Service Animals
What is an ESA?
Emotional Support Animals (ESA) are animals that provide comfort and support to individuals with emotional or mental disabilities. Unlike service animals, ESAs do not have to be trained to perform specific tasks related to a person's disability, they are typically chosen based on their ability to provide emotional comfort and support to the person.
To certify an animal as an ESA, a person must have a letter from a licensed mental health professional (such as a therapist, psychologist, or psychiatrist) stating that the animal provides emotional support that is necessary for the person's mental well-being. This letter is sometimes called an "ESA letter".
ESA laws are not as clear as Service Animal laws. However, under the Federal Fair Housing Act (FHA) and the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) ESA animals are protected and allowed to live with their owners in housing or travel with their owners in the cabin of an airplane at no extra cost. But it is important to note that these laws apply only to housing and air travel, not all public places.
It is important to note that even with the letter from a licensed mental health professional, some landlords or airlines may not allow emotional support animals due to their own policies.
Lastly, it’s worth noting that some people try to take advantage of these laws and falsely claim that their pet is a service animal or emotional support animal. It’s considered a federal crime to fraudulently represent oneself as a service animal user and can lead to fines or imprisonment.
In summary, Emotional Support Animals (ESA) provide comfort and support to individuals with emotional or mental disabilities. To certify an animal as an ESA, a person must have a letter from a licensed mental health professional stating that the animal is necessary for the person's mental well-being. Under the Federal Fair Housing Act (FHA) and the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) ESA animals are protected and allowed to live with their owners in housing or travel with their owners in the cabin of an airplane at no extra cost.
