An emotional support animal (ESA) is a type of pet that provides support to an individual with a mental or emotional disability. These animals provide comfort and support to people with disabilities, oftentimes helping them to cope with depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other disorders. The term “emotional support animal” has been used by some people as a means of claiming an exemption from the “no pets” policy for their apartments.
We help people get the proper documentation to make their pet an official Emotional Support Animal. Online approval in minutes - Housing & Travel letters.
The benefits of owning an emotional support animal are plenty. You can reduce stress, increase self-esteem, and find comfort in the presence of a furry friend. An ESA is an “an assistance animal” and not a regular pet. Most public and private businesses may have policies against pets that allow the ESA to accompany their owner into the business for companionship purposes.
Can a Cat be an ESA?
If you’re interested in owning an emotional support animal, you may be wondering if you can have a cat as your emotional support animal. The short answer is yes.
Unlike service animals, an ESA is not restricted to any particular type of animal. It can be any type of companion animal, as long as it provides a certain level of support to the owner. Furthermore, emotional support animals are not specifically trained for any specific task. Therefore, they do not require any type of certification.
There are many reasons why you might want to choose a cat as your emotional support animal. Cats are incredibly friendly and loyal animals, and they can be very affectionate. In addition, many people with anxiety and depression find that their cats help them to relax.
Cats are also a good choice due to their relatively calm demeanor. While they can be rambunctious, they are not hyperactive like dogs. They are also great for people who have difficulty interacting with other people. Having an emotional support cat can help someone remain grounded and therefore be more comfortable socializing. Many people who own cats as emotional support animals find that their cats become like a second family member.
We help people get the proper documentation to make their pet an official Emotional Support Animal. Online approval in minutes - Housing & Travel letters.
How to Get an ESA Cat
As a whole, getting an emotional support animal involves requesting for an ESA letter from a licensed mental health professional (LMHP). An ESA letter can be used to establish that you are eligible for an ESA.
To get this letter, you need to attend a screen test. This test is conducted by a licensed mental health professional who will evaluate your emotional support animal needs. The purpose of the screen test is to assess your emotional support animal needs.
This therapist will then write up a formal ESA letter for you, which you can use in order to establish that you are eligible for an ESA. You have to keep this letter on hand, since many places such as an airline or an apartment may ask to see it.
In addition, this letter is only valid for as long as twelve months. So, you would have to get a new letter every year if you wish to keep your ESA for longer.
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.
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