Do I Qualify?
If you answer “Yes” to these 3 questions you Pre-qualify for ESA
- Do you suffer often from any of these conditions?
- Worry, Anxiety, Mood swing, OCD
- Panic-Attack PTSD, Nervousness
- Depression, Loneliness, Irritable, Others
- Does this condition not allow you to live happily? YES
- Does your animal help you cope with your condition? YES
Many people suffer from some form of anxiety or fear that can be alleviated by having their pets close by. However, it is not enough to merely tell the airline that you feel better when you fly with your pet or to have your pet wear a special vest or badge. You must have a prescriptive letter from a Qualified Mental Health Professional stating your need to have an Emotional Support Animal with you when you fly.
Some of the conditions that would lead to a diagnosis of a need for an Emotional Support Animal are as follows:
- Anxiety (Specific or Generalized)
- Depression or other mood disorder
- Phobias (including social phobia and fear of flying)
- Panic Disorder
And any other psychological disorder recognized by the DSM V (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders)
Typically, if you are being treated for any of these disorders by a licensed therapist you could ask them to write you a prescriptive letter stating your need for an Emotional Support Animal. However, many people who suffer from one or more of these disorders are not under the care of mental health professionalS. Going to a therapist is expensive and can involve committing to a long-term treatment plan.
The Emotional Support Animal Center works with licensed Qualified Mental Health Professionals around the country who understand that not everybody is willing, or able, to make the commitment to long-term therapy, but can nonetheless have some relief of their symptoms by traveling with an Emotional Support Animal. These professionals will evaluate you online through a brief (approximately 30 minutes) questionnaire designed to identify and diagnose DSM V psychological disorders. Upon review of your form, a licensed mental health professional will determine if you meet the criteria for a DSM V diagnosis. Feel free to contact us by email at info@counselingandmedical.com to schedule a follow-up telephone consultation. The telephone consultation should take no more than 15 minutes.
Once a determination is made that you meet the criteria for an Emotional Support Animal, your prescriptive letter will be emailed to you. Very often the entire process can be completed in 24 hours. In the event that the mental health professional determines that you do not qualify for a prescriptive letter for an emotional support animal, your fee will be fully refunded and your evaluation form answers permanently deleted from our system.
Information about Emotional Support Dog Registration
Emotional support dogs are dogs that provide comfort and support in forms of affection and companionship for an individual suffering from various mental and emotional conditions. An emotional support dog is not required to perform any specific tasks for a disability like service dogs are. They are meant solely for emotional stability and unconditional love. They can assist with conditions such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder/mood disorder, panic attacks, fear/phobias, and other psychological and emotional conditions.
Any Dog Can Be an ESA
- No Breed, Size or Weight Restriction
- No training required, must be housebroken & obedient
- Animal must be up to date with all vaccinations
Emotional support dogs are protected under federal law
Under the Fair Housing Amendments Act (FHAA) and the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA), an individual who meets the proper criteria is entitled to an emotional support dog to assist them with their life. The FHAA protects individuals by allowing their emotional support dog to live with them (even when there are no pet policies in place). The ACAA protects individuals by allowing the emotional support dog to fly with them in the cabin of an airplane (without having to pay any additional fees). Any dog can be an emotional support dog, and emotional support dogs do not have to be professionally-trained.
A Medical Recommendation is Required
You are required to have a letter from a doctor or mental health professional recommending that you have an emotional support dog for your condition. You may be asked to present this letter by airline staff when flying or by your landlord when renting a home.
Identifying emotional support dogs for the public
Emotional support dogs are often identified by wearing an emotional support dog vest or tag, letting the public know that it is an emotional support dog; otherwise, their handlers will find themselves having to explain that their dog is an emotional support dog. Some businesses, such as airlines, prefer to see an identification card or vest that indicates that the dog is an emotional support dog.
Do you have a Disability?
The National Institute of Mental Health shows that more than 1 in 4 adults in the United States have some form of mental disorder. If you are suffering from an emotional or psychological condition then you are entitled to an emotional support dog. Consult with us for more information.