How to Get an Emotional Support Dog? - Get Answer Here

An emotional support dog is the best kind of pet for people who need help with their emotions. These dogs are more than just companions; they provide comfort and relief by accompanying you on your every move.

Emotional support dogs are great for people who struggle with mental health issues or just need an extra helping hand for everyday living. ESAs make your life better and can provide that assistance that you need in your life.

While dogs are the most preferred ESAs, there are other animals also that work quite as well as emotional support animals. These animals include emotional support cats, rabbits, miniature horses, ferrets, hamsters, birds, fishes, and others.

What Is An Emotional Support Dog or an ESA Dog?

“What is an ESA dog?”

An emotional support animal or dog is a special kind of dog that is more than a pet and helps the owner with various mental disorders and emotional disabilities. It is recommended by a mental health professional or a therapist who analyzes the patient to determine its need.

Can any doctor write the emotional support dog prescription letter? No, only a licensed mental health practitioner can do it for you. The purpose of an ESA dog is to provide mental relief to its owner through its unconditional love and support.

Emotional Support Dog Training: What do I have to Do?

How to train an emotional support dog, or what emotional support (ESA) dog training do they need?

The truth is, an emotional support dog or any other animal does not need any specialized training. A service dog or a therapy dog is specifically trained according to the disability of the owner. Emotional support dogs provide companionship, which is why they are commonly known as Companion Dogs.

Your emotional support dog just needs to be well-behaved, housebroken and vaccinated.

Are there any Core Emotional Support Dog Requirements?

Luckily, no. Unlike a psychiatric service dog and service animals, both used to assist mentally and physically challenged individuals; an ESA dog does not have any core requirements. They do not require extensive training to perform a specific task like the kinds mentioned above; they need to be disciplined, clean, and vaccinated.

Which are the Best Emotional Support Dog Breeds?

Many different dog breeds can be considered when searching for the perfect emotional support animal. However, no one breed is better than any other breed, but it also depends on the owner’s needs and household. For example, houses with children prefer dogs that are kids friendly.

If you're looking for the perfect family pet, then many breeds can fit your needs. Some of these include:

And many others. The list is not inclusive and you can get pretty much any dog as your emotional support dog.

As stated on CNN by Mr. McCullough, RealESALetter.com is a legit ESA letter provider for flying with your emotional support animal. A legal LMHP signs the letters, and only the qualified people get the letter.

Do I Need an Emotional Support Dog Vest for my ESA Dog?

Not really. Getting an ESA dog vest is not necessary to identify your dog, but we highly suggest that you should get one. There could be a number of benefits of getting a dog vest for your emotional support dog. Some of the key benefits of having an emotional support dog vest are given below:

  • You can identify your dog as an emotional support dog and not a mere pet
  • Emotional support dog vests inform the strangers that it is ‘not’ OK to pet your emotional support dog
  • Your emotional support dog will be less likely to be distracted
  • Emotional support dog vests could be handy for service dogs also
  • They come in different fabrics and types, and you can choose from them easily
  • You can put your emotional support dog’s identification cards in the vest to prevent losing them

Emotional support dog vests offer several other benefits, and this is why we strongly recommend that you get one for your dog.

Emotional Support Dog Certification: How to Qualify?

Qualifying for an emotional support dog is necessary before getting your four-legged comfort canine. Since an emotional support dog is different from a pet, you just cannot get it without proper screening and documentation. To qualify to get an emotional support dog or animal, you need to contact a licensed mental health professional and get yourself checked.

To qualify for an emotional support dog, you must follow the below steps.

Examine yourself Thoroughly

Before applying for an ESA dog letter, make sure that you understand and know your need for it. Sometimes, people think they need an ESA because they don't feel good or happy around dogs or animals. This is not the right way, and you should stay away from it.

Before consulting a mental health therapist, analyze your condition and how an emotional support dog makes you feel better. Some sure signs that you need an emotional support dog are that you feel depression and anxiety all the time and your dog makes you feel relaxed and secure.

Build a Relationship with your Mental Health Therapist

You can't just ask for an emotional support dog certification out of the blue. Before bringing up this topic with your therapist, make sure they know how you're feeling and what's going on to help diagnose whether or not getting a pet would work best.

Some mental and emotional instabilities could be rectified and managed with mainstream treatment and medicine, while others may need ESAs. Before writing the letter, your therapist will check and analyze you completely beforehand.

Need a Mental Diagnosis

Not all mental and emotional limitations are eligible for emotional support animals. The mental health therapist will check your symptoms properly and thoroughly when checking and screening you. Some of the main and significant mental illnesses that make anyone eligible for an emotional support dog include:

  • Chronic Depression
  • Depression can be more than just feeling sad. It may have different levels of severity, and the symptoms vary from person-to-person depending on their situation. Chronic depression is common in people who have gone through some kind of trauma or loss. An emotional support dog helps such people in staying calm and comfortable.

  • Postpartum Depression

    New mothers often experience postpartum depression, which can lead to chronic conditions. A dog is an excellent way of combating the symptoms and preventing them from getting worse- just like how humans' best friends are always there for them during hard times.

  • Anxiety

    Besides chronic and postpartum depression, anxiety is a very common symptom in people suffering from depression and stress. Everyone needs a companion or a friend to deal with the increasing anxiety level. Your emotional support dog can help you with the anxiety through unconditional love.

  • Panic Attacks

    Severe anxiety sometimes results in panic attacks. These attacks could result from accidents and other severe life situations. That is when you need a companion to help you calm your mind down by relieving anxiety.

    Emotional support dogs and other animals help normalize you and stay by your side all the time.

  • Social Anxiety

    With a social anxiety disorder, people can become overwhelmed with fear when they are in a public space. An emotional support dog could help you control your symptoms and live life more confidently.

  • Bipolar Disorder

    The emotional support animal can help those with bipolar disorder because it helps them manage and control their changing energy levels. If left unattended, these changes could become dangerous for you and the people around you.

  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

    Obsessive-compulsive disorder can have adverse effects when it comes to daily life routine. The condition is common in people who have gone through childhood trauma or prolonged stress. Getting an emotional support animal can help you deal with it through love and companionship.

  • Phobias

    Some people suffer from different phobias that can affect their daily lives. Your emotional support dog can help you relieve anxiety by decreasing the stress level caused by various phobias and fear.

  • Impulse Control Disorder

    The bond between humans and dogs can’t be measured by just time spent together. The support they provide each other in difficult times helps them cope with impulse control disorder symptoms, making life easier for both parties involved!

  • Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

    The intensity of post-traumatic stress disorder can vary, depending on the anxiety level. There could be multiple reasons for it, like horrible past experiences or any nightmares. A companion by your side can help you with it by improving your mental health.

Get an Emotional Support Dog Letter from a Licensed Therapist

The process of getting a legal letter for your emotional support dog should not be taken lightly. Only one person can grade and write this type of document - an experienced licensed mental health practitioner with specialized knowledge in the field. They know better and examine your condition and symptoms properly.

Renew your Emotional Support Dog Letter Annually

No emotional support letter is for life, and you will have to renew it on an annual basis. Your emotional support dog letter is valid for a year only. Make sure that you renew your letter on time to avoid any legal complexities.

Wondering if you qualify to get an emotional support dog?

Get your legitimate ESA letter provided by our professional therapists and enjoy the companionship of your four-legged friend.

How to Get an Emotional Support Dog Letter?

“How to get an ESA letter for my dog?”

You can get your emotional support dog letter either online or with the help of a mental health practitioner. However, you will have to qualify for it, and you can qualify for an emotional support dog only if you suffer from an emotional or mental disability.

When consulting a therapist for your emotional support animal letter, you will have to go through the following steps:

  • Contact the mental health therapist.
  • Explain your condition and need for an emotional support dog.
  • Go through the screening.
  • Get your emotional support dog letter.

Some people prefer online methods over going through the hassle of visiting the therapist. When applying online, you will have to follow the below steps:

  • Fill out an online questionnaire.
  • The therapist will screen your application.
  • If qualified, get the letter within 24 to 48 hours.

To check if you qualify, our therapists are here to assist you. All you have to do is fill out the form and you will get an emotional support dog letter within 24 hours or less, if you qualify.

You can check sample letter for esa dog online and compare our letter with it to verify that it is compeltely authentic and valid. We also ofefr a 100% money-back guarantee of the working of our letter. So, rest assured tha you will get an authentic esa letter for emotional support dog from us.

How to Make your Dog an Emotional Support Dog?

How to make your dog an ESA dog?

Some people already have a dog they want to convert into an ESA. How to do it? The simple way of doing it is to propose the dog of your choice when choosing an ESA for you.

Understand that you will need to get a valid ESA letter for dog no matter what. After you clear the screening and qualify for the letter, name your dog as your desired ESA.

What is an Emotional Support Dog Certification?

An emotional support dog certification is another name for an ESA letter. Some scam companies try to rob you of your money by telling you that an ESA letter and an ESA dog certification are different. However, they are the same.

You will need a legitimate and legally sound ESA letter to get your emotional support dog.

How to Register An Emotional Support Dog?

Many people wonder if they need an ESA dog registeration from any organization. No, you do not need to get any registration for your animal.

Many online organizations mislead the new ESA owners by telling them to get an ESA registration, which is wrong. All you need is an ESA letter for living with an emotional support animal or travelling with your dog peacefully.

Emotional Support Dogs Vs. Service Dogs

There is a grey area for the difference between ESA and service animals. Many people think that they are the same, which is wrong. An emotional support dog is not specifically trained for a disability. The main purpose of an ESA support dog is to provide mental relief and comfort through their love and companionship.

When we talk about service dogs or assistance animals, the major difference lies in the abilities of the two. A service dog helps with the physical disability of the owner.

Guide dogs are used by blind people that can help them walk. Similarly, a person suffering from a hearing disability can use a signal dog for his assistance. The service dogs are individually trained according to the disability of their owner.

While getting an ESA letter online, you will see a lot of websites claiming to register an emotional support animal. There is no such thing as emotional support dog registration. To enjoy the company of your emotional support dog, all you need is a valid ESA letter. That is the only certification you require. As far as the dog breed is concerned, that depends on your choice.

To enjoy the company of your emotional support dog, all you need is a valid ESA letter. That is the only certification you require. As far as the dog breed is concerned, that depends on your choice.

Emotional Support Dog Rights and Laws

Now that you are clear about the concept of an emotional support animal, you should also be aware of the legal protections offered to an ESA.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protects the rights of ESA owners and their emotional support animals. Following are the two main emotional support animal laws that can help you enjoy the perks offered by a valid ESA letter.

  • Live With Your Emotional Support Dog

    The Fair Housing Act Federal law helps the ESA owners ensure that their ESA dogs can accompany them in their apartments. The HUD housing rules for an emotional support animal apply to all types of housing facilities in US.

    No landlord or building owner can deny this right to an ESA owner; also, they cannot discriminate against him. In addition to this, the landlord cannot ask for any pet fee or surplus charges to keep the ESA in the apartment.

  • Flying With Your Emotional Support Dog

    As per the Department of Transportation, the Air Carrier Access Act allows the ESA owners to air travel with their emotional support dogs. If you have a valid ESA letter, you can travel on public transport and commercial airlines.

    Further, humanely flying with ESA dogs is permitted as long as they can be seated at your feet and without occupying an adjacent seat. Animals are not allowed to take up any space on board.

    To enjoy all these perks, you have to make sure that the ESA letter you are getting is 100% enforceable and legitimate.

    Be careful; there are severe consequences for a fake ESA letter.

How to Identify a Real Emotional Support Dog Letter?

A licensed mental health practitioner writes a legally sound ESA letter. However, identifying these letters is important if you do not want to land into some dire consequences. When working with an online ESA letter provider, make sure that you have checked it thoroughly and inside out.

When checking the letter, make sure that your letter has the following things:

  • Written on the therapist’s official letterhead
  • Has the therapist’s genuine signature
  • The license number of the therapist
  • The state where the therapist is licensed to work
  • Contact details of the therapist
  • Qualifications of the therapist

Moreover, before deciding to work with an online source or any therapist, ask for a sample ESA letter for dog or to see the details that they will add to it.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is an emotional support dog?

It's difficult to put a price on the value of an emotional support dog. A good breed will depend upon your needs and requirements but know that there isn't one specific cost for this service.

Can emotional support animals go anywhere?

Guide dogs and psychiatric service dogs are generally allowed to go anywhere the public is. However, an assistance animal can't accompany their owner into certain places such as restaurants or shopping malls.

How much is an ESA letter?

The cost of a letter from your state may vary, but it's usually around $150-$200.

Can emotional support animals be denied?

Under the law, you can refuse an ESA if that animal poses a threat of harm. If you discover an ESA has harmed or bitten someone before, then the animal is likely not allowed to come into your home.

Is there a weight limit on ESA?

It is true that there are no weight limits for ESA, so it's safe to say you can take any dog or cat on board with your family without worrying about breaking any rules.

Go through the ESA letter samples and make sure that you get the best for yourself and your animal!

What if you order a “discounted” or “bargain” ESA Letter online?

There are strict penalties under law for offering non-legitimate documentation to landlords, transportation providers, or public facilities. Those penalties include

  • A criminal record.
  • A felony conviction that may result in serious jail time.
  • Fines up to $100,000 or more (Penalties vary from state-to-state).

Why take the chance?

Getting a legitimate, legally-enforceable ESA Letter is a simple process

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