Emotional Support Animal Registration : The Basics

An Emotional Support Animal (ESA) is an animal that mitigates any kind of emotional or psychological symptoms associated with a handler’s condition or disorder. Emotional Support Animals do not need to be custom trained to perform a specific tasks. As the name suggests, Emotional Support Animals provide comfort, a calming presence, and companionship to their partners in times of distress.

Like Service Dogs, ESAs also qualify for “No Pet” housing under fair housing laws. You must obtain a letter from a physician stating the need for your Emotional Support Animal. These letters must be signed by a licensed mental health professional in your home state and must be renewed each year.

Legal Protections for Emotional Support Animals

If a person suffers from anxiety, depression, panic attacks, or other psychological and emotional conditions, federal law protects their rights to have an official Emotional Support Animal. Below are some of the laws protecting individuals with ESAs and Service Animals

• Fair Housing Act (FHA) :According to this federal  law, Emotional Support Animals  and Service Dogs are allowed access in housing without additional fees even if there is a “no pet” policy. Under the FHAA, landlords are required to provide reasonable accommodations, and hence, equal opportunities to use and enjoy the housing along with their handler regardless of breed or weight.