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How To Make Your Dog Into An Emotional Support Dog? Expert Guide 2024
Updated on
- Written by Nyasha Stevens, BS
Medically reviewed by
Dr. Theresa Bautista, OTD, OTR
In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, we often find solace and comfort in the company of our beloved dogs. But for some of us dealing with mental health issues, our furry friends are more than just pets. They serve as a valuable source of emotional support and provide a lot of therapeutic benefits.
When it comes to emotional support animals, dogs are a common choice due to their loyal and affectionate nature. So if you want to know how to make your dog an emotional support animal, you’ve come to the right place. This guide will help you understand how to get an ESA letter, adopt an emotional support dog, the laws that protect your rights, and the benefits of having an emotional support animal.
Key Takeaway
The process of making your dog an emotional support animal involves several important steps. It starts with understanding the purpose of an ESA. You may then consult a licensed mental health professional who can evaluate your condition. If you have a qualifying mental or emotional disability, they will be able to provide you with an ESA recommendation letter.
Once you have your ESA letter, familiarize yourself with ESA laws and regulations in the federal, state, and local levels. Also make sure that your dog has undergone basic training and properly behaved. Remember, responsible ownership and adherence to legal requirements are crucial in making your dog an ESA.
How To Qualify A Dog To Become An Emotional Support Animal
Qualifying a dog to become an emotional support animal is a straightforward process that primarily involves consultations with a licensed mental health professional.
- Assess your mental health needs. It’s important to be honest with yourself about your mental health condition and whether an emotional support dog would benefit you.
- See a licensed mental health professional. This could be a psychiatrist, psychologist, or therapist. Discuss your mental health challenges during your appointment and how an emotional support animal could help alleviate your symptoms.
- Request an emotional support animal letter. If your mental health professional agrees you would benefit from an emotional support animal, they will write an ESA letter for you. This document will broadly state that you have a mental or emotional disability and serve as proof that your emotional support dog is a part of your treatment plan.
- Train your dog for good behavior. While an emotional support animal does not require specialized training like a service animal, your dog must be well-behaved, especially in public places. Basic obedience training from a professional dog trainer is recommended to ensure your dog can behave properly in various environments.
If you are not currently under the care of a healthcare provider, you can look up the best legitimate ESA services online for assistance. Check out resources like Certapet to learn about the process of making your dog an emotional support animal.
Emotional Support Dog: What Is It?
The Role and Importance Of An Emotional Support Dog
An emotional support dog is not an ordinary pet. It is a companion that provides therapeutic benefits to its owner who is struggling with mental health conditions like anxiety or depression. The calming presence of a dog can provide comfort, help alleviate symptoms, and make everyday life a bit easier.
Emotional Support Dog Vs. Service Dogs
While an emotional support dog provides comfort and support through companionship, service dogs[1] are specially trained to perform specific tasks for individuals with disabilities–such as leading the blind or flipping switches for the paralyzed.
Unlike service dogs, emotional support dogs do not require special training. An ESA’s presence and companionship alone are considered therapeutic. However, good behavior and obedience in public places and toward others are important for all dogs, including emotional support dogs.
Laws That Protect Emotional Support Dog
Understanding the legal protections for emotional support animals can provide peace of mind and safeguard your rights.
The Air Carrier Access Act
In the past, the Air Carrier Access Act[2] (ACAA) required airlines to allow individuals with diagnosed mental health disorders to bring their ESAs with them in the aircraft cabin free of charge. The same privileges granted to service animals were extended to ESAs. However, revisions to these rules[3] enabled airlines to enforce their own assistance animal policies.
Nowadays, airlines can outright refuse transportation to individuals with disabilities who are traveling with emotional support dogs. While some airlines continue to allow ESAs on flights, they are not under legal obligation to do so. You always want to call ahead to make sure you have all the documents they will require.
Fair Housing Act
Under the Fair Housing Act, landlords and property owners must make reasonable accommodations for tenants with emotional support animals. This means they cannot refuse to rent to someone because they have an emotional support dog, even if the building has a “no pets” policy. They also cannot charge these animals a pet fee or deposit nor limit how many emotional support animals can be on the property as long as they are properly documented.
Americans With Disabilities Act
While the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) primarily focuses on service animals[4], it also offers some protections for emotional support animals. In particular, it ensures that individuals with mental health disabilities cannot be discriminated against in housing because of their need for an emotional support animal.
5 Benefits Of Having An Emotional Support Dog
Emotional support dogs provide more than just companionship. They offer many benefits that can greatly improve the quality of life for people with emotional and mental disabilities.
Emotional Comfort And Companionship
One of the main roles of an emotional support dog is to provide comfort and companionship. They offer unconditional love and are always there for their owners, which can significantly alleviate symptoms of conditions like anxiety disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder[5].
Reduces Feelings Of Loneliness
Emotional support dogs can help reduce feelings of loneliness[6]. They offer a constant presence that can help people with mental health conditions feel less alone and more connected to the world around them.
Can Help Lower Stress Levels
Research has shown that simply owning a pet can help lower stress levels and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease[7]. This calming influence can be invaluable in managing daily stress and anxiety for those with mental health issues.
Encourages Routine And Responsibility
Caring for a dog requires a daily routine and creates a responsibility, which can benefit those dealing with mental health conditions. Regularly feeding, walking, and caring for a dog can provide structure and purpose to their owner’s everyday life.
Waive Pet Fees And Increase Acceptance In Public Spaces
As mentioned in the previous section about laws, having an emotional support dog also has some other benefits. Emotional support dogs are exempt from pet fees in rental properties. Most airlines will accommodate emotional support animals, though they are entitled to their own policies and restrictions. Even some public businesses, including restaurants and hotels, pride themselves on providing a safe space for ESAs and their owners.
Conclusion
If you are struggling with your mental health, having an emotional support dog can make a significant difference in your life. Emotional support dogs offer valuable companionship and can help to alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety. Following the steps above will ensure that your dog is properly qualified as an emotional support animal, allowing you to experience the numerous therapeutic benefits they provide.
Frequently Asked Questions
The timeline largely depends on how quickly you can get a consultation with a mental health professional and receive your ESA letter. You may be able to get an ESA letter on your first visit. The training of the dog, however, is an ongoing process.
California does not have a formal registration process for physical or psychiatric service dogs. Your service dog is properly trained to perform specific tasks related to your disability.
The process is similar across states: consult with a licensed mental health professional and obtain an ESA letter stating the necessity of the emotional support animal for your mental health.
Emotional support dogs provide companionship, reduce anxiety and depression, and can even lower blood pressure. They offer non-judgmental support and unconditional love, which can greatly improve a person’s mental health.
As of 2021, changes to the Air Carrier Access Act mean that emotional support animals no longer fly for free on U.S. airlines. It’s important to check with specific airlines for their policies.
Good emotional support dogs are generally calm, gentle, and sociable. They should have a strong connection with their owner and be able to provide comfort during periods of distress.
Yes, Texas recognizes emotional support animals. However, an ESA does not have the same rights as a psychiatric service dog in public places.
The process is the same as in other states. You’ll need to consult with a licensed mental health professional who can provide you with an ESA letter.
+ 7 sources
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- Howell, T.J., Nieforth, L.O., Thomas-Pino, C., Samet, L., S. Agbonika, Cuevas-Pavincich, F., Nina Ekholm Fry, Hill, K., Jegatheesan, B., Kakinuma, M., MacNamara, M., Sanna Mattila-Rautiainen, Perry, A., Christine Yvette Tardif-Williams, Walsh, E.J., Winkle, M., Yamamoto, M., Yerbury, R.M., Vijay P.S. Rawat and Alm, K. (2022). Defining Terms Used for Animals Working in Support Roles for People with Support Needs. [online] 12(15), pp.1975–1975. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12151975.
- 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.
- 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.
- ADA.gov. (2023). ADA Requirements: Service Animals. [online] Available at: https://www.ada.gov/resources/service-animals-2010-requirements/.
- Chirico, F., Capitanelli, I., Nowrouzi-Kia, B., Howe, A., Batra, K., Sharma, M., Szarpak, L., Pruc, M., Nucera, G., Ferrari, G., Cortese, C., Gianino, M., Acquadro-Maran, D. and Kerkorian, K. (n.d.). EDIZIONI FS Publishers Animal-assisted interventions and post-traumatic stress disorder of military workers and veterans: A systematic review. Systematic Review in Occupational Health Psychology J Health Soc Sci, [online] 2022(2), pp.152–180. doi:https://doi.org/10.19204/2022/NMLS4.
- Kretzler, B., Hans-Helmut König and Hajek, A. (2022). Pet ownership, loneliness, and social isolation: a systematic review. [online] 57(10), pp.1935–1957. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s00127-022-02332-9.
- Surma, S., Oparil, S. and Narkiewicz, K. (2022). Pet Ownership and the Risk of Arterial Hypertension and Cardiovascular Disease. [online] 24(8), pp.295–302. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s11906-022-01191-8.
Written by:
Nyasha Stevens, BS
Medically reviewed by:
Medically reviewed by:
