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How to Qualify for An Emotional Support Animal
![ESA pig in the streets of New York](https://www.servicedogcertifications.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/esa-pig_800x418-1.webp)
Overview
If you have an emotional disability, you can legally qualify for an ESA, short for an emotional support animal. You must have documentation of an emotional or mental disability from a psychologist, therapist, psychiatrist, or other duly licensed and/or certified mental health professional. This certification should be a formal and appropriately formatted letter, known as an ESA Letter.
To qualify for an Emotional Support Animal, your ESA letter must be written on the mental health professional’s letterhead, including their license type, date of the license, license number, the state of the license, and the date the letter was written.
What the Letter Must Contain
Your ESA letter must contain some details which will inform your landlord that:
- You are a current patient of the signing mental health professional
- You have a mental disability that is covered by the Fair Housing Act
- Your disability substantially limits you in performing or participating in at least one major life activity
- An Emotional Support Animal is an integral part of relieving symptoms of your current condition
It is recommended that the ESA letter be no older than a year.
What Disorders Qualify You as An Emotional Support Animal Owner
Some conditions that qualify for an ESA letter include:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- PTSD
- Panic Disorders
- Learning disorders
- Attention Deficit Disorder
- Tourette’s syndrome and tic disorders
- Motor skill disorders
- Bipolar disorder
- Dysphorias and dysmorphias
Emotional Support Animal Training
Unlike service animals, ESAs are not required to be trained to perform a service for their handlers. Your current pet may already be serving as your emotional support animal. To achieve official recognition, however, you must have an ESA letter from a licensed mental health professional.
See if you qualify for an Emotional Support Animal letter by clicking the link below.
About the Author: The writing team at Service Dog Certifications is made up of folks who really know their stuff when it comes to disability laws and assistance animals. Many of our writers and editors have service dogs themselves and share insights from their own experiences. All of us have a passion for disability rights and animals.
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. I ..am a Senior who was thru doctor I have PTSD. I have had a Support Dog for 13 yrs Jasper died about 3 months . I miss him so much he gave me so much love.I Have been living in a Hud Apartment that excepts small dogs that are house trained. Please help me find a good Dog .Thanks
So sorry to hear about Jasper. A dog’s love is hard to replace. You may want to contact local animal shelters to see if they have any dogs for adoption. This article may have some information on how to adopt a new emotional support animal: https://esadoctors.com/how-to-get-an-esa-dog/ Hope you’ll find a new friend soon!
I was wondering does ADHD diagnosis qualify you as well
Yes, it’s possible, but it’s up to the licensed healthcare professional to determine whether you qualify or not.
How much does this cost?
Please see this post for more information: https://www.servicedogcertifications.org/how-to-get-an-emotional-support-dog-letter/
I have a visual impaitment ( though I have sight am considered legally bling) could I get my elkhound certifiied Just recently got him as a puppy
Your dog would need to be trained to perform a task or job relating to your visual impairment (which must also be considered a disability). If and when you are able to fully train your dog, we can help you with service dog accessories like certificates here: https://www.servicedogcertifications.org/service-dog-id/
Do ESA’s need to be licensed. I am asking about a neighborhood Pitbull in a senior park. Thank you.
ESAs do not require a special license. You need a letter from a licensed healthcare professional. Please see this article for more details: https://www.servicedogcertifications.org/how-to-get-an-emotional-support-dog-letter/
I have a new apartment manager who is trying to make me get rid of my two emotional support dogs or she is going to evict me. I have a letter from Esa my primary care doctor and my psychiatrist, but she is saying that had will not accept this, even though we have had the letters since last April and everything was OK. Please help me. I am 75 years old, I have bipolar, anxiety, depression, and I need both my dogs.
If your landlord is denying your ESA, they must give you a valid reason for doing so under HUD’s guidelines. Valid exemptions include if the ESA poses a safety or health threat to others, or if it has caused significant property damage.