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Can A Pitbull Be An Emotional Support Dog? How To Register A Pitbull As An ESA?
Updated on
- Written by Nyasha Stevens, BS
Medically reviewed by
Ellen O'Donohue, RN
Welcome to a hot topic in the world of emotional support animals (ESAs). You’re here because you’re wondering: Can a Pit Bull be an emotional support dog?
The simple answer is yes, absolutely!
Despite their reputation as an “aggressive dog breed,” Pit Bulls, including the American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, and Staffordshire Bull Terrier, can make excellent ESAs. They are highly trainable, friendly, and loyal and can form deep attachments to their owners.
In this article, we’ll explore the role of Pit Bulls as ESAs, the importance of ESAs in human life, the legal protections available, and how to navigate breed-specific legislation. We’ll also guide you on how to get an ESA letter for your Pit Bull, address common issues related to Pit Bull ESAs, and much more. So, let’s dive in and learn about these wonderful companions!
Can A Pitbull Be An Emotional Support Dog?
Yes, a Pit Bull can indeed serve as an emotional support animal! Despite being burdened with a bad reputation, Pit Bulls can offer their owners immense emotional comfort and mental health benefits.
Not all Pit Bulls are the same. Many dogs of this breed are gentle and friendly, debunking the common myth about their aggressive nature. With the right assessments and documentation, an emotional support Pit Bull can have the same protections as any other emotional support animal.[1]
What Tasks Does A Pitbull Do?
Pit bulls, like other emotional support animals, primarily offer emotional comfort and companionship to their owners. However, they can also be trained to perform specific tasks, further assisting individuals with disabilities. Some of these tasks include:
- Sensing Emotional Distress. Pit bulls can be trained to recognize signs of emotional distress. They can provide comfort during times of anxiety or panic attacks.
- Physical Tasks. While not specially trained like service dogs, some Pit Bulls may naturally perform tasks like fetching objects or providing a comforting touch during moments of distress.
- Distraction and Engagement. Pit bulls and other emotional support dogs can distract from distressing thoughts or situations by engaging their owners in play or physical activity.
- Emotional Support. As an ESA, a Pit Bull provides emotional support simply through its presence. Their companionship can greatly benefit people with mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Registering Your Pitbull As An ESA: How To Do It?
Registering your Pit Bull as an emotional support animal (ESA) involves several key steps. Here’s a brief guide on how to go about it.
Consult With A Mental Health Professional
The first step is to consult with a licensed mental health professional who can evaluate your need for an ESA. They should clearly understand your diagnosis and how an ESA can benefit your treatment.
Obtain An ESA Letter
If the professional determines that an ESA could help manage your symptoms, they will provide an ESA letter. This document verifies that you have a mental or emotional disability and require an ESA for support.
Register Your Pit Bull As An ESA
With your ESA letter in hand, you can now register your Pit Bull as an ESA. Registration in a database is not a legal requirement but can provide an additional layer of verification to help ease any uncertainties regarding the specific breed.
Inform Your Landlord Or Airline
The final step is to present your ESA letter to your landlord or airline when necessary. Remember, the Fair Housing Act and the Air Carrier Access Act protect your rights to live and travel with your ESA.
If you don’t already have a medical provider, consider checking out resources like this Certapet review to help you find the best legitimate ESA providers online.
Breed-Specific Legislation: What Is It?
Breed-Specific Legislation (BSL) is a set of laws that restricts or bans the ownership of certain breeds of dogs, often targeting Pit Bulls and other dog breeds perceived as “bully breeds.” These laws can greatly impact Pit Bull owners and those considering a Pit Bull as an emotional support animal.
BSL is highly controversial and has been criticized for focusing on breeds rather than individual dog behavior. Moreover, it tends to overlook the fact that not all Pit Bulls are dangerous, and many Pit Bull breeds are highly trainable, obedient, and make wonderful emotional support dogs.
If a Pit Bull is your ESA of choice, it’s important to be aware of local laws and breed restrictions in your area. In some locations, owning a Pit Bull might require you to meet additional requirements, such as special licenses or insurance.
Despite the challenges, with the right socialization and training, a Pit Bull can make an exceptional ESA.
However, these laws do not grant ESAs the same access rights to public spaces as service dogs. Unlike service animals, ESAs primarily offer therapeutic support through their presence. They do not require special training.
Issues Relating To Pitbull ESAs
Keeping a Pit Bull as an emotional support animal can sometimes present unique challenges due to societal stereotypes and misconceptions about the breed. Let’s explore some of the issues you might face.
Problems With The Landlord
Despite federal protections, some landlords may resist accommodating a Pit Bull ESA due to prejudice against the entire breed. To navigate this, provide your ESA letter and remind them of your legal rights. Your housing provider cannot tell you how many emotional support animals you can have nor what breeds they can be as long as you have a legitimate ESA letter for each. Always maintain open communication with your landlord to address any concerns they may have.
Public Stigma
Pit bulls often suffer a bad reputation due to media bias and misperceptions about the breed. As a Pit Bull owner, you may face public scrutiny or fear. Education and positive exposure can help break down these misconceptions.
Air Travel Challenges
Although the Air Carrier Access Act has historically allowed ESAs to accompany their owners in the cabin, some airlines have breed restrictions in place that may affect Pit Bulls. Always check with the airline in advance about their specific policies regarding Pit Bull ESAs.
Importance Of Emotional Support Animal (ESA) In Human Life
Emotional support animals play a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life for many individuals. They provide companionship, comfort, and emotional support to people dealing with mental health issues such as:
- Anxiety disorders.
- Depression.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- Bipolar disorder, and more.
Remember, the benefits of having an ESA go beyond the pet-owner relationship. These animals can help promote social interaction, provide a sense of purpose, and even encourage physical activity, improving overall mental health.
Emotional Support Dog Vs. Service Dog
It’s important to distinguish between an emotional support animal (ESA) and a service dog. While both offer invaluable support, their roles, training, and legal protections differ.
An animal has to have special training in order to be a service animal. A trained service dog, such as a guide dog for the visually impaired, is able to perform specific tasks directly related to their handler’s disability. Their access rights are granted by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), allowing them to accompany their handler in all public places.
Laws That Protect Emotional Support Animals
Several federal laws are designed to protect ESAs and their owners. Most relevant are the Fair Housing Act[2] and the Air Carrier Access Act.[3]
Housing With An ESA
The Fair Housing Act (FHA) is a federal law ensuring that individuals with mental health conditions can live with their ESAs in most housing, even places with breed restrictions or no-pet policies. Housing providers must provide reasonable accommodation[4] for ESAs, without charging additional fees. They cannot discriminate against tenants with ESAs, including Pit Bulls, based on dog breeds. They can only refuse an ESA if they can provide evidence that the specific animal in question directly threatens the safety or health of others or causes significant property damage.
Travel With An ESA
Because of the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) most airlines allow ESAs, including Pit Bulls, to accompany their owners in an aircraft cabin. However, airlines can require an ESA letter from a licensed mental health professional confirming the owner’s need for the ESA. There have been recent changes,[5] so be sure to contact your airline in advance to confirm their policies.
Knowing the differences between an ESA and a service dog will help ensure you are accurately informed about the rights, responsibilities, and benefits of owning either.
Conclusion
A Pit Bull can indeed be an emotional support animal. While these dogs may face some breed-specific challenges, they have been shown to provide deep attachments and valuable therapeutic support to their owners. It’s essential to understand the laws and guidelines governing ESAs, including breed-specific legislation and housing rights, to ensure you and your Pit Bull can enjoy the benefits of an ESA.
Remember, with the right documentation, like an ESA letter from a licensed therapist, you can advocate for your rights and navigate any potential issues. Despite any hurdles, the bond between you and your Pit Bull ESA can be a powerful tool in managing mental health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Pit Bulls can be emotional support dogs. There’s no breed restriction for ESAs under federal law. A Pit Bull can also be a therapy dog or service animal.
Absolutely! Pit bulls are known to be loyal and affectionate and can provide emotional support to individuals with anxiety disorders.
Dogs that are aggressive or unable to behave appropriately in public or residential settings may be disqualified from being an ESA. This aggression must be documented, not based on breed stereotypes.
Yes, Pit Bulls can make excellent support dogs due to their loyalty, intelligence, and capacity for empathy.
Yes, a Pit bull can be an emotional support dog in Wisconsin. There are no breed restrictions for emotional support animals under Wisconsin or federal law. This is true for all of the US. The crucial requirement is a letter from a licensed mental health professional.
+ 5 sources
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- Younggren, J.N., Boness, C.L., Bryant, L.M. and Koocher, G.P. (2020). Emotional Support Animal Assessments: Toward a Standard and Comprehensive Model for Mental Health Professionals. [online] 51(2), pp.156–162. doi:https://doi.org/10.1037/pro0000260.
- HUD.gov / U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). (2021). Housing Discrimination Under the Fair Housing Act. [online] Available at: https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/fair_housing_equal_opp/fair_housing_act_overview
- Transportation.gov. (2022). Traveling with a Disability | US Department of Transportation. [online] Available at: https://www.transportation.gov/individuals/aviation-consumer-protection/traveling-disability#:~:text=The%20Air%20Carrier%20Access%20Act%20(ACAA)%20is%20a%20law%20that,or%20within%20the%20United%20States.
- https://www.hud.gov/sites/dfiles/PA/documents/HUDAsstAnimalNC1-28-2020.pdf
- Service Animal Final Rule FAQs. (n.d.). Available at: https://www.transportation.gov/sites/dot.gov/files/2020-12/Service%20Animal%20Final%20Rule%20FAQs.pdf.
Written by:
Nyasha Stevens, BS
Medically reviewed by:
Medically reviewed by:
