Can you have a human as an emotional support animal?

For a person to legally have an emotional support animal (ESA), the owner must be considered to have a qualifying mental health or psychiatric disability by a licensed mental health professional (e.g., therapist, psychologist, psychiatrist, etc.), which is documented by a properly formatted prescription letter.

What emotional support can companion animals give their human owners?

Science demonstrates that these biological responses have measurable clinical effects. Specifically, pets and therapy animals can help alleviate stress , anxiety , depression , and feelings of loneliness and social isolation . Interactions with animals can help people manage their long-term mental health conditions.

Is an emotional support animal the same as a companion animal?

Emotional support animals – known as ESAs – are not required by law to be trained to perform any particular task. They are companion pets whose mere presence is assistive to an individual with a psychological disability.

What animals Cannot be emotional support animals?

This means horses, cows and any other mega pet cannot really become an ESA as they cannot safely occupy the spaces that your ESA accreditation would normally allow them into. Additionally, landlords cannot be fairly expected to accommodate a very large animal that would potentially damage their property.

What classifies as an emotional support animal?

Definition. An emotional support animal is an animal companion that offers some type of benefit to an individual with some form of disability. The animal is intended to provide companionship and support that will help alleviate at least one aspect of the disability.

What counts as an emotional support animal?

An emotional support animal or ESA is a dog or other common domestic animal that provides therapeutic support to a disabled or elderly owner through companionship, non-judgmental positive regard, affection, and a focus in life. Emotional support animals are typically dogs and cats but may include other animals.

How can I prove my emotional support animal?

The only legitimate way to qualify your dog as an Emotional Support Animal is by obtaining a legitimate ESA letter from a licensed mental health professional. If you do not have a therapist or are having trouble finding one, you can connect with a mental health professional through the online platform here.

Do I have to prove emotional support animal?

Under California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act, a landlord is required to allow an emotional support animal to live with their owner in a rented home. Documentation may be required to show evidence and support the disability of the renter, but the owner should not have to show evidence that the animal is certified.