Emotional support animals are a lifelong responsibility

#MiddleburyCT #EmotionalSupportAnimals

DEAR PAW’S CORNER: I am wondering how I can get an emotional support animal. I noticed a woman in the local pharmacy today whose dog wore a harness with “ESA” printed on it. Is there an organization that supplies these animals to people who need them? – Curious in Daytona Beach

DEAR CURIOUS: You’ll find many websites offering ESA certifications or advice on getting an ESA prescription from your doctor. But there is no single organization for ESAs, and there is not one group I know of that supplies them on request (certainly none that I would recommend).

At this time, the way to “get” an emotional support animal is to adopt or purchase a pet. You are solely responsible for the care and training of this animal – dog, cat, rabbit or bird. It’s part of your family. From there, you can designate your pet as an ESA by doing the following: Ask your doctor or mental health professional for a letter stating that the presence of your pet is needed for your emotional health.

That’s it. That’s all that is needed to designate a pet as an ESA.

Now, keep in mind that an emotional support animal does not qualify for the same considerations as a service animal. While many stores allow ESAs on the premises (leashed and well-behaved), other businesses do not. Airlines will not accommodate them, for example.

The advantage of an ESA designation/prescription is in housing. Properties must waive pet restrictions and fees for owners of emotional support animals, under the Fair Housing Act.

The American Kennel Club has a more detailed article explaining the difference between ESAs and service animals here: www.akc.org/expert-advice/news/everything-about-emotional-support-animals.

Do you have an emotional support animal? Tell us about your experience at ask@pawscorner.com.

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