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Traveling can be stressful and overwhelming for some people, especially those who suffer from mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD. Luckily, emotional support animals can provide comfort and support to these individuals during their travels. However, bringing an emotional support animal on a plane or in a hotel requires proper documentation, including an emotional support dog travel letter.
What is an Emotional Support Dog Travel Letter?
An emotional support dog travel letter is a document issued by a licensed mental health professional that confirms the need for an emotional support animal during travel. The letter outlines the support animal’s role in assisting the handler with their mental health condition and certifies that the animal is well-behaved and poses no threat to others.
Who Qualifies for an Emotional Support Dog Travel Letter?
Qualifying for an emotional support dog travel letter requires a diagnosis of a mental health condition that substantially impairs everyday life activities such as sleeping, eating, and concentration. The individual must also show that having an emotional support animal is an essential aspect of their treatment and can alleviate the symptoms of their condition.
How to Get an Emotional Support Dog Travel Letter?
The process of getting an emotional support dog travel letter involves the following steps:
- Consult with a licensed mental health professional who can diagnose your mental health condition and recommend an emotional support animal as part of your treatment.
- Ask the mental health professional to write an emotional support dog travel letter that includes their professional license number, contact information, and the date of issuance.
- Make sure the letter complies with the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) and the Fair Housing Act (FHA) guidelines.
What Should an Emotional Support Dog Travel Letter Include?
An emotional support dog travel letter should include the following information:
- The mental health professional’s name, license number, and contact information.
- A statement about the handler’s mental health condition and how it substantially impairs their everyday life activities.
- A statement about how an emotional support animal can assist the handler with their mental health condition.
- A statement about the animal’s behavior and training.
- A statement about the handler’s need to travel with the emotional support animal.
Do Emotional Support Dogs Need to Be Trained?
Emotional support dogs do not require specialized training like service dogs. However, they should be well-behaved in public and not pose a threat to others. Emotional support dogs should be able to follow basic obedience commands such as sit, stay, come, and heel.
Does the Emotional Support Dog Travel Letter Expire?
According to the ACAA and the FHA, emotional support dog travel letters are only valid for one year from the date of issuance. After that, the handler must obtain a new letter from their mental health professional.
Conclusion
If you suffer from a mental health condition and require the support of an emotional support animal during travel, obtaining an emotional support dog travel letter is essential. The letter confirms the animal’s role in assisting with your mental health condition and ensures that you can travel with your support animal without any hassle. Remember to consult with a licensed mental health professional and make sure that the letter complies with the ACAA and the FHA guidelines.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the difference between a service dog and an emotional support dog?
A: Service dogs are trained to perform specific tasks that assist individuals with disabilities, while emotional support dogs provide comfort and support to individuals with mental health conditions.
Q: Can I bring my emotional support dog on a plane?
A: Yes, you can bring your emotional support dog on a plane, but you need to have a valid emotional support dog travel letter and comply with the airline’s policies and procedures.
Q: Can I bring my emotional support dog into a restaurant?
A: Emotional support dogs are not allowed in restaurants unless they are also trained as service dogs and perform specific tasks that assist with disabilities.
Q: Can landlords refuse to rent to me if I have an emotional support dog?
A: No, landlords cannot discriminate against individuals with disabilities who require the assistance of an emotional support animal. However, the individual must provide a valid emotional support dog travel letter and comply with the Fair Housing Act guidelines.
Q: Can I register my emotional support dog online?
A: No, registering your emotional support dog online is not required or recognized by the ACAA or the FHA. The only valid documentation for an emotional support animal is the emotional support dog travel letter issued by a licensed mental health professional.