Registering an emotional support animal (ESA) is not a process that typically involves a formal “registration” or certification. However, there are steps you can take to ensure that your animal qualifies as an ESA. These steps may not require any costs if done properly, though some services may charge fees for documentation. Here’s how you can approach it:
1. Determine Eligibility:
– An ESA is meant to provide comfort and support to individuals with a diagnosed mental or emotional health condition (e.g., anxiety, depression, PTSD).
– You must have a verifiable mental health condition and be under the care of a licensed mental health professional (therapist, psychiatrist, psychologist, etc.).
2. Consult with a Licensed Professional:
– Schedule an appointment with a mental health professional to discuss your emotional or psychological needs.
– If the professional determines that an ESA would be beneficial for you, they can provide you with a letter. This letter is called an ESA letter, and it must be written on their official letterhead. This letter is the most important document for establishing your ESA.
3. The ESA Letter:
– The letter should include:
– Your name and confirmation that you are under the professional’s care.
– A statement that you have a qualifying emotional or mental health condition.
– A recommendation that the animal is necessary for your emotional well-being.
– There are no official national registries for ESAs, so the letter from your healthcare provider is what officially “registers” your animal, even if you don’t have to pay any extra fees for registration itself.
4. Avoid Paid “Registration” Services:
– Many websites claim to offer ESA registration for a fee, but these are often unnecessary and not legally recognized. The official ESA status is based on the letter from your mental health professional, not any online registration.
5. Understand the Legal Protections:
– If you are flying, you can have your ESA accompany you on most airlines, as long as you provide the ESA letter in advance.
– If you are renting, under the Fair Housing Act (FHA), landlords must make reasonable accommodations for individuals with ESAs, provided you have the appropriate letter from a healthcare professional.
– However, the ESA does not have the same public access rights as a service animal. ESAs are typically not allowed in places where pets are banned, like restaurants or stores, unless specified by a landlord or airline.
In summary, the process of “registering” an ESA is essentially getting a letter from a licensed healthcare professional. There is no official registry that you must join, and while some companies may offer ESA registration for a fee, it is not required. The most important step is obtaining the ESA letter from your mental health provider.
