We all know the therapeutic benefits of emotional support animals provide. They are scientifically proven to alleviate the symptoms of many mental health conditions, including stress, depression, or anxiety.
However, getting an emotional support animal or ESA can be tricky for some because of its legal conditions. You must obtain an ESA letter from a licensed healthcare professional to get an emotional support animal. Moreover, you must have qualifying conditions showing your need for emotional support animals.
I will share how you can get an emotional support animal letter, the qualifying conditions, and other necessary information here.
Table of Contents
How Do I Get An ESA Letter?
As you know, you need to obtain an ESA letter from a licensed healthcare professional. So first, you need to find a licensed healthcare professional who can write you an ESA letter. I am sharing the Fast ESA Letter process to explain how you can get an ESA letter.
They offer authentic online services so you can get your ESA letter from the comfort of your home. You can select any other platform that aligns with your needs. Don’t worry about the process; it will be almost the same.
Sign in and book your appointment.
Create an account, complete an online evaluation form, and book an appointment with a licensed healthcare professional. You need a valid state ID and basic information about you and your health conditions to complete an online form.
Get evaluated online.
A healthcare professional will evaluate your medical condition and need for an emotional support animal. They will determine whether ESA could alleviate your medical conditions.
Get your ESA letter.
Once approved, you will get your emotional support animal letter via email. Use your ESA letter to live with your animal legally.
Note: if you are a resident of Arkansas, Montana, or California, you must establish a 30-day patient-doctor relationship with your healthcare professional before the ESA letter. After completing these 30-day periods, you may get your ESA letter.
What Are The Qualifying Medical Conditions For An ESA Letter?
Qualifying medical conditions for an emotional support animal letter can vary depending on the discretion of a licensed mental health professional. Generally, they include a wide range of mental health conditions. Common qualifying conditions for an ESA letter include:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder)
- OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder)
- Bipolar disorder
- Dyslexia
- Autistics
- Phobias
- Epilepsy
- Panic attacks
- Partial blindness
- Partial deafness
- Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Autism Spectrum Disorders
- Stress
- Substance Use Disorders
- Eating disorders
- Mood disorders
- Schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders
The final decision on obtaining your ESA letter rests with your doctor. If they believe that your medical condition could benefit from the presence of an emotional support animal, they have the authority to provide you with an ESA letter.
What Kind Of Animals Can Be Considered ESAs?
While dogs and cats are the most common ESAs, other animals can also be considered ESAs. If your animal can provide emotional support or companionship, they can be certified as an emotional support animal. Unlike a service animal, many different animals can be ESAs, including:
- Birds
- Cats
- Chickens
- Dogs
- Ferrets
- Guinea Pigs
- Hamsters
- Hedgehogs
- Llamas and Alpacas
- Mini Horses
- Minipigs
- Ponies
- Rabbits
- Rats and Mice
- Sheep and Goats
Do I Need To Train My ESA?
ESAs do not require specialized training to alleviate your symptoms. Moreover, they don’t need any training to perform tasks related to your medical symptoms. If your animal’s presence makes you comfortable or provides soothing effects, they can be your ESA.
However, an ESA should be well-behaved and have basic obedience training, such as walking on a leash without pulling. Basic obedience ensures that the animal is well-behaved and can be controlled in public places.
ESAs should be socialized to various environments, people, and other animals. It helps them remain calm and well-adjusted in different situations. Exposure to a variety of settings can be beneficial.
How Do You Choose The Best Emotional Support Animal?
The bond between you and your ESA is crucial for their effectiveness in providing emotional support. Ultimately, your ESA should be a source of comfort and emotional well-being, so choose an animal that fulfills your specific emotional support needs. These points will help you to choose the best emotional support animal for your well-being.
Identify your needs: Consider the specific emotional support needs you have. Understanding your needs will help you select an animal that can provide the correct type of support.
Consider allergies and lifestyle: Consider any
allergies you or your family members may have. Moreover, consider your lifestyle. Some animals require more space and activity than others.
Socialization needs: If you select a dog, consider their socialization needs. A well-behaved, socialized dog can be a wonderful ESA.
Calm demeanor: An excellent emotional support animal should be relaxed. Their calmness can help you to alleviate symptoms of your mental health conditions.
Moderate energy level: An ESA should not show signs of low or high energy. Low energy increases stress and anxiety levels and can pose a risk to others. An energetic, emotional support animal is not readily accepted in housing.
Adaptable to different environments:
Life is all about ups and downs. So, your emotional support animal should be able to adapt to different situations and environments without becoming anxious.
Bottomline:
The above practice will help you get your ESA or ESA letter. You should only consult licensed healthcare professionals for your ESA letter. After obtaining it, you can live with your emotional support animal without restrictions.
