An ESA (Emotional Support Animal) is an animal that provides benefits to those who could use some extra support because of mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. These types of animals are also called psychiatric service dogs, comfort animals, and therapy animals.
ESA’s are often very affectionate and provide a sense of security for those who have psychological disorders. They are an important part of someone’s life because they help to remind them that they are not alone but are loved and cared for.
When you adopt an ESA animal, it is easy to assume that the process will be simple and straightforward. However, there are actually some steps involved in adopting an emotional support animal.
ESA Animals can be an easy way to improve one’s quality of life. Therefore, it is our hope that this article helps give a better insight into ESA Animal Adoption:
Find A Shelter Or Rescue Organization That Has An Esa Animal.
ESA animals are hard to come by. They are also not permitted at most shelters, so you must find a shelter that works with ESA animals. Next, search the available ESA Registry options for your ESA Animal. There are multiple ESA Dog registry options, including Puppies 4 Hope, Four-Legged Helpers, and The National Service Animal Registry (NSAR). Each of these allows you to specifically search for an ESA dog that meets your specific needs such as size, temperament, breed, etc. You can also check out Petfinder or Adopt A Rescue Pet which lists all types of animals in need of a home in many different countries.
Ask About The Esa Animal’s Adoption Fee And If There Are Any Additional Medical Costs.
ESA animals are not usually free at most rescues or shelters. In addition, ESA animals are often afflicted with some sort of medical condition, so their adoption fee is often higher. It is a good idea to check with your insurance company as well, as many will cover the cost of an ESA animal under your plan.
Know The Certifications
Ask what type of certification and registration comes with this specific ESA animal so you can be prepared for future expenses and ensure proper documentation for air travel or housing assistance. ESA animals usually come with registration and certification that you will need to take to future appointments. If you wish to travel with your dog via airlines or the train it is necessary to obtain an ESA letter for your dog.
Find Out How Old The Esa Animal Is So You Can Plan For Vaccinations, Veterinary Checkups, And Other Necessities Needed Throughout Their Life Stages
ESA animals usually have a lifespan comparable to a normal domestic pet, so they require vaccination and vet visits just like any other pet would need. Ask about what type of care this specific animal needs so you can be prepared in the future when necessary services arise.
Figure Out What Type Of Esa Animal Will Best Fit Into Your Lifestyle
There are three types of ESA animals, including cats, dogs, birds, reptiles, deer, and rodents, just to name a few! A good rule of thumb is to choose an ESA animal that you can also be comfortable cuddling with since many people suffer from anxiety due to isolation caused by mental illnesses. Cats or dogs tend to fit into this role very nicely.
Visit The Home Of The Esa Animal You Would Like To Adopt And Fill Out A Questionnaire So The Shelter Knows How Helpful They Can Be For You As A Potential Owner
This will help them determine if they have an animal that is right for you! It also helps shelters figure out what type of pet they should release to prospective owners in order to provide the best possible match.
Fill Out An Application Once An Appropriate Esa Animal Has Been Found By A Shelter Or Rescue Group
The ESA animal is released from their holding space only after completing all relevant paperwork, including an application, personal references, and interviews with shelter or rescue group representatives. Once all this is accomplished, your ESA animal will be released to you.
Complete A Home Inspection And Receive A Pet Release Form From A Shelter Or Rescue Group Representative
Another possible step before releasing an ESA animal is for the shelter or rescue group to have someone come out and see your living space to make sure it can accommodate an ESA animal. This typically happens only after the previous steps have been completed though.
Ask About The Esa Animal’s History And Medical Status
ESA animals are sometimes abused or neglected by former owners, who forfeit them to shelters or rescues when they can no longer take care of them. ESA Animals may also have injuries that go unseen, which manifest after months or years after being adopted.
Discuss How Esa Animal Use Will Affect The Household Dynamic In Place Before Adopting The Esa Animal
For example, if there are other pets in the home that may be affected by an ESA Animal entering the home, discuss this ahead of time so that everyone in the family is prepared for what changes are to come when adding an ESA.
Request AnEsa Evaluation From Your Prescribing Therapist Or Doctor
ESA Doctors can be found online, but make sure to do your research and work with someone reputable. Good ESA doctors will have a good track record on their website of long-term testimonials from clients that they have helped. ESA Doctors will generally require a letter from a prescribing therapist and information about your diagnosis and what your daily life looks like due to this disability. ESA Dogs are only eligible if the person has been medically diagnosed with an ESA qualifying condition such as PTSD.
Work With An Esa Service Dog Training Program
These Programs may offer ESA Animal Adoption services for people who would like to adopt animals with the training already completed. This makes it so training is necessary and can help save time. ESA Service Dog Training Programs may also have ESA Animal Adoption applications available to download and submit at your discretion.
Receive An Esa Letter From Esa Doctors
ESA Service Dogs are not to be confused with ESA Therapy Animals, whose purpose is to provide emotional therapy and healing through animal interaction. ESA Doctor’s letter will state that this type of animal can help in their day-to-day life due to the disability they have been diagnosed with. In addition, ESA Service Dogs assist their handlers who have been diagnosed with a psychiatric and/or emotional disability. Strict federal ESA Doctor qualifications determine ESA Doctor’s Letter, and ESA Doctors will often recommend an ESA letter through online ESA doctors’ websites.
