You qualify for an emotional support animal if you suffer from any emotional or mental disability, including anxiety and depression. It has been proven by research that emotional support animals provide therapeutic benefits of comfort to people suffering from mental health issues.

What mental health disorders require ESA’s?

The disabilities that qualify for an emotional support animal should be specific and listed. A few mental health disorders are listed below that qualify for an emotional support animal.
  1. Anxiety: anxiety is a condition where the distress starts to interfere with the normal life activities of the person. Anxiety includes intense levels of fear and worry.
  2. Motor skills disability: a disorder where the body has difficulty in guiding motor actions as visuospatial information is interrupted.
  3. Intellectual disability: the individual suffers from limited adaptive behavior and intellectual function.
  4. Depression: prolonged periods of depressed moods and loss of interest in daily life activities.
  5. Attention deficit disorder: A disorder characterized by impulsivity, hyperactivity, and lack of concentration.
  6. Disabilities in learning: Difficulty in gaining knowledge and skills that are normal for people similar to your age group.

Can your mental health diagnosis help you qualify for an emotional support animal?

It has been proven by research that emotional support animals aid in relieving the symptoms of mental health disorders by giving warmth and comfort. The overall quality of life of a person going through mental health issues has also been seen to improve drastically with the presence of an ESA. You need to get a letter from a mental health professional or therapist to know about your diagnosis.

How do I get a certification letter for an ESA?

Any animal or your pet will qualify for an emotional support animal only under the Air Carriers Act and Fair Housing Act only after the recommendation of mental health professionals. The recommendation letter must fulfill the below-mentioned parameters: The letter should be provided on a letterhead of a licensed mental health practitioner. The letter should include the following;
  • The license type
  • The license number
  • The state which issued the license
  • The letter should have the date of issuance of letter
  • The letter should mention the need for an emotional support animal
  • The letter should also include information regarding airlines and landlords.
It is essential to mention here that Federal Laws do not require specialized training for emotional support animals. The pets should only have training related to public behavior and social skills.

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