What is an Emotional Support Animal?

 

An emotional support animal (ESA), or simply "support animal", is a companion animal that a medical/ mental health professional has determined provides benefit for an individual with a psychological disability. They are typically dogs, but sometimes cats or other animals, that may be used by people with a range of physical, psychiatric, or intellectual disabilities. 

 

It is important to know that in the United States, in order to be prescribed an ESA the person seeking such an animal must have a verifiable disability.

 

To be afforded protection under United States federal law, a person must meet the federal definition of disability and must have a prescription letter from a mental health professional stating that the person has that disability and that the emotional support animal provides a benefit for the individual with the disability. 

 

It is also important to know that an animal does not need specific training to become an emotional support animal. 

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In the United States, individuals with prescribed Emotional Support Animals are protected under two laws. These are:

 

- The Fair Housing Act Laws protect your rights in having your Emotional Support Animal in a NO-pet Policy or Breed-Restricted Housing and/or College Campuses (Dorms) without paying any Pet-fees and/or deposits.

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- The Air Carrier Access Act Laws protect your rights in having your Emotional Support Animal on-board an airplane without being forced to pay any additional Pet-fees.

 

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Contact Dr. Nasha Solis today for more information about Emotional Support Animals and ESA Evaluations. 

 

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