On the other hand, Emotional Support Dog (ESD) is a dog that shows companionship and provides assistance for an individual with mental and emotional disability determined by a medical professional. Furthermore, this dog is also known as “The guide dog of your mind” because it contributes satisfaction and collaboration in all forms of affection for individual suffering from mental and emotional conditions. This type of dog doesn’t need training because it is not required to possess a specific working ability. Its primary task is to give emotional support to their owner or handler to help overcome anything that they are experiencing at the moment.

 

Health benefits having an Emotional Support Dog

“Health is wealth.” If a person has a “not so good” health status, he or she approximately can’t enjoy his or her life with only the pleasure of being wealthy. We can easily get the things that we want in life except for health and happiness. An Emotional Support Dog gives the patients with mental and emotional disabilities a magic comfort and feeling of satisfaction.

 

Health Benefits of having an Emotional Support Dog:

• Boosts self-esteem

• Increases self-motivation

• Prevents illnesses

• Becomes more sociable

• Feels extra comfort and security

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Note: To enjoy the use of ESA, all you need is an official Emotional Support Animal Letter written by your Licensed Mental Health Professional (LMHP) such as a Psychiatrist, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, or Psychologist.

 

The Fair Housing Amendments Act (FHAA)

give individuals the right and privilege to live with their Emotional Support Dog regardless of any building or residence with a “No pet” policy. Landlords or Building managers should not withhold an individual’s Emotional Support Dog.

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Do Emotional Support Dogs need to undergo training?

According to Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Emotional Support Dogs don’t need to undergo any form of training to fulfill their tasks in assisting or guiding persons with disability or impairment, unlike Service Dogs.

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Where can I take my Emotional Support Dog?

An Emotional Support Dog is not totally authorized to accompany their owners to any public places where a Service Dog is allowed, like in restaurants, hotels and even in stores. Since ESA does not perform any specific tasks, the accessibility is limited. The Emotional Support Animal, however, does have a right to be kept in a “No Pet Policy” apartment and also to ride in the cabin of an aircraft.

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Federal Laws stated those two places where ESA is legally allowed. Thus, some states are providing their own laws in regards to carrying an Emotional Support Dog in public places. If you are planning to travel with your dog, seek first for the rules that exist in a certain establishment that you are planning to visit.

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Note: Businesses and local establishments such as hospitals, hotels, and restaurants may recognize their guests or visitors with Emotional Support Animal in any time. Check their policies and make legal arrangements with the management when you want to reserve a table and book a room to avoid inconvenience on both ends. If you don’t want to experience any problem, find and pick an establishment just to make sure that you are allowed to bring the dog inside its premises.

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Can I bring my Emotional Support Animal on flights?

Yes, absolutely. The Air Carriers Access Act (ACAA) allows mentally or emotionally disabled persons to be accompanied on flights by an Emotional Support Animal. Provided that you should contact the airline company and give them an ESA letter at least 48 hours before your departure time. Your Emotional Support Dog must be trained to act well-behaved in a public setting. There is no additional charge to travel with your Emotional Support Dog.

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Legal protections for Emotional Support Dog:

1. Emotional Support Dog can fly with a person who has an emotional or psychological disability; and

2. They qualify for no-pet housing (ESA letter from Physician may be requested).