Home Page › Blog › Emotional Support Dog Requirements
Latest Posts
Can a Rescue Dog Become a Service Dog?
When looking for a service dog, some people will gravitate towards a specific breed or seek out an organization that specializes in training service dogs. So what about dogs that were found as a stray, were abandoned, or surrendered? Are these so-called rescue dogs able to become service dogs? The simple answer is: yes! As […]
How Do I Qualify For a Service Dog if I Have Anxiety and Depression?
For a person living with anxiety or depression, even the most trivial tasks can feel exhausting. To deal with their mental illness, some take medication or schedule consistent therapy sessions. But it’s not widely known that anyone with diagnosed anxiety or depression also qualifies for a psychiatric service dog. What is a psychiatric service dog? […]
What is a Public Access Test for Service Animals?
The public holds service dogs in high esteem. Service dogs have the honor of being welcomed into areas that are not usually open to other animals. Being able to enter these locations allows service dogs to fulfill their essential duties of helping their handlers. For all service dogs to be able to execute their duties, […]
are there any restrictions on “how much an emotional support dog will cost” or financial assistance and where is the best place to adopt an emotional support dog?
My mother in law got her ESA, Mac, at our local shelter. He cost a little over $100. He was neutered, vaccinated, micro chipped, and was given 2 free vet visits, 6 months free pet insurance, and a year pass to our local dog park. He was an an abandoned 8 week old beagle puppy that had to have his front right leg amputated due to a severe break that could not be fixed. My mother in law has COPD and is prone to severe anxiety attacks that would almost always end in her being intubated and a week long hospital stay. It’s been 8 months and not one hospital stay.
Emotional Support Animals and Service animals are different. ESA , primarily work to help people with emotional issues ( anxiety stress etc) .They are mot allowed EVERYWHERE. Service Dogs can help the blind deaf, the able challenged , some detect seizures etc. There is more training needed for Service Dogs.I think your in law has a Service Dog.
Do they have a certain age they have to go before ?
Support Animals ….They need to be better regulated, I find people bring them into supermarkets al the time where I live, one person riding around in a motorize cart had a small dog checking out the vegetables and their dog was nose to nose touching one or two of them when these folks are confronted they get rather indigent.
ESA animals are not permitted in stores where food is sold (includes restaurants obviously). It is up to the store management to enforce this though and I think they are reluctant to confront people. I once saw a dog pee on a rug at a Home Depot and the owner witnessed it and just walked away. Gross!
Any dog is allowed in home depot. Not just esa or service dogs
I have a 3 year old who has severe anxiety. I cant get him into a therapist bc of the coronavirus. I was wondering if having a dog would help him with his anxiety.
Is there a certain age I have to be in order to get an ESA, I’m 12-13 with anxiety and stress but my mom said I was too young but my doctor said that would be great.
I suffer from severe anxiety and have thought about getting an ESD but I am still in school. Am I allowed to take a support dog into school?
With experience from my college, it let me have my dog on campus housing but I wasn’t allowed to take it to classes with me. So check with the disability services at your school, they will have the specific answers for you.
I think so
I pretty sure you can
I have severe anxiety and PTSD due to sexual assault. Last year it got so bad I passed out and got a concussion. I tried therapy before but they lost my appointment and it was so embarrassing. I’m almost afraid of going back. I’m not medicated but my doctors have acknowledged depression and anxiety. I think an ESA would help greatly but I don’t know how I could get one. Are animal support dogs eligible for certain things like discounts on healthcare or food? I’m a single mom also so an ESA maybe cheaper at first and might get me to muster up the courage to go to therapy.
How old does your dog must be to become an Esa pet?
There is no age requirement for a dog to be an ESA pet.
Does my dog have to be neutered to stay with me even thou the complex requires it?
I have the same question. My ESA is too young to be fixed (5 months) and they are saying I can’t have her since she is not fixed…
Dogs have to be 2lbs or 2 months old to be spayed or neutered.
Is there an age limit or requirement for an ESD
There is no age limit. The doctor or therapist may be able to help make the assessment if an ESA is the best treatment option. A legal guardian would need to be present if the patient is a minor. You may find more information to get started in this article – https://www.servicedogcertifications.org/how-to-qualify-for-an-emotional-support-animal/
I would say I’d yes. Disabled have rights. They have a right to allow you not a “pet” … … it’s now your support. Educate them. Perhaps you are smarter than they are m.
I was wondering if there was a program that covered medical care for ESD Dogs if the person is Disabled, Depressed and has Anxiety. Because I really do need a ESD, I’ve always had dogs in the past, and I never realized how much they helped me ever since now that I don’t have one.
All suggestions will be greatly appreciated 🌿🌹🌿 thank you
It says specifically that the animal DOES NOT have to be spayed or neutered to be a qualified ESA. So… They legally can’t deny you.
My dog is already a therapy dog and goes to hospitals. Could he qualify? I have a physiatrist that has recommended getting an esa.
I have anxiety, but I have medications for it and want to stop taking it so how do i tell my counselor i think i might need a therapy dog?
Just say”I think esd will work better than the meds you give me.”.
Be honest. I’ve been there. Please! Back off if it’s too much.
Is it required to own the dog before you get your ESA letter? I’m thinking about adopting a companion dog and getting an ESA letter for my housing, but I don’t have the dog yet. Any help is appreciated, thanks!
Is the an age limit to own a esa
My apartment complex has breed restrictions. I have a German Shepherd puppy and would like to have him as my ESA. I live in Florida and I’m afraid they will ask me to get rid of him.
Are we allowed to bring them into our school? Because i suffer from anxiety,deporession,bipolar,and for physical things its probably anger…and dogs have always been a comfort zone to me they let me know they are there and they seem to be very attracted to me as i do to them…and i have a whole history with dogs and many ups and downs. Will i be allowed to bring my ESD(Emotional Support Dog) into school with me?
My daughter has the same issues. She brings her esa animal with to high school with vest that says working dog and the other students respect that. It is in school records.
👍amazing. I’m glad to hear that👍
i’m looking into getting an ESD due to anxiety and breaking out in anger. What requirements would i have to go through to be able to get my dog trained and certified to be an ESD
I need to register my dog as a Service Dog not Emotional Support Dog. How can i go about it and; why landlords Perferrance service dogs over emotional dogs. Finally, what I did not say at beginning is I have MS and PTSD plus my kids ages 7 and 9 years old has Autism.
Looking for a emotional support dog for my daughter. She has been labeled with severe emotional disregulation.
She may also have PTSD. She suffered a brain injury when she was very very
One of the best things you can do. I had severe issues as a child growing up. I am now 45. I listened to my only daughter when she wanted a kitten. Listening to a persons heart is beyond measure. Moms have that that ability. Never over think. Go with it.
Does an emotional support dog permitted in a No Animal Condo Assoc.
Must it always be with the owner
Are they permitted on the beach even if there’s a City Ordinance against it
How old do they have to be?
Are they allowed to go to school with your kid in middle school?
We have a neighbor who esd is aggressive. When someone walks by their home the dog barks and comes running. And the owners are outside. The dog is usually on a lead too long where the dog can reach the road. I was almost bitten once but moved quick enough to get out of harms way. Should this dog’s desiganation of an esd be taken away?
Per the stated requirements for ESD’s, they must be well behaved, not aggressive, and under the owners control at all times. I suppose it’s possible that your neighbors dog doesn’t behave as you described while in public? I have doubts about that though. Based on your description, it sounds like this dog shouldn’t be an ESD? There has been an increasing trend of pets being registered as ESD’s simply to take advantage of the benefits they receive.
Im in las vegas and they want all dogs neutered. If my JRT was a registered ESD would I be allowed to keep here unaltered?
I have a pitbull and live in independence where they are ban if I register her as an emotional support dog can I keep her? She has been through so much with me!
Emotional support animal laws overrule local government breed restrictions.
I already have an emotional support animal, and am looking to adopt another. Do I need to get a second letter from my therapist? Or will the first be okay since it has not expired?
Can an ESA overrule a city ordinance on certain therapy animals?
Delta AirLine is telling me I cant bring my 7 month old 50lb Staffordshire Terrier on there plane because he is a “pitbull” breed he has all his registrations and a ESA is this legal and is there any way around it. They have no problem with my Belgium Malanois but with my (so mean) pitbull that they have never seen… should I hire an attorney?
They may question if you’re trying to bring more than one animal on the plane as a red flag, trying to avoid paying additional fees. If that is not the case, then you can contact a representative from Delta customer relations regarding allowing your dog. Please read the Air Carriers Access Act as well. You say he has ” all his registrations” but legally there is no registration that allows him to travel. Those are something that some individuals choose to purchase. What IS required is a signed letter from your licensed doctor or mental health professional which states your need to have an emotional support animal due to your disability and should mention how it helps you and what type of animal you have. (Does not need to disclose your specific disability) Airlines can require this 48 hrs prior to flying to verify the information, and may choose to not accept documemts from online or which do not appear to be from licensed professionals who you have an established patient relationship with.
If they do grant permission for you to fly with your Pit Bull ESA, but observe any aggressive or other disruptive behavior or potty accidents prior to boarding, they can deny cabin access to your dog. Before contacting an attorney, you can offer to show them that your dog is well trained and won’t be an issue ( you can have your dog take the Canine Good Citizen test which helps show they are good around other dogs and people). Just know that the airlines are getting stricter because of all the abuse of people wanting pets to fly for free and many instances of other passengers or flight crew being injured from I’ll behavwd animals on board, and you would be liable for any damage caused by your pet. (Whether an ESS or Service Dog). If you feel confident in your dogs behavior and have the medical letter showing your need to have him with you, and still get refusal from the airline, you could contact a lawyer familiar with disability rights under the Air Carriers Act as you would not be covwred under the ADA.
link to the Air Carriers Acceas Act……https://www.transportation.gov/individuals/aviation-consumer-protection/service-animals-including-emotional-support-animals
I would try and educate them, if that does not work, i would file charges. All ESA are allowed on airplanes, no matter breed. It is against the laws not to allow an ESA onto a airplane.
Does a emotional support dog need to be fixed in order to be accepted???
It says markets and all but like can my dog go with me where food is not sold bc I have bad anxiety and ptsd and depression from family issues and my mom passing and get flashbacks randomly and my dog is the only one that I trust and can able to help me bounce back from them
ESAs are not allowed in public AT ALL unless it is a pet friendly place open to anyone. They are only granted permission to accompany you in an airplane cabin or in your housing, if you have a letter from your doctor or memtal health professional which states you are disabled and the need to habe.an ESA and how they can help you.
If your disability affects major areas of daily life activities preventing you from doing things without assistance, you can choose to train your dog to become a service dog or obtain one from a SD program. The requirements are that you are disabled and the dog is specifically task trained to help mitigate your symptoms. Providing comfort alone is not considered a task, nor are natural dog behaviors (like snuggling or playing). But they can be trained to lead you to a safe area if having and anxiety attact, interrupt a flash back and ground you to the present, retrieve medication or seek assistance from another person if you need it, turn on ligjts and check rooms before entering, etc. You can train your own dog, hire a professional, or apply to get a program dog which is the most expensive option and should be thoroughly checked out before giving them any money. Also all service dogs are required to have impeccable behavior at all timea and be under handlers control- no barking, longing, sniffing or jumping on others, non reactive to other dogs, totally house broken, and not ride in shopping carts or climb on furniture made for humans.
A service dog can be a tremendousus help navigating the world by yourself and give much wanted independence. But it is a big responsability and can have it’s challenges. It can also take 18mos-3 years to fully train a service dog so that they are able to be a confident and reliable aid with the goal of reducing or managing your symptoms so that you can enjoy greater freedoms and independence like many non disabled people enjoy.
We are a HOA and one of our residents has a ESD that we allow. To our dismay, she now has another dog. She doesn’t have any physical disabilities that we are aware of and leaves both animals alone at home all day while she goes to work. If these dogs are a true ESD shouldn’t they be with her at all times, or at least most of the time? It seems to me that she’s stretching the law just to have a dog. Is there a separate definition of an Emotional Support Dog and a Service Dog? Your comment please.
I would say it is possible that she has an emotional problem that is triggered at night and would therefore allow her to go places during the day without an ESD. For example, she could suffer from PTSD following an attack that happened at night or night terrors of some type. However, as far as the number of ESD’s she has, she must have a separate ESA for each ESD.
A service dog is specially trained to perform a service to its owner. Example: a dog that “sees” for its blind owner.
An esa needs no special training, and is there for emotional support. A mental health provider can issue a document supporting a patients need for an esa.
Did this resident provide such a document?
If this resident truly needs an esa, than it should be accompanying that person to work.
Service dogs are trained to assist with tasks. ESDs require no training. They more typically assist with emotional disorders. You don’t need to be disabled to have a behavioral health illness and benefit from an ESD. The additional access rights of an ESD are limited to homes and planes—not restaurants or places of work. The point of the dog is supportive and therapeutic if valid. I have significant mood disorders and having a dog helps not just with companionship, but also maintaining daily structure, responsibility, and a degree of exercise. There has been no need to classify my dog as an ESD, but if ruled changed I’d have it done in days by any of my clinical team.
No, ESAs are only meant as comfort animals/companions at home or when in public places that allow pets, or traveling in an airplane cabin. They are not trained animals, but are meant to help alleviate symptoms of a disability, usually mental health related such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, etc. A licensed doctor or mental health professional would write a letter stating their need for an ESA and how it can help, but does not need to disclose their specific disability.
If the person works, they may have a job that allows ESAs as a reasonable accommodation, but in general ESAs are for at home. (Maybe allowing them to live by themselves for the first time or helping someone “get out of the house” when anxiety comes, but are just their to comfort them and provide emotional support or love.
Only a task trained Service Dog would be allowed to go everywhere with them. Her disability may not require it. She may be fine around other people but have a hard time being alone. Or may have other ways to manage her symptoms when not around her dogs. But that makes them even more valuable when getting home if she h as d to manage as best as possible without them.
While the law does allow ESAs in non pet housing with a doctor’s letter, the dog still has to act appropriately, can’t be aggressive or a nuisance to others, and the owner would be responsible for any damage or harm caused by their dog. They can also lose the right to have any particular dog that causes problems that are not resolved. You cannot ban a dog prior to an unacceptable issue (such as banning specific breeds or size) but can require it if an issue was addressed and they failed to correct it. (Such as constant barking that disturba other neighbors, not cleaning up pet waste, dogs tearing up or soiling carpets, etc ) If the tenant didn’t break the rule, they can remain, but you can requeat the dog goes (or is trained to act appropriately) and you cannot discriminate against any future dog based on past dogs behavior.
You can ask her to to show why she needs 2 dogs. It actually can be a help as the dogs can be company to each other and help exercise each other more than she may be able to do alone. Or one may make her feel safer due to size or breed, while the other is more attune to her emotions and need to cuddle. You have the right to request verification of the need and let her know if they are causing any problems to other residents. She may not be aware if they are barking during the day or other problem exists unless someone tells her. And she should be given the opportunity to correct any issues that arise.
Get a life, loser.
I’m with you. What a load of crap.
how a Homeowners Association will be able to decide in more than one “ESD” animal. One is understandable but 2?
My landlord is saying my ESA letter has to say I’m disabled in it to accept. Is this correct? It says I’m mentally impaired.
Any one else have a socialized ESA that has begun to be overly excited about barking dogs in the same area as her and beginning to exhibit behavioural problems?
They threatened to shoot my dog. And i don’t understand why when their dog bit me and barked at me for hours at a time for months!
Do they have to be a certain Age cause I’m thinking about getting one
If I apply for certificate before I get a letter but get one after can they deny my dog to leave in my house
What I’m curious about is when your dog does damage ruining the carpet who pays for that? I have been A landlord for 25 years and there is cost involved no matter what you think. I guess a guy probably just has to raise his rent to cover animals in case somebody wants to bring them into your apartment without paying the fees.
It just doesn’t seem right that you would require another person to pay for your expense. I don’t mind Helping people that need it I do mind helping the scammers and this whole thing is filled with scammers.
Is there an age requirement to adopt an ESA dog? My daughter is 13 years old and suffers from Anxiety, Depression, and Trauma but I’ve only heard about older people having emotional support companions.
There is no age limit. Your daughter’s licensed therapist would be able to assess if an ESA is the best treatment option for her. Of course, your daughter would need a legal guardian to help make arrangements. You may find more information to get started in this article – https://www.servicedogcertifications.org/how-to-qualify-for-an-emotional-support-animal/
Is the ESA letter only valid for 1 year?
Correct, the ESA letter for travel is valid for one year from the date of issue. You can renew the letter every year. You may find this article on ESA Letters interesting – https://www.servicedogcertifications.org/how-to-get-an-emotional-support-dog-letter/
What I’m curious about is when your dog does damage ruining the carpet who pays for that? I have been A landlord for 25 years and there is cost involved no matter what you think. I guess a guy probably just has to raise his rent to cover animals in case somebody wants to bring them into your apartment without paying the fees.
It just doesn’t seem right that you would require another person to pay for your expense. I don’t mind Helping people that need it I do mind helping the scammers and this whole thing is filled with scammers.
What about someone with Borderline Personality Disorder? Would we qualify?
Mental illness is a disability that qualifies you for an Emotional Support Animal. You will need to work with a licensed mental health professional directly to know for sure. For more information, you may find this article helpful – https://www.servicedogcertifications.org/emotional-support-dog-certification-registration/
I suffer from PTSD evaluated by the VA and suffer from severe outrage because my whole house was robbed of everything. I have nothing, only my dog who keeps tab on me whenever I’m about to go bonkers. He has saved me from getting stung from over 300 scorpions and other dangerous insects. I can’t live without him. Is the VA doctor report valid enough to receive a ESD certificate?
Can an apartment building have breed restrictions? And will I be responsible for damages or if the dog attacks someone?
I have anxiety and I’m getting my dog registered to become an ESA I am still in middle school and all my friends were like “OMG! can I bring my dog!?” and I had to explain that’s not how it works. LOL
is my school allowed to let my esa come to school with me?
ESA’s are allowed on college campus’. But every school has their own set of rules and requirements. Check with your school counselor how they handle ESA requests. This article on might be interesting for you https://www.servicedogcertifications.org/emotional-support-animal-school/
Who is montoring/advocating for these animals? As a trainer and someone who works in trauma-informed care, I often see ESA letters being written for individuals who have a history of abusive behaviors, lacking financial resources or education regarding how to appropriately care for an animal.
How are mental health professionals being qualified to assess whether or not an animal is “emotionally supportive” vs causing additional stress/anxiety and eventually loss/trauma if an animal is being mistreated/neglected/abused and removed from a situation?
I am fully supportive and have been a trainer for Service Dogs, Therapy Animals, etc and have seen first hand the power of the human-animal bond, however I’m seeing a need for education in the health care industry and advocacy for the animals in this equation.