{"id":1724,"date":"2019-08-05T10:41:18","date_gmt":"2019-08-05T14:41:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.mmpassociates.com\/cms\/?page_id=1717"},"modified":"2019-09-09T16:55:39","modified_gmt":"2019-09-09T21:55:39","slug":"emotional-support-animal-pennsylvania","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/staging.usserviceanimalsbeta.org\/blog\/emotional-support-animal-pennsylvania\/","title":{"rendered":"Emotional Support Animal Pennsylvania"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"ESAEvery animal owner knows the benefits of having a pet. A pet can help a person get out for their daily exercise and provide company. However, for those who have disabilities, support animals are a critical part of their life. Emotional support and comfort are provided by these pets allow a person with disabilities to get through daily obstacles that might compromise their quality of life. These animals are ESAs or emotional support animals.<\/p>\n

What is an Emotional Support Animal?<\/h2>\n

An emotional support animal is going to need to be prescribed by someone who is licensed in the mental health profession. These animals are prescribed to people who have mental illnesses that interfere with everyday life. Therapists, psychiatrists, and psychologists can prescribe these animals. These doctors are going to decide whether or not an animal is needed to improve or stabilize a person\u2019s mental health. For example, having a pet may help decrease a person\u2019s anxiety levels and allow him or her to focus on daily life easier.<\/p>\n

ESAs vs. Service Animals<\/h2>\n

Emotional support animals are not going to be service animals and they do not have the same rights as each other. Service animals are allowed in public areas whereas an emotional support animal is not. These ESAs are not able to go with their owners into malls or restaurants.<\/p>\n

A service animal is defined as dogs that are trained to work or perform tasks for people with disabilities. This was defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act or the ADA. This act is the same act that states that ESAs are not service animals. However, some states have a broader definition when it comes to ESAs and service animals.<\/p>\n

The main difference between the two is that in one case an animal has been trained to perform a task and\/or job that is related to directly to an individual\u2019s disability. For example, a person is being alerted by their animal because they are hearing-impaired or guiding someone who has trouble seeing. These are acts that service dogs are going to do. Emotional support animals are going to cuddle on cue and do not qualify.<\/p>\n

Legal Rights of ASAs<\/h2>\n

Emotional support animals are not service animals and they have different rights than service animals. The Fair Housing Act does include emotional support animals in the category of assistance animals. This means that people are not allowed to discriminate against the person or animal because they have a disability when they are obtaining a house. This means rules like no pets or size limitations, and even species bans are not applied to those who have an ESA. They also cannot be charged the normal pet deposits because their ESA must live with them.<\/p>\n

The Air Carrier Access Act is going to allow emotional support animals to be by their handler in the cabin of the plane. However, the airline will likely need proof that the person has a disability and that their animal is an ESA. An ESA can be any commonly domesticated animal. For an animal to qualify as an ESA they must be well-behaved and not be a danger to anyone else.<\/p>\n

Emotional Support Animals in Pennsylvania<\/h2>\n

Many people suffer from mental illnesses and emotional disabilities. If this is you, you may be able to qualify for a Pennsylvania Emotional Support Animal or ESA.<\/p>\n

ESA Letter<\/h2>\n

Under Federal law, only a licensed therapist or MD can tell you and assess your individual need for an ESA. If they feel you need an emotional support animal, they will then write a letter of recommendation. This is going to be the document that is going to certify your pet as an emotional support animal in Pennsylvania.<\/p>\n

Benefits of Having a Pennsylvania ESA<\/h2>\n

Cats and dogs and many other animals qualify for emotional support animals. They help those with emotional disabilities by showing their owners affection, companionship, and love. In return, the person\u2019s symptoms often lessen.<\/p>\n

A Pennsylvania ESA does not require any special training to become an ESA.<\/p>\n

How to Qualify for a Pennsylvania Emotional Support Animal<\/h2>\n

The qualifications are pretty straightforward. An individual is going to need to see their mental health professional and this professional will certify that you have a disability. After that, they will be able to write you a letter of recommendation. This letter will allow you to provide proof to a landlord or airline agent.<\/p>\n

If you qualify for an emotional support animal, you can begin registration for your animal online. You need to visit the USSA website to get started. This allows you to be one step ahead of the game when it comes to your animal.<\/p>\n

Components of a Pennsylvania ESA Letter<\/h2>\n

Federal guidelines state that your letter of recommendation has to be written in the last year and have the doctor’s letterhead. This letter will also have information on it to help inform your landlord or anyone else of importance about your Pennsylvania emotional support animal. The letter will state the following:<\/p>\n