Emotional Support Dog Certification and Registration

If you want to certify and register your emotional support animal, just follow these 4 steps: 

1. Obtain an ESA Letter
   The only way to qualify for an emotional support animal is by getting an ESA letter. You can’t register or certify an ESA unless you have one.
2. Register Your ESA
   Once you have an ESA letter, you can voluntarily register your emotional support animal with Service Dog Certification and get an ESA ID card linked to your registration number. 
3. Order a certificate
   You can order a certificate through Service Dog Certifications in addition to the ID card that will state you have met all the requirements for being an ESA owner.
4. Present Your Documentation
   You can present your ESA letter along with your registration number and certificate to your landlord. However, your landlord is only entitled to see an ESA letter; the rest is at your option. 

While a certificate and registration are not legally required, they can reduce hassle and provide an extra layer of validation for your emotional support animal. Service Dog Certifications offers a convenient way to complement your ESA documentation and obtain proof of registration and certification for added peace of mind or to appease difficult landlords.

Benefits of ESA Certification and Registration 

Many owners find value in registering their emotional support animal on a voluntary basis. Here are some potential benefits:

1. Streamlined Identification
   An ID card or certificate can quickly convey your animal’s status without sharing private medical information, and your ESA letter may contain details you don’t want to share. This can be particularly useful in situations like dealing with building staff in a no-pets lobby.
2. Increased Confidence
   Having display accessories can boost confidence when bringing your ESA into no-pet areas. They signal staff and other residents that you don’t have just a normal, everyday pet. 
3. To Meet Landlord Requirements
   Many landlords request proof of registration and a certificate for support animals, unaware they can only ask for an ESA letter under ESA laws. Instead of fighting with housing providers about the issue, some tenants will obtain registration documents to avoid conflict. 

While ESA registration and certification services can offer benefits, it’s important to keep in mind that the only legally recognized document for an ESA is a letter from a licensed mental health professional. Before considering any ESA accessories, be sure to secure your ESA letter first. 

What Does an Emotional Support Animal Certificate Look Like?

An emotional support animal certificate from Service Dog Certifications contains the following:

• An attestation that you have met the requirements for qualifying for an emotional support animal (by getting an ESA letter).
• The name of your emotional support animal. 
• Your name, as the ESA owner. 
• Your unique registration number, linked to Service Dog Certification’s emotional support animal registry. 
• A statement about your rights as an ESA owner under the Fair Housing Act. 

Empowering Your ESA Journey

Getting your landlord to accept your emotional support animal can sometimes be challenging, but armed with the proper knowledge and documentation, you can confidently assert your rights and enjoy the companionship of your ESA. 

While your ESA letter is the basis of your legal rights, additional documentation like registration and certification can help bridge the gap between legal requirements and real-world interactions.