certified mental health professional. This certification should be a formal and appropriately formatted letter, known as an ESA Letter.
To qualify for an Emotional Support Animal, your ESA letter must be written on the mental health professional’s letterhead, including their license type, date of the license, license number, the state of the license, and the date the letter was written.
What the Letter Must Contain
Your ESA letter must contain some details which will inform your landlord that:
- You are a current patient of the signing mental health professional
- You have a mental disability that is covered by the Fair Housing Act
- Your disability substantially limits you in performing or participating in at least one major life activity
- An Emotional Support Animal is an integral part of relieving symptoms of your current condition
It is recommended that the ESA letter be no older than a year.
What Disorders Qualify You as An Emotional Support Animal Owner
Some conditions that qualify for an ESA letter include:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- PTSD
- Panic Disorders
- Learning disorders
- Attention Deficit Disorder
- Tourette’s syndrome and tic disorders
- Motor skill disorders
- Bipolar disorder
- Dysphorias and dysmorphias
Emotional Support Animal Training
Unlike service animals, ESAs are not required to be trained to perform a service for their handlers. Your current pet may already be serving as your emotional support animal. To achieve official recognition, however, you must have an ESA letter from a licensed mental health professional.
See if you qualify for an Emotional Support Animal letter by clicking the link below.
About the Author: The writing team at Service Dog Certifications is made up of folks who really know their stuff when it comes to disability laws and assistance animals. Many of our writers and editors have service dogs themselves and share insights from their own experiences. All of us have a passion for disability rights and animals.
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I have been told that I have anxiety, although I struggle more with social anxiety, and often get anxiety attacks. Do I qualify to get an esa?
You may talk to your doctor or therapist if the severity of your disorders qualifies for an ESA. If they agree, they may issue an ESA letter. You may find this article on how to get an ESA letter interesting – https://www.servicedogcertifications.org/how-to-get-an-emotional-support-dog-letter/
Can my cockatiel be an esa? Also would an eating disorder and severe depression qualify me for and esa
You may qualify for an ESA. Talk to a licensed medical health professional who is licensed in your state of residence. They will assess if you benefit from your cockatiel to be your ESA. If agreed, they will issue an ESA letter. You may find this article on how to get an ESA letter interesting: https://www.servicedogcertifications.org/how-to-get-an-emotional-support-dog-letter/
❗️TW❗️I self harm but I do not c$t myself I more like bash my head on objects and I also punch myself wich leaves bruises and a sense of vulnerability. I think a esa would really help Because the dog my mom Owns whenever I hurt myself the dog will comfort me but it is not trained and it’s not always gonna comfort me when I need it
can you get an esa lizard?
Yes, a lizard can indeed be an ESA. Any animal can become their handler’s ESA if it provided the owner with comfort and support in times of need. If you’re wondering how to qualify for an ESA you may find this article helpful https://www.servicedogcertifications.org/how-to-qualify-for-an-emotional-support-animal/
No the ada says only dogs cats and small horses
Vi,
You are correct about dogs and mini horses, but that is for “service animals.” “Emotional support animals” (ESA) are under a different category that includes a wider range of animals allowed.