Today, like always, we’re reporting on emotional support animals news. It’s been a busy few weeks for these companion animals. This time, we’re visiting a town in Massachusetts and learning about the new ESA fees on their way very soon. Grab a cold drink and get caught up with us!
New Dog Fees in Place for Dalton, MA
On Monday, June 22, 2020, the town of Dalton in Massachusetts passed a resolution to change its dog fee policy. This happened through a vote in the town’s annual meeting. Now, emotional support animals are no longer exempt from paying a yearly dog fee.
For some years, the town of Dalton has charged dog owners a flat fee of $20 to $25. It is called a “dog license” and is mandatory for all pet dogs. The only exception is trained service dogs, who don’t have to pay this fee.
The wording for the dog license was confusing to some residents. There was uncertainty over whether or not emotional support animals would also be exempt. Although they are not trained, they do provide a service to their owners.
Any questions hanging in the air are now answered. Effective soon, the definition for “service animal” has been cleared up. It strictly applies to trained dogs. All untrained emotional support animals are now left out.
You don’t have to be a resident of Dalton to have to pay the local dog licensing fee. If you spend at least eleven consecutive days in the town, you’ll have to pay up. Moreover, all dogs over the age of six months must be registered and have their dues paid.
Dogs who have been neutered or spayed will be charged $20. Owners whose dogs have not will be charged $25. There are also fines in place if the payments are not made on time.
Source: https://dalton-ma.gov/dog-license/
CertaPet’s Thoughts on This Week’s News
Dog licensing fees are not unique to Dalton. There are several towns and cities that do require you to pay a fee every year. Otherwise, they will not let you keep your pet dog. What is interesting about this resolution is the wording. Dalton recognizes the work done by ESAs, but it will not budge on applicable fees.
In case you were wondering, there is probably nothing stopping the town from imposing this dog fee on ESAs. Cities tend to make their own rules regarding animal dwellers within city limits. And those laws must be obeyed, both by pets and by emotional support animals. Since most residents can afford their fees, this likely doesn’t constitute a violation of the Fair Housing Act.
If you have a mental health problem, getting an ESA would be a fantastic idea. These furry animals keep you company and help boost your mental wellbeing. They do wonders!
To get started, just take our 5-minute pre-screening test for free. You’ll be put in touch with a licensed mental health professional. They will have a consultation with you and, if you quality, issue your ESA letter!