For people with certain mental health conditions like chronic anxiety, an emotional support animal may be uniquely qualified to help them gain confidence and provide them with much needed comfort. You may be curious about how to train your dog to be an emotional support animal (ESA) and how to get the certification you need. We’ll explore the qualifications and necessary steps to take to train your pup to be an ESA.
What is an Emotional Support Animal?
ESAs are dogs (as well as other animals including cats, rabbits and most famously a peacock) that provide support and comfort for people with specific mental health conditions. ESAs must be prescribed by a licensed professional, including a therapist, psychiatrist, or psychologist. This person will provide a letter declaring your need for your ESA. There are many websites out there that claim that they can sell you these letters but buyer beware—make sure you do your research and are able to obtain a certified letter. Fake ESAs are becoming more common, therefore airlines, apartment buildings, and mental health professionals are cracking down to ensure your need is real and that the animal you are traveling with is safe.
Where can I take My ESA?
Unlike service dogs and guide dogs, ESAs are generally not allowed to go everywhere with their handlers. This includes places like shopping malls or grocery stores. The two most notable exceptions are airplanes and non-pet-friendly housing.
Under the Air Carrier Access…
