Tertiary learning institutions could be a little hell to some young adults. This is because meeting the expectations of both parents and professors could be an uphill of a task. Besides, attending classes and maintaining a grade-point average could take a toll on many learners. To others, being away from their furry companions, family or friends mean long periods of loneliness. In this light, many mental health professionals finally realize that emotional support animals could come in handy for such students. However, considering that are public places, one could have questions about where the law stands with regard to having an animal in class or in the dorm. This article seeks to dissect some of the concerns in detail.
Is it Legal?
The New York Times has recently indicated that the federal government issued an amendment for the rehabilitation and Fair Housing Acts. With this in place, it is now possible to have emotional support animals in the college dormitories. However, while this brings a sigh of relief to many students, some legality must be fulfilled. This is in addition to approval from a mental health professional. You will have to visit a fully registered professional who is to write and sign an ESA letter. They are to evaluate whether you actually need emotional back up through the animal. ESA doctors have provided a basic guideline that can be followed. The guideline states that people or students who have post-traumatic stress disorder, personality disorders, phobias, stress disorder or even depression are fully qualified to have an emotional support animal. It is ideal to note that related disorders also apply. If you do not have any access to a mental health professional visit thedogtor.net and you will be connected online.
Finding and Acquiring Your Emotional Support Animal
Before getting a recommendation letter from a mental health professional, it is good to ensure that the animal of your choice aligns perfectly with your emotions. You should also have a special connection to help you ease negative feelings or symptoms. The good and unique thing with ESA’s is that the law does not require any specialized training. You only need to ensure that the animal behaves in the right way. If you are unable to conduct basic ESA training that includes obedience and socialization skills, make sure you find a skilled person to do that for you. Alternatively, you could locate an animal that has some basic skills.
Registering the ESA
While it is not mandatory to register your animal, you are advised to do so at all costs. You may be charged, but the overall benefits are worth it. For instance, some organizations will even give you a registration certificate, a photo ID of your animal or even the option of vests. Once your animal is registered and has an ESA letter, you will also be granted full access to flights. In this, you can air travel with an emotional support dog and in turn, get to enjoy its benefits throughout.
Rahul Raheja