Emotional Support Dog Information

Common Myths about Emotional Support Dogs, Service Dogs, And More

When searching on the Internet about ESAs, psychiatric service dogs, emotional support animal prescriptions, emotional support dog letters, and emotional support dog registrations, there is sometimes a blurred line.

So to help you understand more about the full definition of an emotional support dog, let’s debunk some myths.

“The only difference between emotional support animals and service dogs is that one is for emotional/mental health disabilities while the other is for physical disabilities.”

While this is true to some extent, it’s not the only thing that differentiates the two assistance animals.

Unlike service dogs, emotional support dogs do not require any specific training and there aren’t any qualifications or requirements needed for an animal to become an emotional support dog (making it easy for a pet you already have to become your emotional support animal).

Service dogs and therapy dogs, on the other hand, go through extensive training in order to receive the qualifications necessary to perform their jobs. 

Also, service dogs/therapy dogs are entitled to public accommodation and have permission to enter just about any public establishment. Emotional support animals have rights too, but they're more limited. 

“An emotional support animal prescription is your ESA letter AND a certification of your emotional support animal registration.”

An emotional support animal prescription ONLY consists of an ESA letter.

Emotional support animal registration is not a real thing. While there are a number of fraudulent websites and companies that offer to “register” your dog, cat, or other animal as an emotional support animal, registration of any kind is actually not required by law.

Furthermore, the 'certificates' these companies provide mean nothing legally. They won't allow you to travel with your pet or entitle your animal to housing. Unfortunately, these scams are popular on the internet - here's a story of just one person who fell victim to them.

Emotional Support Dog Registration: Is it Necessary?

Many pet owners think they can register their pets as ESAs, and that this registration is all they need to enjoy the legal rights that come with being an ESA owner.  

As previously mentioned, this couldn’t be further from the truth.

There’s no such thing as an “emotional support dog registry” or “certification.” Companies selling these are fraudulent and sadly only out to get your money.

An emotional support dog certificate or registration means nothing in the eyes of the law. All you need is an ESA letter written by a licensed mental health professional or physician. 

Steer Clear From Emotional Support Dog Certification Sites!

The fraudulent selling of fake ESA letters is unfortunately a booming industry.

However, you will NEVER get a legitimate ESA letter from an online company offering ESA documentation in exchange for money.

Luckily legislation changes across the US are making it more difficult to get (and use) fake ESA letters. There is also an increasing number of states making misrepresenting an ESA a felony.

Steer clear from anyone trying to sell you an ESA letter, no matter how convincing and “legit” they sound. They will try draw you in with their ESA 'swag' like vests and ID cards, but none of that is official or legally binding!

Emotional Support Dog Requirements: Any Dog Can Be an ESA Dog!

Any dog can become an emotional support dog, even a pet you already have!

If you don't have a pet yet, that's okay too. You can adopt one from your local animal shelter or from a rescue organization in your city. 

Your dog will not need any special training in order to become an emotional support dog. Their love and companionship, and the bond you share with them, is enough. This connection alone is often enough to have a calming effect on a person, allowing them to feel loved and supported. 

For your pet to officially become an emotional support dog, all you need is an ESA letter written by a mental health professional or physician. 

Legal Protections for Emotional Support Dogs: Laws You MUST Know

Although an ESA's rights are not as extensive as those granted to Service Animals, there are stlil special entitlements that ESA owners should be aware of. 

Living With Your Dog

The Fair Housing Act ensures that an individual requiring an Emotional Support Dog will be allowed to live with their animal, even in a housing unit with a 'No Pets' policy. Furthermore, it prevents landlords and rental companies from being able to charge pet fees or deposits.

Disclaimer: If the landlord/owner witnesses neglect of the emotional support dog or significant damage done by the animal, they may be able to charge fees later on.

Traveling With Your Dog

The Air Carrier Access Act prohibits airlines from discriminating against those with disabilities. However, the ACAA only applies to Service Animals, not Emotional Support Animals. This is due to new regulations passed by the U.S. Department of Transportation on January 11, 2021. The allowance of Emotional Support Animals onboard flights now varies from airline to airline. Please contact your airline of choice for their most up-to-date policies on Emotional Support Animals.

Here are just some of the airlines who have already announced changes to their ESA policies. You will still be able to travel with your ESA on most of these airlines, but your ESA will now be recognized as a pet, and you will have to pay a Pet Fee for them. If your pet is too large, they may also be forced to travel via airline cargo hold.