Emotional Support Animal Evaluations
“People don’t get the big picture. Animals matter, people matter, and animals in the lives of people matter”
What is an emotional support animal?
An emotional support animal is any animal that provides relief from a psychiatric disability, such as anxiety or depression. The animal provides companionship and support to help alleviate at least one aspect of the disability.
There are many websites out there offering ESA “certification”. But many of these companies are profit driven mills meant to make as much money as possible. ESA certification is actually not legally recognized, and there is no “registration” of ESA’s like these sites would lead you to believe. The only legal documentation of an ESA is a letter from a mental health professional.
Failing to meet the requirements and have the legally required documentation could result in your ESA not being allowed in apartments, campus housing, airplanes, or other places an ESA would normally be allowed.
Please note, an emotional support animal is not the same as a service animal and does not have the same rights. Learn about the difference here: Service Animal or Emotional Support Animal: What's the Difference? | ADA National Network (adata.org)
How can we help?
In order for your animal to meet the legal requirements to be an ESA, you must:
Be assessed and prescribed an ESA by a licensed mental health professional, such as a therapist, psychologist, or psychiatrist.
Have a letter from the professional stating the legally required information
Receive a qualifying diagnosis for mental/emotional disability
Catherine is able to provide the assessment and documentation necessary to comply with the legal requirements for your ESA.
Once you schedule an appointment, you will fill out a variety of intake forms aimed at getting to know you and your condition better. At your appointment, you will receive a comprehensive evaluation to determine your need for an Emotional Support Animal. Once you qualify, Catherine will provide the necessary documentation for your ESA.
Traveling soon? Getting ready to move? We can typically schedule you in under a week to conduct your evaluation, often within 48 hours. Call today to set up your appointment.