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Emotional Support Dog Requirements
Are you confused when it comes to emotional support dog requirements? You’re not alone. There is a lot of information out there on this important subject, some of which is misleading or just plain false.
If you want to designate your dog as an emotional support dog (ESD), it’s important to understand all of the requirements, rules, and regulations.
In this post, we answer some of the most commonly asked questions about emotional support dogs/animals.
1. What is an emotional support dog?
An emotional support dog (ESD or emotional support animal, ESA) is a dog that is recommended by a licensed doctor, therapist, counselor, or social worker to help those that suffer from an emotional or mental health condition.
Emotional Support Dogs have rights that normal pets do not:
- An ESA has access to almost all types of housing regardless of no-pet policies. ESAs are protected under the Fair Housing Act so that they can live with their owners.
- Under this law, an ESA owner cannot be charged any fees for having an animal in their home.
2. Can I qualify for an emotional support dog?
You can qualify for an emotional support dog if you have an emotional or mental illness(es). If you suffer from one or more mental conditions listed below, you may qualify for an emotional support dog.
- Attention deficit disorder (ADD)
- Learning disorders
- Autism
- Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
- Gender dysphoria
- Bipolar disorder
- Cognitive disorders
- Depression
- Severe anxiety
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
It is up to a licensed healthcare professional to determine whether you have an eligible condition for owning an emotional support dog.
3. Emotional support dog training requirements
ESAs do not require specialized training, unlike service dogs, which require extensive training. Service dogs must perform specific tasks to aid in their handler’s disability.
While ESAs do not need any specialized training, they should still be well-behaved and under your control at all times. A landlord can kick out an emotional support dog if it is acting in an unsafe or destructive manner.
4. Emotional support dog registration requirements
Federal and state rules do not require you to register your emotional support dog. You also do not need a vest or ID card for your emotional support animal. Many ESA owners, however, choose to voluntarily register their animals and obtain ID cards and other accessories.
These items are helpful in buildings that normally don’t allow pets. They notified staff and other tenants that a legally protected assistance animal accompanies you. However, remember that your landlord can insist on seeing your ESA letter but not any other form of documentation.
5. Where to get an emotional support dog certificate
Many people think they need to obtain an ESA “certificate” to qualify their dog as an emotional support animal. They are often confusing a certificate with an ESA letter. You can obtain a certificate for your emotional support dog after getting an ESA letter, but a certificate alone will not qualify your dog as an ESA.
You must have an ESA letter from a licensed mental health professional confirming your need for an emotional support animal. An ESA letter should have the following:
- The ESA letter should be dated within one year of submission
- The ESA letter should be on your provider’s official letterhead
- The ESA letter should include the provider’s license number, date, and direct contact information
6. Emotional support dog vest options
Emotional support animals can live in “no-pets” apartments and condos without being charged rent or fees. An emotional support dog does not need to wear a special vest when on the premises.
However, some owners prefer to have one. The ESD vest is a great way to identify your canine as a legal assistance animal and will help prevent any confusion and questions you encounter from building staff and neighbors.
7. Can my ESD go into restaurants or markets with me?
No, emotional support dogs are not allowed in public places that prohibit pets. ESAs have rights under federal and state housing laws but not under the Americans with Disabilities Act. The only type of mental health assistance animal that has public access rights are psychiatric service dogs.
8. Are there breed or weight restrictions for emotional support dogs?
No, your emotional support dog can be of any size and breed. This rule even protects breeds that are commonly discriminated against, such as Pit Bulls or Dobermans. You can even have more than one emotional support animal if your therapist recommends it.
Emotional support dogs work
If you believe you or a loved one may benefit from an ESD, don’t hesitate to make an appointment with your mental health professional to start the process.
If you do not have access to a healthcare professional or are intimidated by the idea of reaching out for help, consider using an online service to get your ESA letter. ESA rules specifically allow for remote online providers to write ESA letters, so your letter will be just as valid as one obtained in person.
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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okay so I’m having some trouble at my new apartment complex with my dog. I have 2 pit bulls a male & a female. The male is only aggressive when he doesn’t know u like he would bark constantly. The female is super friendly once u just pet her. The thing is both of them are aggressive to other animals but that’s just nature. Dogs don’t like other dogs. So my female pit bit another chihuahua & the neighbor filed a whole police report & complained to the leasing office. I understand why she did it but now I don’t know if my dogs will be allowed with me even if they are emotional support animals. They aren’t aggressive to other people just other animals. Any help ??
The only way to help is to deal with this behavior through training. This aggression unfortunately could lead to even worse situations for you and the dogs (possibly even mandatory euthanasia which would be very tragic). I would suggest to look into hiring a trainer who has experience working with dog-on-dog aggression as soon as possible. This is really the only solution for the problem, so that regardless of where you live or go with your dogs, you won’t have any potential problems. If you are unable to afford a professional, then it will take a lot of work and research to learn how to train your dogs yourself. It can be done; https://www.whole-dog-journal.com/behavior/aggressive-dog-training-and-socialization/. You can find a lot of resources online and in books. I would say it is IMPERATIVE that you focus on re-socializing your dogs with other animals (particularly other dogs). You need to work on desensitizing, conditioning and training their behaviors slowly over time so that they will learn that by acting non-aggressively they will be rewarded. There is already a bias towards pit bulls and if yours continues acting aggressively, I am worried that it will only be a matter of time before you are forced to let them go. No dog deserves that, so we as their guardians need to take the necessary steps no matter how hard to ensure their safety in this world.
I’m the prez of a condominium HOA of over 200 units with outside pools and social areas with tables and chairs. Our association rules allow pets, however, our regs prohibit owners/residents from having their animals use or stay with him or her in the social areas. We DO permit pet owners to accompany their pets through the social areas when taking pets outside for walks, etc. When traveling to the outside, the animals must be carried or on lease in the building or social areas. One resident has been reprimanded in the past for allowing her pet to run freely in the social areas. She now claims to be obtaining an ESA letter from her doctor that will allow her take her (presumably) ESA dog into the social areas and stay with her (leashed or unleashed), but that her dog also is able to wander the social area without leash. The board of directors and I oppose this. My understanding of ESA guidelines is that she is not permitted to do this. Am I correct??
So like can ESA’s go in school because I have GAD (generalized anxiety disorder) so I would want to have my ESA with me at all times because my anxiety gets so bad.
Talk to your school what their policy on ESA’s are. Every school and college adopt their own rules. You may find this article on bringing emotional support animals to school interesting https://www.servicedogcertifications.org/emotional-support-animal-school/
Does it cost anything to register an ESA dog?
Can I take my ESA dog to work where dogs are not allowed?
In order to get an ESA, you would need an ESA letter, issued by a licensed healthcare professional. This letter can be written by your therapist (if you have one) or through a legitimate online provider where you will be connected with a therapist licensed in your state. They will assess your need for an ESA thru telemedicine sessions. That will cost around $150.
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/ .
If you can take your ESA to work is up to your employer. Best to ask your HR department about their pet policies.
I’m doing research for a ESD because my dog Bridget is a well trained dog and gets me through the day with my anxiety and some other problems. I’m 14 now and understand most of the requirements but I don’t know if they’re any age requirements. I’ve talked about this topic with my mom and she said it’s a great idea to try to get Bridget to be my ESD but never really got anywhere else with the topic, only talking about it.
Ava, I’m also 14 and in the same boat. My dog Goldie helps me with depression and anxiety, among other things. I don’t mean to be hostile at all, this is purely out of curiosity, but have you been diagnosed by a psychiatrist? Thanks
my landlord wont let me have pets. so how can i get a dog without having the papers for an esa dog? I would also need one to adopt a dog?
You may consider speaking to a doctor or therapist to see if you qualify for an emotional support animal. If you are approved, they will issue an ESA letter for you that allows you to keep a pet in housing with no-pets policies. Then you can adopt an animal that suits your needs best. You may find this article on how to qualify for an ESA interesting https://www.servicedogcertifications.org/how-to-qualify-for-an-emotional-support-animal/
My daughter has been diagnosed with ADHD and depression she is fourteen can she own an ESA?
Yes, an ESA can support adults and children. You may find this article on how to qualify for an ESA interesting – https://www.servicedogcertifications.org/how-to-qualify-for-an-emotional-support-animal/
My son has emotional problems and we got him an emotional assistance dog. Sometimes he’s not up to walking the dog. Is it ok if I walk the dog by law?
Yes, that is perfectly fine. Emotional Support Dogs do not need to be with their owner 24/7. In a matter of fact, as ESAs don’t have universal access rights, there are times the dog will be apart from its owner anyway. As long as the ESA is approved by your son’s healthcare provider, has valid documentation, and can provide comfort to your son in times of need, you’re fine. You may find this article on Emotional Support Animal Laws interesting https://www.servicedogcertifications.org/emotional-support-animal-laws/
I’d a esa still allowed to be a normal dog when home and play if still close by?
Sure, an emotional support animal is not specifically trained and on duty like a service dog. The playfulness of the ESA might actually help their owner overcome the hardships of their disability. However, it should not turn into rowdiness and scare or endanger other people. Depending on your living situation, if your dog gets overexcited, it might become a concern for your landlord. You may find this article on landlord’s right for emotional support animals interesting https://www.servicedogcertifications.org/landlord-rights-emotional-support-animals/