Qualifying Service Animals & Emotional Support Pets
In our not-so-perfect world, you cannot just take your pet anywhere. You must go through a certain process to obtain the documentation that you need to be free to bring your pet wherever you like. This might seem like it is a difficult thing to do, especially if you are already drained from anxiety. But the process can be quite simple, and can help reduce your stress and anxiety, if you know exactly what to do. Why get a PSD/ESA LETTER? The bond between a person and his or her pet is very strong, and this has been clearly understood for a very long time. This gives us insight into why animals can be the perfect companion to those who are struggling with mental illness or loneliness because of their unconditional love and affection.
Get Your Psychiatric Service Dog or Emotional Support Animal Prescription Letter Today!
WHAT IS A PSYCHIATRIC SERVICE DOG
A Psychiatric Service Dog (PSD) is a trained dog that has been prescribed by a licensed medical doctor, therapist, psychologist, or psychiatrist (any licensed mental health professional). The dog is part of the treatment program for this person and is designed to minimize the negative symptoms of the person's emotional/psychological disability. The following appear to exist in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) federal law:
The ADA does not require that service animals be certified or licensed. Certification could be considered a barrier to entry and therefore discriminatory.
A service dog does not have to be professionally trained, but can be personally trained. A professional training requirement may be considered a barrier to entry and therefore discriminatory..
Some state and local laws define service animal more broadly than the ADA. Please see Florida Law Chapter 413 Section 08 - 2018 Florida Statutes - https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2018/413.08
We have to remember that “trained for a specific task” is not the same as well-behaved – and this is where the ADA standards can fall apart. Airlines can refuse an animal if it is not properly behaved. However, an animal cannot be refused if it just makes the crew or other passengers uncomfortable.
What Animals Qualify to Be a Psychiatric Service Animal?
Only dogs may qualify as a psychiatric service animal.
How to Qualify for a Psychiatric Service Dog?
For you to qualify for a Psychiatric Service Dog (PSD), you must be considered to have an emotional or psychological disability by a licensed mental health professional (therapist, psychologist, psychiatrist, etc.,) such as anxiety, depression, certain phobias (and many more) that can be eased by the presence and comfort of a pet. In addition, your disability must warrant the need for a trained dog to assist you with a significant life task that you cannot or have trouble performing by yourself, as evidenced by a properly written prescription letter.
WHAT IS AN EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMAL?
An Emotional Support Animal (ESA) is a person's pet that has been prescribed by a person's licensed therapist, psychologist, or psychiatrist (any licensed mental health professional). The animal is part of the treatment program for this person and is designed to bring comfort and minimize the negative symptoms of the person's emotional/psychological disability.
What Animals Qualify to Be an Emotional Support Animal?
All types of domesticated pets can be Emotional Support Animals (cats, dog, birds, snakes, rabbits, mice, etc.) and they can be any age (young puppies and kittens, too!). Your pet does not need any specific training because their very presence mitigates the symptoms associated with a person's psychological/emotional disability, unlike a working service dog. The only requirement is that the animal is manageable in public and does not create a nuisance in or around the home setting.
How to Qualify for an ESA?
For a person to legally qualify for an Emotional Support Animal (ESA), you must be considered to have an emotional or psychological disability by a licensed mental health professional (therapist, psychologist, psychiatrist, etc.,) such as anxiety, depression, certain phobias (and many more) that can be eased by the presence and comfort of a pet, as evidenced by a properly written prescription letter.
PSYCHIATRIC SERVICE ANIMALS & EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMALS SERVE SIMILAR PURPOSES, BUT HAVE DIFFERENT RIGHTS
In the eyes of the law, it is only Service Dogs that are exempt from public restrictions for animals. For example, in usual circumstances, people are not allowed to bring their pets on board when flying on commercial airlines – they must transport them separately. However, the Americans with Disabilities Act stipulates that disabled individuals may travel with their certified Service Animals.
As Emotional Service Animals are assigned to people undergoing a therapeutic treatment plan or to provide emotional stability, and are not specially trained or certified, the ADA does not recognize them as a physical necessity. Therefore, Emotional Support Animals and their owners do not have the same overall rights as Psychiatric Service Dogs, although there are some exemptions.
While Psychiatric Service Animals may accompany their owners in public accommodation such as hotels, Emotional Support Animals may not. However, there are certain exceptions regarding private accommodation. Many landlords and housing providers may often have a ‘no pets’ policy within their accommodation, but these policies can often be bypassed when it comes to Service Animals and Emotional Support Animals due to their prescribed therapeutic assistance to their owners.
"ROMEO"
Mike,
You are an amazing therapist! I am grateful to you for working with me to enhance the quality of my life. You are very patient, professional and compassionate. Your extensive knowledge base has been helpful and changed my life. I will continue to refer others to you who need caring and competent counseling. Blessings to you and your family! Annie B.
What's The Difference Between a Service Dog, Therapy Dog, and an Emotional Support Dog?
Have you ever found yourself wondering, “What’s the difference between a Service Dog, Therapy Dog, and an Emotional Support Dog?” I’m here with my friend to help distinguish the three types of working dogs so you have a better understanding and appreciation of these incredible animals. Please watch the accompanying video.
Serving Similar Purposes But Have Different Rights
While both Psychiatric Service Animals and Emotional Support Animals are prescribed to their owners to assist them with mental impairments, it is apparent that they are designated to serve different purposes. Psychiatric Service Animals are recognized by the ADA. By contrast, Emotional Support Animals are not therefore do not have many rights under Federal Law.