Emotional support animals provide comfort and companionship to people with mental or emotional disabilities. If you think a pet could help you manage your disability, you may be wondering how to get your pet certified as an emotional support animal.

How to Get a Pet Emotionally Support Animal Certified

Requirements for Emotional Support Animals

There are no specific requirements for emotional support animals, but most airlines and housing providers require documentation from a mental health professional stating that the animal provides emotional support for the person with the disability.

How to Get Your Pet Certified as an Emotional Support Animal

To get your pet certified as an emotional support animal, you will need to:

  1. See a mental health professional who can diagnose you with a mental or emotional disability.
  2. Ask your mental health professional to write a letter stating that your pet provides emotional support for you and that the animal is necessary for your treatment.
  3. Keep a record of your pet's training and behavior. This may include obedience training, socialization, and house training.
  4. Register your pet with an emotional support animal registry. This is not required, but it may make it easier to travel with your pet or find housing..

Tips for Traveling with an Emotional Support Animal

If you plan to travel with your emotional support animal, you will need to:

  1. Contact the airline in advance to let them know that you will be traveling with an emotional support animal.
  2. Provide the airline with the required documentation, such as a letter from your mental health professional and proof of your pet's training and behavior.
  3. Arrive at the airport early so that you have time to check in your pet and go through security.
  4. Keep your pet close to you at all times during your flight.

Tips for Finding Housing with an Emotional Support Animal

If you are looking for housing that allows emotional support animals, you will need to:

  1. Contact the landlord or property manager in advance to let them know that you have an emotional support animal.
  2. Provide the landlord or property manager with the required documentation, such as a letter from your mental health professional and proof of your pet's training and behavior.
  3. Be prepared to pay a pet deposit or fee.
  4. Follow all of the rules and regulations regarding pets in your housing complex.

Getting a pet emotional support certified can be a valuable tool for managing symptoms of mental and emotional disabilities. By following these tips, you can increase your chances of getting your pet certified and enjoy the benefits of having an emotional support animal.