Dogs are man’s best friend, and they have been for centuries. While you probably know that a dog can support you physically, provide protection, or even act as a service animal, did you know that dogs can also help emotionally? Yes, that’s right, dogs can become emotional support animals, and an emotional support animal isn’t your ordinary pet.
Instead, they’re protected by law, and you don’t have to worry about pet fees, but we’re getting a bit ahead of ourselves. In this guide, we take you through how to get a dog ESA certified. We cover what this means, how much it costs, and much more. Read on to learn more.
What Is an Emotional Support Dog?
An emotional support dog is a dog that’s an emotional support animal (ESA). An ESA is a companion animal that provides emotional support for someone who’s struggling with mental health disorders. Whether it’s anxiety or depression, having a dog around can provide comfort and relief from their mental health symptoms.
That said, you can’t just say that your dog is an ESA. Instead, you need to ensure that your dog is legitimate and certified, which usually means you need an ESA letter.
Once you have the letter, though, you can enjoy all the protections that come from the Fair Housing Act (FHA). This includes not having to worry about pet fees and being able to live in housing that’s not usually pet-friendly.
Who Qualifies for an Emotional Support Animal?
When it comes to qualifying for an emotional support animal, it comes down to having a mental health issue that can be supported by the animal. For this reason, you need to have a mental health disorder, and you need to be evaluated by a licensed mental health professional.
Some common conditions include:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Bipolar disorder
- Loneliness
- Chronic stress
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Attention deficit disorder (ADD)
What’s more, you’ll find that an ESA can help with more than just these conditions, so reach out to a licensed mental health professional to determine if you qualify.
How to Get a Dog ESA Certified
When it’s time to get a dog ESA certified, the process isn’t too complicated. If you have a licensed mental health professional (LMHP) who’s already licensed in your state, you can meet with them and ask them for an ESA letter. If you qualify, they can write you one. Then, it’s a matter of showing the letter to your landlord or your potential landlord.
Now, if you don’t have a LMHP already, there’s no need to worry. You can work with one via telehealth online. For example, US Service Animals can help you connect with a LMHP in your state, and you can even register your ESA with them for quick and easy access to your dog’s information.
The process involves providing some information about your animal and your mental health condition. Then, you schedule a call with a LMHP. From there, you connect with them to determine if you qualify, and you can have your ESA letter in less than 24 hours (depending on your state’s laws). Depending on the service provider, this process is generally what you can expect.
How Much Does It Cost to Certify an ESA Dog?
If you want to certify your ESA dog, the cost is around $100 for an ESA letter. Of course, if you have an LMHP you work with already, you can spend much less. For example, if it’s covered by insurance, your therapist may be able to write you a letter for no extra cost. Ultimately, that’s something you’ll have to work out with them.
If you plan on registering your emotional support animal, you’ll need to spend another $25 to $50. Ultimately, it depends on the platform and the benefits you’re looking to receive. You’ll find that some platforms may charge more but offer more than others, so keep this in mind.
Our Final Thoughts on How to Get a Dog ESA Certified
Are you ready to get a dog ESA certified? If so, make sure you have a LMHP to work with or consider an online provider, like US Service Animals. Once you have the ESA letter, you can show it to your landlord to avoid pet fees and other housing-related issues. Also, consider registering your emotional support animal for quick access to information about them and proof that they’re a legitimate ESA.
