Most people view seeing-eye dogs as service animals. However, some service animals help support people who have a mental or emotional disability rather than a physical one. Here are a few questions and answers about emotional support animals to help you better understand their role and certification:
What does an emotional support animal do?
The animal participates in the prescribed treatment plan that has been designed by a patient's psychiatrist, psychologist or another mental health provider. The animal should offer the patient a sense of comfort. As a result, the patient should experience fewer side effects or uncomfortable symptoms from his or her condition.
The comfort or support provided by an emotional support animal should be a natural result of the animal's presence. Thus, an emotional support animal does not require additional training to be certified. Still, the animal must be well behaved in public settings and should not create havoc at home.
How does an animal receive an emotional support animal certification?
In order for a pet to become certified as an emotional support animal, a licensed mental health provider must diagnose the human patient with an emotional disability and submit a prescription letter to that effect. To ensure that the letter is official, it must be drafted on the mental health professional's letterhead, and it should include the professional's license credentials, licensing date and the state in which the professional is licensed to practice.
Are there animals that are prohibited from being used as an emotional support animal?
Although most people think of dogs when it comes to a support animal, any animal that is domesticated can be an emotional support animal. A dog can serve as a support animal, but so can a rabbit, snake, guinea pig, cat, lizard or rat.
What is an emotional support animal permitted to do that a regular pet may not be allowed to do?
Like other service animals, an emotional support animal can fly in the passenger area of a plane or other aircraft without incurring a separate pet fee. The animal can also live with you, even if you are a renter, without incurring an additional charge as a pet fee. Nevertheless, there may be some restrictions. For instance, restaurants, trains, hotels and other organizations are not legally required to permit an emotional support animal on its premises.
To learn more about emotional support animals, consult with a pet trainer or a mental health professional (such as one from Next Generation Psychology) in your area.
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