There are many people who own emotional support animals. The main reason they own these animals is because they provide them with comfort and support. However, there are many people who would like to get an emotional support animal but are unable to because they are worried about the requirements of owning an emotional support animal. This article will cover what is required in order to obtain an emotional support animal, as well as the things that you need to do in order to keep your emotional support animal for life.
We help people get the proper documentation to make their pet an official Emotional Support Animal. Online approval in minutes - Housing & Travel letters.
What is an Emotional Support Animal?
Emotional Support Animals (ESA) are dogs or other animals that have been confirmed by a therapist or psychologist to provide their owner with comfort and support. There are many people who own emotional support animals. These can include people who have depression, anxiety, PTSD, autism, or other emotional problems.
ESAs can provide so many benefits to their owners. In some cases, people who have these animals are able to feel a sense of relief from stress and anxiety. This can be very beneficial for the owner because it can help them to get through the day without having a breakdown. Many people who own ESAs also report that they feel more motivated to do things that they were previously unable to do because they feel more comfortable and supported by their animals.
Can You Adopt an Emotional Support Animal?
Yes, you can adopt an emotional support animal. There are many people who own emotional support animals and would like to adopt one. However, they do not know what it is that they need in order to obtain an emotional support animal.
First things first, you can’t adopt an animal at the shelter that is already an emotional support animal. Instead, a pet would need to be legitimized to provide emotional support for you only. There are two common scenarios. The first one is that you decide you require an ESA, so you adopt a regular animal before getting them validated. Another would be that you already have a pet, and you decide you want them to have the status of an emotional support animal. Either way, the process would be as follows:
1. Get Yourself Screened
Not everyone can have an emotional support animal. To be able to obtain one, you would need to be diagnosed with a valid mental health condition or disability. There are many different ways that this can be done, but the first step is to get yourself screened by a licensed mental health professional (LMHP). This can be done through a phone interview, in-person screening, or by filling out an online questionnaire.
We help people get the proper documentation to make their pet an official Emotional Support Animal. Online approval in minutes - Housing & Travel letters.
2. Get the ESA Letter
So, the licensed professional of your choice has determined you can benefit from an ESA. You would then need to get a letter from a therapist or psychologist who has treated you. This letter would state that you need an emotional support animal and how they will benefit you.
And that’s it! You’d have to keep this letter on hand when you’re taking your ESA to public and private spaces. In addition, this letter needs to be renewed yearly.
Julie
Julie is a graduate of the University of North Carolina, Wilmington, where she studied Animal science. Though contrary to the opinion of her parents she was meant to study pharmacy, but she was in love with animals especially cats. Julie currently works in an animal research institute (NGO) in California and loves spending quality time with her little cat. She has the passion for making research about animals, how they survive, their way of life among others and publishes it. Julie is also happily married with two kids.
Review symptoms, medications & behavior to keep your pets healthy with a Vet Online in just minutes.
Ask a Vet Live Now
