In the pet world, the term Emotional Support Animal has been making waves. It has made it easier for humans to benefit more from animal companionship to overcome their psychological struggles.
There is substantial research on how an emotional support animal can help to cope with trauma and manage symptoms of anxiety. However, what you are unaware of is that your pet is already supporting you in numerous ways, offering their love and affection.
There is more good news. Unlike a service animal, an ESA does not need any specific task training. On the other hand, their presence helps an individual mitigate the symptoms associated with their emotional or psychological disability.
In other words, not only can your pet offer you emotional support, but now you can also benefit from the ESA certification or an emotional support animal certification guide. To give you a bit more clarification, here is how an official ESA letter could improve your life.
Physical and Emotional Support
Interaction with animals often results in generating positive emotions. They aid in relieving stress by releasing hormones such as Oxytocin that result in a good mood. Animal-assisted therapies can not only help you manage your mental stability; studies show that it can also contribute to your cardiovascular health as well.
An ESA letter confirms that you will be meriting your pet’s healing powers, in coping up with all the emotional difficulties of your life. As a trained emotional support animal differs drastically in their behavior, it will also ensure that you and your pet merits from the legal aspects.
Constant Companionship
Pets, particularly dogs, suffer from separation anxiety. While some might get aggressive, others seem more anxious or depressed. If you are traveling for a long period, then this could hurt your pet, leading to further complications.
Under the Air Carrier Act, emotional support animals can travel on flights under certain conditions. This is an excellent means for you to stay close with your pet wherever you go. Moreover, depending on the size, you can also have your pet in the cabin, with a small additional fee.
Housing Law Protection
It is not uncommon for landlords to refuse a tenant’s application if they have pets. In that regard, the federal government has released the Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1998, qualifying individuals to stay with their ESA any housing. This also requires the landlord to waiver any additional deposit or fee charged for the animal.
All you need to do is include a legitimate ESA letter in your housing application to protect yourself against housing discrimination.
See If You Qualify
Keep in mind that rather than your pet, it is you who have to qualify for an ESA letter. Animals do not need any specific certification that confirms that they can serve the purpose. While registering your pet as an ESA is possible, a letter is mandatory to grant you exclusive rights.
In order to get certified, you should be evaluated as emotionally disabled by your therapist or certified mental health professional. They should state that due to your mental condition, you are limited in performing at least one of life’s major activities, and an emotional support animal is integral to the treatment of your condition. You can also avail of a letter online from one of the licensed practitioners.
Do Not Wait Any Longer
Though more and more people are relying on their pets, they are unaware of the effectiveness and benefits they bring to their lives. Even more so, they are oblivious to how simple it is to qualify for an emotional support animal. This simple decision could transform your life as you know it for the better.
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