Understanding Your Rights with Emotional Support Animals and Psychiatric Service Dogs
If you have a mental health disability, you may benefit from the companionship and assistance of an emotional support animal (ESA) or psychiatric service dog (PSD).
However, it’s crucial to understand your rights and responsibilities when it comes to having these assistance animals.
The Fair Housing Act (FHA) allows individuals with disabilities to live with their emotional support animals in housing that typically prohibits pets.
Landlords and housing providers must make reasonable accommodations for ESAs.
However, you may need to provide documentation from a licensed healthcare professional verifying your need for an ESA.
The Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) permits individuals with disabilities to travel with their emotional support animals in the cabin of the aircraft. Airlines are allowed to require current documentation (no older than one year) from a licensed mental health professional.
Psychiatric service dogs are trained to perform specific tasks directly related to an individual’s mental health disability. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), psychiatric service dogs must be allowed in public places like restaurants, hotels, and stores.
It’s important to note that emotional support animals do not have the same public access rights as service animals under the ADA. ESAs provide therapeutic benefits through companionship but are not individually trained to perform tasks.
While having an ESA or PSD can greatly improve your quality of life, it’s essential to be a responsible owner. Your assistance animal should be well-behaved, properly trained, and under your control at all times.
Understanding your rights and responsibilities is crucial when navigating life with an emotional support animal or psychiatric service dog. Be sure to obtain proper documentation and educate yourself on the relevant laws to ensure a smooth experience.
