Emotional support animals have grown in popularity over the last decade because of their therapeutic ability. From flying to living with your ESA, it’s been proven there is a positive affect on their owners suffering from an emotional and/or mental disability such as PTSD, depression, anxiety, even OCD. So, if you’re looking into getting an emotional support animal in Aurora, Colorado then read on!
Emotional Support Animal in Aurora: Specific protection
Although an emotional support animal is pretty different from a service dog. It’s important to keep in mind that an ESA will be warranted protection under a few laws.
In the city of Aurora, an emotional support dog will be protected under two laws. These are the federal Fair Housing Act and the Air Carrier Access Act. As an emotional support animal is not considered a service dog, so they will not be protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Definition of Assistance Animal
Before we get more into what an ESA can offer you, it is vital that to know the purpose of an assistance animal and their many categories.
An assistance animal is an animal that provides some sort of service to their owner.
First, it’s important to know that an assistance animal can be classified as a service animal, a psychiatric service animal, or an emotional support animal.
So, what is a service animal? Well, a service animal is most often a dog who is trained to perform tasks for their handlers. A service animal will be protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Which means that a handler is able to take their service animal into public places likes a grocery store or a mall.
A great example of a service dog is seeing-eye dogs, whose job is to help owners maneuver through a busy city.
A psychiatric service animal is often a dog or even pigs that may be trained to block certain psychiatric disorders. For example, people suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder may be prescribed a psychiatric service dog to help block their PTSD episodes.
Finally, an emotional support animal is an animal—yes this includes cats!—whose job is to simply provide safety, comfort, and support to those suffering from a mental illness.
Thus, an ESA does not require training in order to qualify as an assistance animal.
Still, not sure what an ESA can do for you? Well, ESAs are often prescribed to those suffering from depression or anxiety disorders. This is because ESAs are able to make an individual feel a lot safer.
How to get an Emotional Support Animal in the Aurora: CertaPet’s simple 5 min process
So, are you ready to get an emotional support animal in Aurora! Well, you’ve come to the right place.
At CertaPet we believe the human-animal bond can be a great medicine when it comes to dealing with mental illnesses like depression and anxiety. So, we’ve made getting an emotional support animal in Aurora so much easier for you!
All you have to do is first take CertaPet’s 5-minute pre-screening test. This test will quickly screen your current mental health. If you do pass the screening test, then we will instantly connect you to a licensed mental health professional.
Travel Laws (Air Carrier Access Act)
The Air Carrier Access Act is a law which states that any individual with an assistance animal will be allowed to bring their assistance animal on board an aircraft. The owner cannot be charged any extra pet fee for bringing their assistance animal on the aircraft.
This law states that an emotional support animal will be allowed to fly in-cabin with their owners. However, owners are obligated to provide the following:
- A letter from a licensed medical mental health professional validating your need for an ESA
- You will need to provide documentation that proves that your ESA will be at it’s best behavior during the flight
- You are required to provide a minimum of 48-hour notice to the airline indicating your need to travel with an ESA
Employment Laws
Many employers in Aurora city recognize the importance of the human-animal bond. So, although an employer is not legally obligated to allow your ESA into the workplace. Some employers may provide reasonable accommodation to those with an ESA.
Housing Laws (Fair Housing Act)
The federal Fair Housing Act is a law which states that landlords need to provide reasonable accommodation to those with an emotional support animal (or any assistance animal). For an ESA owner to be protected under this law, the owner must provide the following:
- An ESA letter from a licensed mental health professional
- Evidence that the animal will not cause damage to the property and is not aggressive
ESA Campus Housing
If you are a student planning on getting an emotional support animal in Aurora, Colorado then the Fair Housing Act will also apply to campus housing. Today, a lot of young students often suffer from depression and anxiety. Fortunately, many universities recognize effects mental illness can have on an individual.
Thus, universities will allow an ESA on-campus housing only if you are able to show a valid ESA letter. However, an ESA will not be allowed in public spaces such as cafeterias and lecture theaters.
Exception to Rules
Now, getting an emotional support animal in Aurora, Colorado is not as simple as one might think! There are exceptions to every law and many of these exceptions will depend on the specific circumstances. For example, a landlord is able to deny reasonable accommodation for an ESA if:
- The ESA is a threat to the community
- The ESA damages the property
Airlines to have the right to deny an emotional support animal. For example, if you do not notify the airline about your ESA, within 48-hours of departure, then the airline has the right to reject your ESA.
Punishment for Misrepresenting an Assistance Animal
Misrepresenting an assistance animal in the city of Aurora, Colorado can have dire consequences. Should you misrepresent an emotional support animal in Aurora, Colorado then you will receive a fine of $25 if it is your first offense. A second offense can result in a fine of $50 to $200, and a third offense can result in a fine of up to $500.
3 Facts You Need to Know Before Receiving Your ESA
- An emotional support animal can be any animal you like! A dog, cat, miniature horse!
- Although ESAs do not require special training. It is highly recommended that you teach your ESA the basics like potty-training and good behavior. This will make traveling with an ESA all that much easier!
- While any animal can become an ESA, it’s highly recommended that people get a dog or a cat as an ESA. This makes traveling in aircrafts much easier!
Where to Find a Suitable ESA!
Finding an emotional support animal in Aurora is not as difficult as it seems. This is because any animal can become an emotional support animal. So, if you’re in search of an ESA then check out your local pet shelters, private rescues, and reputable breeders.
Where to Take your Emotional Support Animal in Aurora
If you’ve got an emotional support dog, then there are many places you can take them! Listed below are some pawesome dog parks, pet-friendly restaurants, and hotels you can take Fido to!
Dog Parks and Dog Runs
- Cherry Creek State Park Off-Leash Dog Area
- Chatfield State Park Off-Leash Dog Area
- Bayou Gulch Dog Park
- Glendale Farm Open Space Dog Park
Dog-friendly restaurants and bars
- Helga’s German Restaurant and Deli
- Chipotle Mexican Grill
- Wing Hut
- Lazy Dog
Resorts, fitness, and spas
- La Quinta Inn Denver Aurora
- Motel 6 Aurora
- Cherry Creek State Park Campground
ESAs in Aurora: How to Get Connected with an LMHP in Your City Today!
Getting an emotional support animal in Aurora does not need to be difficult! Anyone who believes they are struggling with mental illness should contact their licensed mental health professional to discuss how an emotional support animal can be beneficial.
So, if you aren’t certain if an ESA if right for you, then take a free, 5-minute pre-screening test to find out!