Emotional support animals are animals that provide comfort and emotional support to people with disabilities. They are not therapy animals and do not have to be trained in order to provide emotional support. In some cases, an emotional support animal may help reduce the symptoms of a disability.
To get an ESA letter to get your pet certified as an emotional support animal, you will first need a letter from a doctor confirming that your pet has a disability and needs the assistance of an emotional support animal. The letter should also state the specific condition your pet suffers from. You can then find an accredited organization that will test your pet for certification. There is no set fee for this service, but it may vary depending on the organization you choose to use.
To qualify for certification, your pet must have:
– Demonstrated an ability to provide emotional support that is necessary for one or more individuals with mental disorders.
– Been treated for any psychiatric disorder prior to applying for certification.
– Passed a medical evaluation by a veterinarian who is qualified to evaluate animals for ESA certification.
After you have applied for certification, your pet will need to complete an ESA behavior assessment. This assessment will measure your pet's normal behavior and compare it to the criteria listed in the DSM-5 for demonstrating an ability to provide emotional support. If your pet meets all of the criteria, your veterinarian will sign a certificate of certification and send it to you.