The definition of an emotional support is:
Simply said an ESA is a pet that helps its owner destress and maintain calm while in their home. We have seen a huge increase in people having ESAs over the last few years.
Any animal can be used as an ESA, this can be seen from the wide verity of news stories people have heard about strange animals accompanying their humans on aircraft over the years. Thankfully most, if not all airlines have stopped this practice, as ESA have never had the right to accompany their owners outside the home, they are simply pets.
The reason for granting them a "legal" title was for the purpose of those that live in apartments or similar that do not normally allow for pets. Through the FHA (Federal Housing Administration) and HUD (Housing and Urban Development) specific rights have been granted to those having an ESA to be allowed within most pet free housing. As with most things there are exceptions such as it cannot have a detrimental financial cost to the building owner (insurance) and a few others. The legal title allows for the owner to bring in their ESA and blocks the building owner from charging pet fees or extra charges for the animal. However, the pet owner is still responsible for any damages the pet incurs.
The method for getting an ESA is simple. A letter must be gained from a health provider stating that the pet is needed as an ESA for the owner for whatever medical reason, this must be an ongoing relationship with the provider. Meaning the pet owner can't really doctor shop for this letter, and the building owner is allowed to contact that provider to ensure the letters authenticity. The pet owner must let their building manager know of the ESA and file for reasonable accommodations with them.
One of the most misunderstood concepts about ESAs is that they are not allowed the same public access as service dogs. They are simply pets that help their owners cope while at home.
Emotional support animals are companion animals who help their owners cope with the challenges associated with emotional and mental health conditions (such as depression and anxiety) by providing comfort with their presence. Unlike service and therapy dogs, emotional support animals are not expected to perform specific tasks related to their owner's condition, nor must they adhere to any behavior standards or training. Their presence alone is what is thought to provide their owner with solace and therapeutic benefit. Emotional support animals are not allowed in public places, except for air travel, which requires special documentation. The Fair Housing Act requires that most housing units accommodate emotional support animals with appropriate documentation.
Simply said an ESA is a pet that helps its owner destress and maintain calm while in their home. We have seen a huge increase in people having ESAs over the last few years.
Any animal can be used as an ESA, this can be seen from the wide verity of news stories people have heard about strange animals accompanying their humans on aircraft over the years. Thankfully most, if not all airlines have stopped this practice, as ESA have never had the right to accompany their owners outside the home, they are simply pets.
The reason for granting them a "legal" title was for the purpose of those that live in apartments or similar that do not normally allow for pets. Through the FHA (Federal Housing Administration) and HUD (Housing and Urban Development) specific rights have been granted to those having an ESA to be allowed within most pet free housing. As with most things there are exceptions such as it cannot have a detrimental financial cost to the building owner (insurance) and a few others. The legal title allows for the owner to bring in their ESA and blocks the building owner from charging pet fees or extra charges for the animal. However, the pet owner is still responsible for any damages the pet incurs.
The method for getting an ESA is simple. A letter must be gained from a health provider stating that the pet is needed as an ESA for the owner for whatever medical reason, this must be an ongoing relationship with the provider. Meaning the pet owner can't really doctor shop for this letter, and the building owner is allowed to contact that provider to ensure the letters authenticity. The pet owner must let their building manager know of the ESA and file for reasonable accommodations with them.
One of the most misunderstood concepts about ESAs is that they are not allowed the same public access as service dogs. They are simply pets that help their owners cope while at home.