Emotional Support Animal (ESA)

Emotional Support Animal (ESA) services offered in Canonsburg, Washington and Philadelphia, PA

Emotional support animals (ESAs) are a trusted source of comfort and security for many people dealing with mental health challenges like loneliness, stress, anxiety, depression, and PTSD. If you want your pet to be an ESA, the first step is scheduling an evaluation at Pioneer Counseling and Consulting. After they determine you qualify, they write an official letter verifying your pet as an ESA. Call the Canonsburg, Washington, or Bala Cynwyd (near Philadelphia), Pennsylvania office or book an in-person or telehealth evaluation online today.

Emotional Support Animal (ESA) Q & A

What is an emotional support animal (ESA)?

An ESA is an animal that provides a therapeutic benefit to a person with a mental health condition. These pets provide comfort, help you stay calm, and improve your mood. They might also help you overcome stress, trauma, grief, and loss.

While ESAs are often cats or dogs, they can be any domestic animal. Unlike service animals, your ESA doesn’t need special training or skills.

Are ESAs allowed in the same places as service dogs?

ESAs don’t have the same legal protections and access to public spaces as service dogs. However, they’re elevated above pet status, and they’re protected under the Fair Housing Act.

This protection means that apartments, colleges, and many public places must allow ESAs, even if they have a “no pets” policy. Some restaurants allow ESAs, and you can ask your employer to make accommodations for your animal.

Federal regulations allow airlines to treat ESAs like regular pets. As a result, they can charge you for carrying the animal, and they put your ESA in the cargo bay.

However, each airline determines if they’ll recognize and allow ESAs as carry-on pets or enforce the regulations.

If the airline accepts ESAs, they can require that you submit your certification letter ahead of time. Check with your airline before flying to learn about their ESA policy.

How do I qualify for an emotional support animal?

You could qualify for an ESA if you’re lonely, isolated, stressed, or dealing with grief. You’ll also be a candidate if you’re diagnosed with:

Anxiety
Depression
Phobias
Panic disorder
Bipolar disorder
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD)

Most mental and emotional challenges will qualify you for an ESA.

How do I get an emotional support animal?

If you want your pet to be certified as an emotional support animal, you must schedule an ESA evaluation.

After your Pioneer Counseling and Consulting therapist completes your evaluation, they’ll determine if you qualify for an ESA and write an ESA letter.

Your ESA letter verifies that you need an emotional support animal as part of your treatment or wellness plan. This letter is all you need to prove your animal is an ESA.

Call the nearest office or request an appointment online today to learn if you qualify for an ESA.