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It’s strange how depression and anxiety disorders are considered disabilities under the ADA but the animals we have to alleviate those emotional and mental issues are not protected under the ADA as well. Hopefully this changes soon.
My doctor said that if she referred me for an ESA animal that if that animal ever hurt someone she would be held responsible. Is this accurate? Because I feel like I would be held responsible for that even though the animal I would get is going to be trained. Since my family works for a protection dog sales.
That is not true. The doctor that issues an ESA letter simply attests that you have a condition where an emotional support animal can help alleviate the symptoms. They are not in any way responsible for the animal. If your therapist is unaware of the ESA requirements or does not want to issue an ESA letter, then you are allowed to get a second opinion from another therapist. You may find this article on how to get an ESA letter interesting https://www.servicedogcertifications.org/how-to-get-an-emotional-support-dog-letter/
What type of dogs can be ESA?
Any breed of dog can be an emotional support dog. As long as your dog does help you with your emotional or mental disorder, it can become an ESA. However, out of courtesy to others, your dog should have gone through some basic training and not in any way be a danger to others. Landlords may be able to remove an ESA if it’s deemed unruly or a threat to other tenants. You may find this article on how to qualify for an ESA interesting: https://www.servicedogcertifications.org/how-to-qualify-for-an-emotional-support-animal/
Are emotional support dogs required to wear any type of identification i.e. a coat stating this fact? In my strata, a resident received approval, along with the necessary medical approval, to have an over-sized dog, based on the Strata by-laws. No problem. Initially the dog was wearing a ‘coat’ stating that it was a support animal, but the owner has also moved the animal through the building without the coat.
All owners know the stipulation about the size, or height of dogs allowed in the building, so we want to confirm for them the reason for this particular dog being in the building. The wearing of the coat would eliminate any potential problems.
Do you agree, and can we request, or insist, on the wearing of the coat.
Sincerely,
Michael Rouch
There are no laws or requirements for an ESA to wear a vest. The only requirement is that the ESA owner can provide a legitimate ESA letter from a verifiable therapist who is licensed in the state of residence. You may find this article on the landlords’ rights for emotional support animals interesting https://www.servicedogcertifications.org/landlord-rights-emotional-support-animals/
Sara my take on this would be yes they are breaking the law BUT I am not a lawyer so I would suggest contacting a lawyer that knows the in/outs of this branch of the law. If cost is factor you can file a lawsuit that says the losing party pays both parties legal costs filing fees court costs etc(the lawyer will be able to walk you through this) Most lawyers will not charge for the first meeting where he or she will hear your side of things & should be able to tell you if you have a case or not(most lawyers will not take a case unless they feel they can win it)
Animal control took my ESA and is now charging me to get her back, my landlord called them on her, we’re in the middle of moving, can either of them do this? My anxiety attacks haven’t stopped since we found out they took her 🥺
They violated the law if you doctor issued a letter for you to have your animal. The ADA in Washington has lawyers to help if you rites,under the ADA has been violated in any way.
Can I have an ES dog on a part-time basis, e.g. weekdays? I would like and believe I would qualify for an ESA and have a relationship with my son’s dog who lives in the neighborhood. He has agreed to let the dog spend week-days with me if I can get the needed permission from my condo board. It would be great for me, and advantageous for both the dog and my son as well. I’d get the emotional support benefits with fewer of the burdens of full-time care, and the arrangement would have less of an impact on the condo community. What is the best way to accomplish this?
Simply a statement from your primary care provider that you require the assistance of a emotional support animal is all the law requires. Then ask you landlord for a reasonable accommodation to keep the animal when you deliver them the doctors letter. Hey cannot say what says you can or cannot have your animal after this point. Hope this helps. Im a trainer of service animals and very familiar with the laws. God bless…..