Understanding Emotional Support Dogs

Emotional Support Dogs (ESDs) provide their owners with therapeutic benefits through companionship and affection. Unlike service dogs, ESDs do not require specific task-training because their primary role is to offer emotional comfort. This fundamental difference also affects their legal status and the rights that accompany them.

No Training Requirements

Unlike service dogs, Emotional Support Dogs do not need to be trained to perform specific tasks. Service dogs are trained to perform tasks that assist individuals with disabilities, such as guiding people who are blind, alerting people who are deaf, or performing other duties. ESDs, on the other hand, primarily provide comfort and emotional support through their presence. This distinction highlights the unique role ESDs play, which does not include task-specific training.

Requirement for a Professional's Letter

To legally qualify for an Emotional Support Dog, an individual must obtain a letter from a licensed mental health professional. This letter must state that the person has a diagnosed mental health condition and that the Emotional Support Dog provides significant support for their emotional or mental health. The professionals who can issue such a letter include:

• Psychiatrists:  Medical doctors specializing in mental health who can diagnose and treat mental illnesses with medication and psychotherapy.
• Psychologists:  Professionals trained to diagnose and treat mental health disorders primarily through psychotherapy.
• Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW):  Social workers with specialized training in mental health who provide therapy and connect individuals with resources to manage their mental health.
• Medical Doctors (MD):  General practitioners or other medical doctors who understand the patient’s mental health condition and treatment history.
• Doctors of Osteopathy (DO):  Physicians that practice a holistic approach to medicine, fully trained and licensed to diagnose and treat, with additional focus on the body's musculoskeletal system.
• Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT): Therapists who specialize in family and marital therapy but also treat a wide range of mental health issues.
• Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC): Counselors who provide therapy to individuals, families, and groups to treat mental, behavioral, and emotional problems and disorders.
• Licensed Mental Health Counselors (LMHC): Similar to LPCs, these counselors are trained to diagnose and provide therapy for a variety of mental health issues.

This letter is valid for one year from the date of issuance and must be renewed annually to continue the acknowledgment of the ESD’s role.

Access Rights Under the FHA

Emotional Support Dogs are granted specific rights under the Fair Housing Act (FHA). This act allows individuals with ESDs to bypass pet restrictions in housing facilities, ensuring they can live with their Emotional Support Dogs regardless of pet policies. It's important to note that these rights are limited to housing and do not extend to public spaces, unlike the broader access rights granted to service dogs.

While Emotional Support Dogs do not require training to perform specific tasks, obtaining a valid letter from a licensed mental health professional is essential for their legal recognition. The presence of an ESD can significantly impact the emotional well-being of its owner, providing comfort and support that alleviates symptoms of emotional and psychological conditions. Understanding the distinction between service dogs and Emotional Support Dogs is crucial for effectively navigating their use and ensuring compliance with legal standards.