What is an ESA?

ESA stands for Emotional Support Animal. ESAs are an important part of a person’s comfort and well-being. Many people suffer from a multitude of debilitating emotional distress, ranging from just wanting to feel more comfortable to depression or PTSD. ESAs are not specifically trained for anything. Their qualifications are based on the owner's need for the animal's comfort. Since ESAs aren’t trained for specific tasks, they can still be turned away from public places (e.g., restaurants, shopping centers, hotels, etc.).

ESAs help people FEEL better.

Benefits of Having an ESA

Emotional support animals help alleviate stress, anxiety, and depression, offering companionship and comfort. Studies have highlighted the mental and physiological benefits of the human-animal bond, showing how ESAs contribute to overall emotional stability and reduce associated risks.

How long is an ESA letter good for?

ESA letters are valid for one calendar year. Once the date of issuance has lapsed, it is no longer considered valid. Yearly renewal is important to keep the letter valid and to avoid any disputes.

What is the difference between a Service Animal and an ESA?

Service animals are trained to perform specific tasks and are essentially allowed to go anywhere their handlers go.

What laws protect me and my ESA?

ESAs are protected under the Fair Housing Act. These laws ensure that people who require specific types of treatment to aid in their mental health are not discriminated against. Under the Fair Housing Act, a person who is prescribed an ESA must be offered reasonable accommodations. There are very few exceptions to this rule. Owners are still responsible for the behavior of their animals. An ESA letter does not allow you to bypass responsibility for damages caused by the animal. As long as your animal is well-behaved, there should be no problems with your ESA request. Qualifying ESAs are based on the owner’s needs, and not dependent on any specific training for the animal.

Can I have multiple Emotional Support Animals?

Technically speaking, yes. However, prescribing multiple animals to one person for emotional support is completely up to your therapist. Each case would be specific to the person’s needs. It is certainly possible, but there would need to be a reason that makes sense to be prescribed multiple ESAs.

Is there anything else I should be aware of about the ESA process?

Having an ESA is a great way to help live a better life and work towards being the best version of yourself. At Kaleidoscope Counseling, we believe that pets can offer the same bond of companionship that friends, siblings, and loved ones can. Many websites claim to offer ESA services but fail to provide legitimate evaluations and legally valid letters. At Kaleidoscope Counseling, your licensed therapist personally conducts your evaluation and takes the necessary steps to determine whether you need an ESA and helps explore other options if you’re determined not eligible for an ESA.

If you qualify for an ESA, your ESA letter is issued on official letterhead, includes your licensed therapist’s number, and is personally signed, ensuring authenticity and credibility. If your letter is ever questioned, verification is quick and hassle-free, giving you peace of mind.

At Kaleidoscope Counseling, we can answer questions you may have by contacting us.