Usually in the form of a dog, ESAs provide comfort and companionship for those who may suffer from mental or emotional conditions. However, animals like cats, snakes, and ducks have been used as ESAs.<\/p>\n
Do ESA\u2019s have special training?<\/strong><\/p>\n Unlike service animals, ESA\u2019s do not have to complete specific physical tasks other than provide emotional stability for their owner, therefore they do not need specialized training. That being said, they should be well behaved especially when their handlers take them to public places.<\/p>\n Where are ESA\u2019s allowed to go?<\/strong><\/p>\n Similar to a service animal, the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) must comply with Fair Housing Act<\/a> and allow residents to keep their emotional support animal. Additionally, the Air Carrier Access Act<\/a> (ACAA) mandates that airlines allow people with mental health issues be permitted to fly with their ESA. However, that’s where the similarities\u00a0to service animals ends when it comes to access rights. Unlike service animals, ESA\u2019s cannot go into any and all public places. If you plan on bringing your ESA somewhere with you, call ahead and check with the business first to ensure they will allow your ESA.<\/span><\/p>\n In order to qualify your pet as an ESA, the option must be psychiatric recommended. According to Michigan State University College of Law<\/a>, ESAs can assist people with depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other emotional and psychiatric disabilities.<\/p>\n How can you verify your ESA is legitimate?<\/strong><\/p>\n In order to verify to landlords and airlines that your ESA is legitimate, you need a letter dated within the last year from a mental health care professional that explains how the “reasonable accommodation” of your animal assists with your disability. According to federal law, whether it be a service animal or ESA, you do not have a vest to prove your dog\u2019s status nor do you have to disclose your disability.<\/p>\n Why do ESA\u2019s get a bad reputation?<\/strong><\/p>\n When I first heard about ESAs, I wanted to find out the quickest way to receive a certification. However, after researching the topic, I found this tactic gives ESAs a bad reputation. One simple Google search can enable someone to find multiple websites that will provide a recommendation from a health care \u201cprofessional\u201d for a one time fee. This scam is pulled frequently to avoid apartment fees for pets, gain access to housing that doesn’t permit pets, to to keep pets in the cabin of the planes, or to avoid extra fees when traveling by plane with a pet. We\u2019ve all heard the horror stories<\/a> of bad ESA behavior on planes. More often than not, it\u2019s because people took a shortcut to get their pet ESA status even though they don\u2019t necessarily qualify for an ESA.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/www.sittingforacause.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/woman-2712245_1920-300x200.jpg\")
<\/a>Who qualifies for an ESA?<\/strong><\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/www.sittingforacause.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/kiss-2742479_1920-300x200.jpg\")
<\/a>Why should people avoid paying to get their pets ESA status online?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n