Emotional Support Animals

[Teknogeddon]

Those that are facebook or internet savvy may have stumbled on this once before but I've done a bit more digging into what this actually entails.

An Emotional Support Animal (ESA) is similar to a therapy or service animal, the stage between if you want to be more specific. If you're a fan of the Star Wars series, Carrie Fisher's beloved dog actually classifies into this bracket.

In a basic synopsis an ESA is an animal or pet that helps it's owner in some kind of physiological way. Depression, Anxiety, Bipolarity, ect. Animals have been known to keep their owners grounded and more stable, the ESA Accrediation proves this.

An ESA can be any type of domesticated or trained animal as long as it is comfortable in public. This includes but is not limited to dogs, cats, parrots, or reptiles. There is no current Federal Law restricting the species or breeds of Emotional Support Animals. The have no age restriction, nor special training requirement.


Getting or registering an ESA is as simple as a letter from a licensed psychologist, prescribing an ESA. This can be a bit difficult as it's still a rather new practice or However, having an ESA does come with some "perks" if you will.

1. No apartment, condo, or house can refuse, limit the size, or charge for the animal.

2. No airline can refuse to let you fly with the animal in the main cabin.

Like a service animal, you can take the animal with you as long as it is not disturbing the public.



I've seen a few posts recently about people with Depression, Anxiety, or other wise. Perhaps it will be helpful information.

As a woman with social anxiety and depression, I've been considering this route. Unfortunately I can't seem to convince myself to actually GO to the doctor, despite knowing its ok. (Oh hello anxiety. We meet again. Well. At least I am aware of it.)

Links:
https://www.cptas.com/animals.html
https://www.nsarco.com/emotional-support-info.html#b2
Airline passengers may soon have to leave their therapy pigs and turkeys at home ? Quartz
https://www.emotionalpetsupport.com/esa/#about

 

[Puck]

I don't know about ESAs, but I do know that birds can be a great choice for someone with PTSD. One of my friends has PTSD from his days in Iraq, and he says that his relationship with his macaw has done more to help him than years of counseling did.

 

[SailBoat]

Those that are facebook or internet savvy may have stumbled on this once before but I've done a bit more digging into what this actually entails.

An Emotional Support Animal (ESA) is similar to a therapy or service animal, the stage between if you want to be more specific. If you're a fan of the Star Wars series, Carrie Fisher's beloved dog actually classifies into this bracket.

In a basic synopsis an ESA is an animal or pet that helps it's owner in some kind of physiological way. Depression, Anxiety, Bipolarity, ect. Animals have been known to keep their owners grounded and more stable, the ESA Accrediation proves this.

An ESA can be any type of domesticated or trained animal as long as it is comfortable in public. This includes but is not limited to dogs, cats, parrots, or reptiles. There is no current Federal Law restricting the species or breeds of Emotional Support Animals. The have no age restriction, nor special training requirement.


Getting or registering an ESA is as simple as a letter from a licensed psychologist, prescribing an ESA. This can be a bit difficult as it's still a rather new practice or However, having an ESA does come with some "perks" if you will.

1. No apartment, condo, or house can refuse, limit the size, or charge for the animal.

2. No airline can refuse to let you fly with the animal in the main cabin.

Like a service animal, you can take the animal with you as long as it is not disturbing the public.



I've seen a few posts recently about people with Depression, Anxiety, or other wise. Perhaps it will be helpful information.

As a woman with social anxiety and depression, I've been considering this route. Unfortunately I can't seem to convince myself to actually GO to the doctor, despite knowing its ok. (Oh hello anxiety. We meet again. Well. At least I am aware of it.)

Links:
https://www.cptas.com/animals.html
https://www.nsarco.com/emotional-support-info.html#b2
Airline passengers may soon have to leave their therapy pigs and turkeys at home ? Quartz
https://www.emotionalpetsupport.com/esa/#about

I have followed the develop of this inclusion as part of the Service Animal Act. Prior to its inclusion, one could simply 'claim' the need. But the assurance of being allowed access for one's Pet was based on the 'gate keeps' at Airports, Motels, Theaters, etc... allowing you to enter or not.

Since, you are planning on adding a MAC to your family. It maybe worth developing that relationship and the comfort of your MAC being out and about - Socializing and Bite Pressure Training will go along way. Once your MAC is comfortable, set-up the meeting with the Doc and take your MAC with you. Your MAC will provide you support and it will be clear to everyone that your MAC's presents a zone of comfort.

There is a background danger with depression in that one can come to believe that the Pet begins to represent pressure to go outside the house, the room and finally the bed. This can lead to a need /want to push the Pet away. Happened to a friend when he became confused regarding his medication. Once that was cleared up, he was heartbroken at the loss of his beloved Pet. He wrote a letter to himself, his Doctor(s) and Parents that outlined the importance of his Pet and that if ever he began question that relationship, that in and of itself, would authorize his Doctor(s) and Parent(s) to over-ride his request and to take control of his use of medication(s). Yes, the following year the same problem presented itself and the letter helped him to understand what was happening.

 

[Teknogeddon]

I have followed the develop of this inclusion as part of the Service Animal Act. Prior to its inclusion, one could simply 'claim' the need. But the assurance of being allowed access for one's Pet was based on the 'gate keeps' at Airports, Motels, Theaters, etc... allowing you to enter or not.

Since, you are planning on adding a MAC to your family. It maybe worth developing that relationship and the comfort of your MAC being out and about - Socializing and Bite Pressure Training will go along way. Once your MAC is comfortable, set-up the meeting with the Doc and take your MAC with you. Your MAC will provide you support and it will be clear to everyone that your MAC's presents a zone of comfort.

There is a background danger with depression in that one can come to believe that the Pet begins to represent pressure to go outside the house, the room and finally the bed. This can lead to a need /want to push the Pet away. Happened to a friend when he became confused regarding his medication. Once that was cleared up, he was heartbroken at the loss of his beloved Pet. He wrote a letter to himself, his Doctor(s) and Parents that outlined the importance of his Pet and that if ever he began question that relationship, that in and of itself, would authorize his Doctor(s) and Parent(s) to over-ride his request and to take control of his use of medication(s). Yes, the following year the same problem presented itself and the letter helped him to understand what was happening.

This is a long term idea of course, I'm not going to force a baby to cooperate with my ideals. If she doesn't like large groups of people, I guess we just have something in common! I will not need the EAS cert to take her to work with me or possibly even school, as my classmates and my boss understand my situation. She will get lots of attention from lots of people, partially to help the hormones as well. For example, my man-meat, my boss, my mom and dad, my sister (little, she's 9), and a few of my clients are all very excited to welcome her to our very boring lives. I'm not the "party-harder" type of person, partially because of my conditions.

My Hand feeder is a gem and they don't even know it. Currently she's being socialized around doctors, visitors, and nurses, as well as the main family- in addition to frequent car trips. She's comfortable around others as long as they are her, but she's still just a baby. We'll see how she grows up and matures. I will bring her to work with me to establish the shared domain early on, but only after she trusts me completely. Bite pressure training will be a worked on thing as well, as I much value my fingers. Thanks.

If I did get an EAS it would be for hotels or if something happens that I suddenly relapse. I posted this for some others I've seen here that haven't got there yet, and may actually need their pet to stabilize them.

Currently, my mental state is what could be described as "Progressing" or even "stable". I am unmedicated, as I have been since I was a late teen and had my stint of being stupid and losing access to meds to begin with. (Also known as "The California Incident") The biggest step for me was simply accepting the fact that I was not alone with this problem, people can actually understand, and accept myself for it. I allowed people to actually involve themselves with me, and stopped listening so much to my own hatred of myself. I am not disgusting. I'm not dumb. I'm not stupid. I'm actually pretty cool, funny, and smart. I just have to let myself be that way, or people won't ever know.

Don't get me wrong, it's still there. I can feel it nagging at me constantly that I am a failure for some mundane, stupid reason - but I've grown to recognize that it is a mundane stupid reason and it should shut up. I even named my mental instability so that I can talk about it, without associating it to myself. I am Lauren, it is Courtney. No offense to any Courtney's out there, it's just a name I have bad memories of. This may sound more insane, but I can easily communicate that "Courtney is being a pain" or "Courtney is awake" to someone much better than "I'm having depressive thoughts" or "I'm too anxious to be here". After sharing with a friend of mine with anxiety, she actually found this method helps her too. I am Lauren. Courtney is a part of me, but she is not Lauren. She's Courtney, and she will remain a separate entity that does not define my entire being.

As an example, this message went through 4 hard edits. I rewrote it- four times!
Why? Because I want you all to like me. I do not want you to think I'm some kind of loon or crazy that needs to be drugged up or locked away. I currently do not even see a therapist (monetary issue, it's not from lack of want; although I've came this far without one, so I'll continue to do so unless I feel the need).

It seems silly, but it's the little things. I used to not be able to order at a drive through! I couldn't shop a store. I couldn't talk to people or socialize outside of work. I was a recluse zombie! And this was less than 2 years ago. I've came really far! As soon as I stopped mentally sabotaging myself and doing what I actually wanted, my depression improved, my anxiety improved, and I'm a much better person. I now have a job I love, a boss I adore, a man I call my (perhaps not better, but definitely) other half, a better relationship with my parental units, and I'm actually doing good! I do my best to help others in exchange, and try to give everyone the shadow of a doubt. They could have demons worse than mine. Ya never know.

It's a slower process than it seems, a daily uphill struggle.
But I am not Courtney. Courtney will not define me anymore. I've seen the light! I LIKE IT.

A bird is something I've wanted for a very long time. Years. I'm finally in a position that I can't truly convince myself not to have one for some major reason. Just little, mundane ones. Cookware can be replaced. Candles can be forsaken.

I'll adjust - all good things require change.


My goodness this looks long in the type box. I hope you are all entertained!

 

[SailBoat]

Thank-you!!! Your openness is a statement to your understanding of yourself. I find it a true joy in reading and understanding.

I praise your honesty with yourself and others. And as you clearly know, being open with those who are close to you provides you with the strength of support!!!

My friend can become serious lost and will withdraw. Today, he has a large enough circle that when he begins to withdraw, it can be seen. I love your approach regarding Naming the Otherself. With your permission, I would like to present this concept to him.

Again Thank-You for your openness.

 

[Teknogeddon]

Thank-you!!! Your openness is a statement to your understanding of yourself. I find it a true joy in reading and understanding.

I praise your honesty with yourself and others. And as you clearly know, being open with those who are close to you provides you with the strength of support!!!

My friend can become serious lost and will withdraw. Today, he has a large enough circle that when he begins to withdraw, it can be seen. I love your approach regarding Naming the Otherself. With your permission, I would like to present this concept to him.

Again Thank-You for your openness.

By all means! It doesn't help everyone, but it has helped a few, so go ahead. It seems like such a silly, little thing but it really helped me personally. It tried explaining it to a doctor once and they looked confused. xD

Its a stage of baby steps, but any amount of support helps. My significant other understands I cannot be 100% and he can't expect it of me, just as I do him when he needs it.

I find the more I talk about it, the easier it becomes and I feel less and less alone. Maybe my words can help someone else out there that is feeling that estranged concept of solitude.

 

[Terry57]

Lauren, I don't think you are crazy or any of those other things...and I do like you I truly enjoy your posts and I am so glad you are a part of the forum family. It takes such bravery to talk about things that are so personal to us, and I can add that I also admire you.

Edit: (Having some internet issues)
My pets provide so much emotional support, and I don't know what I would do without them. I leave the house once a week at most, and quite often it's every other week. I don't feel the need to take one with me when I do go out, but can definitely see how helpful it would be to some and am glad it is possible to do so. My sister is disabled and was able to get her dog into a complex with a no pets policy with a Dr.s note that Toshi was an ESA a couple of years ago. That meant everything to her.
Thank you for the research you provided.

 

[Minerva]

FYI to anyone considering, federal law does not require that ESAs be allowed in public. Only service dogs and psychiatric service dogs, which are trained to respond to panic attacks, etc. Most places local to me will NOT allow ESAs in, and some have signs that say "We welcome service dogs. Pets and emotional support animals must remain outside."

You can have your ESA ride on airlines with you if you have documentation on hand. Stricter legislation is eminent though, due to people getting pets signed off as ESA for free airfare and other abuses.

It can also help you get the ESA into housing, but technically the landlord is only required to allow ESAs if the person has mental illness directly related to a disability. They can also require that the ESA be removed if it is disruptive to other tenants.

I'm helping my friend get an ESA dog in her pet-free apartment complex, so I've been doing some research. Some states have additional ESA laws that are also worth looking into.

 

[Teknogeddon]

FYI to anyone considering, federal law does not require that ESAs be allowed in public. Only service dogs and psychiatric service dogs, which are trained to respond to panic attacks, etc. Most places local to me will NOT allow ESAs in, and some have signs that say "We welcome service dogs. Pets and emotional support animals must remain outside."

You can have your ESA ride on airlines with you if you have documentation on hand. Stricter legislation is eminent though, due to people getting pets signed off as ESA for free airfare and other abuses.

It can also help you get the ESA into housing, but technically the landlord is only required to allow ESAs if the person has mental illness directly related to a disability. They can also require that the ESA be removed if it is disruptive to other tenants.

I'm helping my friend get an ESA dog in her pet-free apartment complex, so I've been doing some research. Some states have additional ESA laws that are also worth looking into.

Seems rather reasonable with how people are abusing it. "My uh... Emotional... support... uh.... chicken! Yeah! ESA CHICKEN."
Some limits had to be put on it, only makes sense.

 

[SilverSage]

An ESA can be any type of domesticated or trained animal as long as it is comfortable in public...






1. No apartment, condo, or house can refuse, limit the size, or charge for the animal.



2. No airline can refuse to let you fly with the animal in the main cabin.



Like a service animal, you can take the animal with you as long as it is not disturbing the public.

Hi
I actually have an ESA. This designation is a bit confusing sometimes due to a lot of bad info out there. It looks like, probably due to no fault of your own, you have a few things a bit off. Unfortunately there are a lot of people putting bad info out there and it can get really complicated to get the exact facts so maybe I can help you out and save you some frustration down the line.

First, being comfortable in public is not a requirement whatsoever. Your ESA can literally faint at the sight of strangers and still be an ESA. Absolutely no specific training is required. The only requirement is for your mental health provider to believe and put into writing that the animal is an important part of your mental healthcare plan.

Secondly, there are exceptions to the housing privileges. If the building has 4 or fewer units and the owner lives on the premises, they can refuse you. They can also refuse you if your animal makes problems such as destruction, excessive noise, sanitation issues, etc.

Thirdly, in order to fly with the animal you have to jump through quite a few hoops. Each airline has different hoops, but you can't just show up with your ESA and expect to have no issues. In this case you will typically need to provide both proof of prescription, a specific letter from your provider explaining that you need the animal with you for flight, it must be restrained (harness or carrier), and behaving in a non disruptive manner, and usually you have to call ahead and make arrangements. You may only be able to sit in certain seats, and you may have to change your flights as some airlines have restrictions on how many animals can be on each flight and you won't be allowed to displace someone who has booked before you. You can also be charged for any damage your ESA does on the flight.

Fourth, and this is the big one; I'm very sorry to tell you you are 100% WRONG that ESA's have public access. This is a lie propagated by "ESA registration" scams that tell people they can register their ESA and take them anywhere. And trust me on this, I have done so much research on it that it would make your head spin. The ONLY rights ESAs have are housing and travel. If you take your ESA into a non pet friendly establishment you are breaking the rules. No one wishes more than I do that an ESA were allowed to go with me everywhere, but they just aren't. Some businesses allow ESAs if you ask, but it is legally considered FRAUD to claim your ESA is a service animal or insinuate it to claim the rights and privileges that go with it.

I'm not at all trying to be harsh, I just want to be sure you know exactly where the lines are drawn so you don't get tangled up in frustration down the line.

Here is Ranger, my ESA, hanging out with me in Lowes, which is a PET FRIENDLY store where I also often take my birds

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[SilverSage]

And because MY anxiety is kicking in, I keep reading and re-reading my post, practically chewing my nails thinking "I sound too mean, I sound evil, everyone will hate me! I just want to help and now everyone will think I'm trying to be mean!" I just want to make it clear I'm only trying to help. I have really dug into this topic and talked to my health care team, a lawyer, certain store managers, and others about it as well as tons of online research and joining some Facebook communities. The very idea of you being confronted by someone for bringing your ESA where it shouldn't be gives me the nervous shakes on your behalf; I would never forgive myself if I had held my tongue and later found out you had a traumatic experience that wouldn't have happened if you had the right info.


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[SailBoat]

And because MY anxiety is kicking in, I keep reading and re-reading my post, practically chewing my nails thinking "I sound too mean, I sound evil, everyone will hate me! I just want to help and now everyone will think I'm trying to be mean!" I just want to make it clear I'm only trying to help. I have really dug into this topic and talked to my health care team, a lawyer, certain store managers, and others about it as well as tons of online research and joining some Facebook communities. The very idea of you being confronted by someone for bringing your ESA where it shouldn't be gives me the nervous shakes on your behalf; I would never forgive myself if I had held my tongue and later found out you had a traumatic experience that wouldn't have happened if you had the right info.


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Facts and truth hold the same ground and their presentation can 'seem' cold and uncaring. Sweetening them only muddies their presentation and results in miss-understandings.

Your presentation was clear with a caring background hug clearly there. With happy memories, I can say, much like my Grandmother who was a true word crafter and was always the source for facts and truth, and Loving Hugs.

Thank-you!

 

[Teknogeddon]

Oh I appreciate the real facts**, but I wonder what loophole a bird could pose vrs a dog. A bird is compact, easy to clean up after, and on a harness rather easy to control - so I wonder what rules would be interchangeable. Most places do not have a clause for birds, only dogs.

I just worry about the dangers - candles, air fresheners, pesticides...
I'm probably going to be the most paranoid bird mom ever.

**I'm studying to be a lawyer for gosh sakes!

 

[SilverSage]

Rather than having different laws, I find that birds are often simply given a pass by more individual businesses, especially if they are wearing a FlightSuit (claiming they are potty trained has a smaller effect. I don't take my birds anywhere with food, but I've taken them a lot of other places and I find the terminology tends to refer to PETS rather than dogs


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[Phoenixjay]

I have (undiagnosed, but was very close to having it 'officially' written down before I graduated) PTSD, and as a result, I'm very dissociative and have regular anxiety attacks because I self-implode and become self-destructive because I convince myself my symptoms aren't real and I'm just doing it for attention (part of what comes with with flashbacks), but I've been considering this route for the future since my animals are sometimes the one reason I will get out of bed. I don't think any of my current pets would deal with it very well. There was a point where I was able to take my hedgie in public. I even brought him on campus a few times; my professors loved him! One time, there was a girl crying, and I walked over to her and pulled Moyo out of my purse. He definitely had her smiling. I would put his snuggle sack in my purse and he would sleep in there comfortably. He is very very very friendly and doesn't get scared by much, both of which are unusual for a hedgehog. I almost wanted to certify him to bring him into nursing homes and children's hospitals. But he is sick now, so I don't think it is good for him (also bringing him on the bus to campus was one thing, but bringing him on the Metra to downtown Chicago is just a tragedy waiting to happen). My birds wouldn't deal with it well, but I may go down this route in the future if I have a pet who would like being with me most of the time in public.

 

[Phoenixjay]

Though note: Thank you SilverSage for being informative. There is a ton of misinformation out there about it and you answered all the questions I've had about it.

 

[SilverSage]

I'm glad! It's very frustrating to try to dig out the truth. I think we are in a period right now of medicine finally realizing how badly we need animals. As a result, a LOT of people are trying to profit from it, from businesses to people who just want special privileges for their pets. But I think it is worth it.


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[Phoenixjay]

Definitely. One of the reasons I'm backing off from asking a psychologist about this option is because a lot of people do take advantage of the system and I'm in the process of asking myself whether I really need it. Right now, it may not be necessary for me, but I could see it becoming a large option in the future.

 

[SilverSage]

My therapist says I think too hard about it lol, because it took me a long time to get up the nerve to ask for it. But ultimately it is their job to decide. And having one doesn't hurt anyone else. It's the people who have no issues and pretend they do who are a problem.


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[Phoenixjay]

I'm visiting a therapist for the first time after my meltdown tomorrow (it took 2 weeks; my choices were hospitalization or waiting for an opening. It was ridiculous). So I'm going to work on getting the diagnosis confirmed as soon as I can get to a psychologist. After that, I'll reevaluate and perhaps ask.

But once my friend and I went to tour the new apartments that were in our college town (they were really cool, but we weren't really looking. We just wanted to see the snazzy new place), and I mentioned I have a hedgehog after I found out they had a no-pets policy. The tour guide said I could just get him registered as an ESA, and I was like...you serious right now? Granted, I do have mental health concerns, but he didn't know that.