ESA Certification in Oklahoma

Emotional support animals (ESAs) are service animals used by individuals with mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and more. They provide a service that can not be provided by regular types of service animals. These animals are under the category of assistance animals, all of which have their own strengths and values.

An emotional support animal is most commonly mistaken for a service animal. However, the two are not the same. On one hand, service animals are those who are trained to do work or perform tasks for their owners. They assist people with their disabilities in many ways, like providing navigation help with a blind owner or pushing the wheelchair of another. On the other hand, emotional support animals are pets that are not necessarily trained. They simply serve to be a comfort for their owners, especially those whose disabilities hinder them from living their lives optimally when they’re independent.

You can have an emotional support animal in many forms. Contrary to popular belief, they are not limited to cats and dogs. They can be anything that is considered a companion. A bird, rabbit, iguana, snake, and more can be an ESA as long as it provides emotional support to the owner.

However, you would need to complete a certain certification process for your pet to be considered an emotional support animal by the state. Here’s what you need to know about certifying your ESA in Oklahoma.

Understanding Emotional Support Animal Certification in Oklahoma

You cannot simply decide that your pet is an emotional support animal and leave it at that. In all states, including Oklahoma, you would need to have an ESA letter for the state to acknowledge that your pet is qualified to be an ESA and that you are qualified to own one.

Generally, the process involves getting in touch with a licensed mental health professional (LMHP) to write a letter stating that you require the presence of your ESA to help you with your mental health. You would be considered eligible to own an emotional support animal if your condition or disability provides considerable hindrances to your life. You may also need to have documentation of your condition, like a doctor’s note or psychiatric report.

Keep in mind that you need this letter from an LMHP who lives in the same state as you. You also need to renew this letter on a yearly basis, as it is only valid for twelve months. Fortunately, getting this letter can take as little as a day or two.

Once you do have this letter, you will be granted to take your ESA with you to public and private establishments. Make sure to keep your letter close, as they may ask to see it when you enter the premises. Some establishments, such as airlines, will also need you to provide extra papers, such as proof that your pet has been vaccinated.

One exception to note is that the Oklahoma laws protecting ESA ownership do not extend to the workplace. You will need to speak to your employer if you are planning to bring your ESA to work, and they’re not required to meet your requests.