A form of service animal known as an ESA helps its handler emotionally. ESAs are not legally protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act, in contrast to service animals (ADA). However, a lot of individuals decide to obtain an ESA for comfort and companionship, and certain state laws could offer these animals some protection.
Continue reading for additional details on the application procedure if you’re considering obtaining an ESA. The many steps you must take to start the ESA procedure are outlined in this tutorial. By doing these actions, you’ll be well on your way to reaping the rewards of having an ESA by your side.
1. Determine first If You Qualify For An ESA
Finding out if you are eligible for an ESA is the first step. You must fulfill a few requirements in order to own an emotional support animal. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders must list your condition as having an emotional or mental handicap (DSM). Many healthcare practitioners utilize the DSM, which is issued by the American Psychiatric Association, to identify mental illnesses.
For instance, if you have depression, anxiety, bipolar illness, or post-traumatic stress disorder, you may be eligible for an ESA (PTSD). Ask your therapist or doctor if you’re unsure if your issue qualifies.
- Get A Letter From A Licensed Mental Health Professional
Obtaining a letter from a certified mental health expert is the next step. The letter must mention that you have a mental or emotional condition that is listed in the DSM and be written on the professional’s letterhead.
Additionally, you should mention that your animal offers assistance that reduces at least one symptom of your impairment. It should be dated and signed by the healthcare provider and is quite similar to a prescription. Additionally, check to see if the letter is no older than a year, as certain airlines have this criterion. Furthermore, the official ESA certification letter should have the following:
– The name of the treating professional and their credentials
– The exact date that the given letter was written on
– A statement that you suffer from an emotional or mental disability recognized in the DSM
– A mention of how your animal helps to ameliorate at least one symptom of your condition
– The signature of the healthcare professional.
- Choose Your Animal
You may select your animal now that you know your letter! Any kind of animal is acceptable, including dogs, cats, birds, rodents, etc. There are no limited breeds, and it does not require any special training. However, you want to pick an animal that complements your personality and way of life.
For instance, a huge dog might not be the ideal choice if you live in a small apartment. Additionally, a cat might not be the greatest pet if you have allergies. When making a decision, take all of these things into account!
- Get Your Animal ESA Certified
The next step after selecting your animal is to apply for certification as an emotional support animal. This procedure is often completed online and is rather straightforward. Although it shouldn’t be too tough, you’ll probably need to produce some paperwork, such as your letter from a healthcare provider.
You will be given an ID card and/or badge that identifies your animal as an ESA after it has been certified. Additionally, keeping all of your documents in one location will make it simpler for you to obtain it should the need arise.
- Do Some Research On Your Animal
You don’t need to train the animal in any particular way. In fact, the majority of animals may be considered ESAs if their mere presence makes you feel better. However, some landlords or airlines could have limits on size or breed. Additionally, bear in mind that certain public spaces forbid any kind of animal, even ESAs.
Therefore, it’s crucial to conduct your homework before taking your animal into public. Make sure your animal has had all of its shots and has been neutered or spayed.
- Do Some Research On Your Housing Provider’s Policies
It’s crucial to familiarize yourself with your prospective landlord’s policies in advance if you intend to rent a place to live with your ESA. While some landlords may prohibit pets, others could ask for a pet deposit.
Some landlords are also prepared to provide residents with assistance animals with adequate accommodations, as mandated by the Fair Housing Act (FHA). It’s vital to conduct your homework in advance because many individuals skip this step and wind up having to pay a pet deposit or having their landlord reject them.
- Gather All Necessary Documentation
The next step for this is to compile all the required paperwork. A letter from a qualified mental health practitioner is the most crucial piece of documentation you will want (LMHP). This letter must be typed on a business letterhead, be dated, and include a statement that you have an emotional handicap and that at least one symptom of your condition is relieved by your ESA.
Vaccination documents and picture IDs for both you and your animal are further required. It’s always ideal to be ready because some landlords could need additional paperwork.
- Submit Your Application & Documents
It’s time to send your application to your prospective landlord along with the relevant papers once you have acquired all of the required paperwork. It’s crucial to keep in mind that certain landlords could take longer than others to assess your application, so make sure you allow plenty of time before your move-in date. Be ready for it as well. Some landlords can also ask for a pet deposit or charge in addition to your usual rent payment.
- Be Prepared for a Meet & Greet
You’ll probably be asked to see the property manager or owner after your landlord has looked over your paperwork and accepted your ESA. They can get to know your pet and decide whether they’re okay with an ESA being present on the property at this time. It’s also a fantastic opportunity for you to ask any queries you may have regarding the establishment’s pet-policy.
2. A Decision From ESA
The final step will be to wait for your ESA to make a decision. They should get in touch with you immediately after the meet and greet to let you know whether or not your animal has been accepted. If all goes according to plan, you’ll be able to relocate with your pet by your side! The ESA procedure can be difficult to navigate, but as long as you take things slowly and have all the required paperwork prepared, everything will be OK in the end.
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Conclusion
In conclusion, the key stages in navigating the ESA procedure are those that have already been discussed. You will have a lot easier experience and be able to concentrate on enjoying your new home with your furry buddy by your side if you keep these in mind.
