Purchase your emotional support letter for housing from Touch, or view our payment plans to get an affordable ESA prescription. If your landlord requires you to fill out their form, just check the purchase option, send us your form, and our psychiatrist will complete your housing form.

It’s completely natural to expect your landlord to ask for more information and verification from you once you show your ESA letter in order to establish the legitimacy and lawfulness of your letter. For example, your landlord may ask for an affidavit or a therapist signed “reasonable accommodation” form.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO APPLY?

It only takes 5 minutes to apply.

HOW LONG DO I HAVE TO WAIT TO FIND OUT IF I’M APPROVED?

You will be notified immediately.

Telepsychology is the delivery of psychological services using interactive audio or audiovisual electronic systems where the psychologist and the patient are not in the same physical location. The interactive electronic systems used in telepsychology incorporate network and software security protocols to protect the confidentiality of patient information and audio and visual data. These protocols include measures to safeguard the data and to aid in protecting against intentional or unintentional corruption. However, these electronic systems may not comply with HIPAA, the federal medical privacy law. Potential benefits include increased accessibility to psychological care and convenience.

My Rights

I have the right to withhold or withdraw my consent to the use of telepsychology at any time. The laws that protect the privacy and confidentiality of medical information also apply to telepsychology. I understand that the information disclosed by me during the course of my consultation is generally confidential, except under certain circumstances where disclosure is required by the law (i.e., where there is a reasonable suspicion of child, dependent or elder abuse or neglect; and where a client presents a danger to self, to others, to property or is gravely disabled). The computer technology used by the assigned Psychologist is encrypted to prevent the unauthorized access to my private medical information but I understand that there are risks and consequences from telepsychology, including, but not limited to, the possibility, despite reasonable efforts on the part of the psychologist, that the transmission of my information could be disrupted or distorted by technical failures; the transmission of my information could be interrupted by unauthorized persons; and/or the electronic storage of my medical information could be accessed by unauthorized persons. I understand that telepsychology service may not be as complete as face-to-face services. If the psychologist believes that I would be better served by another form of psychological services. I will be advised who can provide such series in my area. I understand that I have a right to access my medical information and copies of medical records in accordance with HIPAA privacy rules and applicable state law.

My Responsibilities

I understand that I am responsible for (1) providing the necessary computer, telecommunications equipment and internet access for my telepsychology session: (2) securing information on my computer; and (3) arranging a location with sufficient lighting and privacy that is free from distractions or intrusions for my telepsychology session.

Once the physical ESA letter is shipped to you, you will be the only one with the original copy of the letter. You may continue to share your digital copy with airlines and landlords even if you damaged/lost the original letter. However, if you would still like a letter with the therapist’s signature in ink, we can process this as an optional document. Please email us at info@touchesa.com

All domesticated animals may qualify as Emotional Support Animals (cats, dog, and birds) and they can be any age (young puppies and kittens, too!). These animals do not need any specific task-training because their very presence mitigates the symptoms associated with a person’s psychological/emotional disability, unlike a working service dog. The only requirement is that the animal is manageable in public and does not create a nuisance in or around the home setting.

Does my pet qualify as an emotional support animal?

Any pet can qualify as an emotional support animal if the person with disabilities gets comfort from the animal and can facilitate in the person’s needs.

Is my pet an emotional support animal/ how to make your pet an ESA.
Does your pet provide therapeutic benefits? Is your dog or cat’s companionship helping you get through your emotional, mental and psychological disability? Emotional support animals (ESA) do not require any specific training to be able to provide comfort or emotional support. However, ESA’s should have the basic training that allows them to function well around people and other animals in public.

To have your dog qualify as an Emotional Support Animal (therapy dog) a licensed mental health professional must determine whether the animal provides therapeutic value to its owner. If you do not have your ESA evaluation letter yet, you can sign up for an assessment with one of our mental health professionals. They will complete a psychological evaluation to determine whether you qualify for an Emotional Support Animal.

HOW TO QUALIFY

For a person to legally qualify for an emotional support animal (ESA), he/she must be considered emotionally disabled by a licensed mental health professional (therapist, psychologist, psychiatrist, etc.), as evidenced by a properly formatted prescription letter. Some airlines and property managers will accept a verification form completed by a family doctor, however. The letter should state that:

1. You are currently his/her patient
2. Are under his/her care for the treatment of mental disability found in the DSM IV or V (the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, version 4 or 5).
3. Your disability substantially limits at least one major life activity
4. He/she prescribes for you an emotional support animal as a necessary treatment for your mental health.

In addition, the letter must be dated, written on his/her letterhead, include his/her license type, number, date of license, and state in which the license was issued.

Believe it or not, Emotional Support Animals have been legally recognized by the US government since the late 1980′s. Up until recently, ESA’s have been flying under the radar due to a lack of knowledge of the Fair Housing Amendment Act. Over the last four years, the media has really put ESA’s in the National spotlight with many articles educating people on the merits of ESA’s. With a countless number of satisfied ESA owners, Touch ESA is now growing to be a nationally recognized brand.

A companion or emotional support animal may be prescribed to help alleviate a diagnosed mental health condition such as depression, anxiety, social phobias, post-traumatic stress disorder or other emotional or psychological disorder that may be considered an emotional disability or mental impairment. The disabled may have a mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, has a record of such impairment, or is regarded as having such an impairment.

A qualified therapist may also determine that you suffer psychological consequences of a traumatic incident, such as a motor vehicle accident or crime by psychological evaluation and require an animal to alleviate symptoms of psychological and emotional disabilities to facilitate normal daily functioning.

The animal must serve the purpose of coping with a disability in such a way that it is required. Your emotional support animal does not have to be trained to have specific functional skills for mobility or medical response as service dogs do, but they are required to have good temperaments for traveling or housing purposes. They are not considered service animals under the Americans with disabilities act. For example, if your dog is trained to respond to anxiety attacks by fetching your medication, and is not a pet, then your dog is considered a service animal under the ADA.  But, if your dog is a well-behaved pet who brings therapeutic comfort for your psychiatric disorder, then it qualifies to be your emotional support or companion dog.

IS PTSD COVERED?

Yes, PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) is covered under ADA laws and as long as your service dog is able to calm you during an anxiety attack then he/she is considered a service dog.

No, there are no requirements for an emotional support dog to be spayed or neutered.

No, there is no size discrimination allowed when it comes to service dogs and ESA’s. ESA’s come in various shapes and sizes and airlines are required to allow ESA dogs 

Please click here or click here to learn more about service dogs, ESAs and Therapy dogs. Learn more at Service Dog Central or Please Don’t Pet Me 

No. Since emotional support animals are not trained and are still pets, there is no need to register or certify your pet. The only document you need is an ESA letter for the pet’s owner from a mental health professional (therapist or doctor).

How do I register my pet as an emotional support animal? Do I have to register my emotional support animal?

You are only required to present a valid letter detailing why you require an emotional support animal with you from a licensed mental health professional. Registering your ESA in any database is not required by law.

The Law requires all ESA’s to have a Letter which written by a mental health professional. The letter states that the Emotional Support Animal provides therapeutic value to its owner and verifies the validity of the ESA.

Emotional support animals do not require specialized training. However, they do require a therapist letter in order to be considered valid. Service Dogs require specialized training because they perform a specific task for their owner such as acting as a seeing eye dog or calming someone down who has PTSD.

We offer an easy way to schedule an assessment with a mental health professional who is able to prescribe an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) letter.

Yes, any animal that provides therapeutic value can be considered an Emotional Support Animal. However, cats and others cannot be considered Service Animals. The Service Animal designation can only belong to dogs and miniature horses.

Airlines can suggest passengers with Emotional Support Pets to give advance notice 48 hours prior to departure as specified CFR 382.27(b) BUT they cannot refuse passengers service if you are unable to do so CFR 382.27(g).

WHAT IS CFR 382.27(g)
CFR 382.27(g) states: if a passenger does not meet advance notice or check-in requirements you establish consistent with this section, you must still provide the service or accommodation if you can do so by making reasonable efforts, without delaying the flight.

The law does not require hotels, restaurants, trains and buses to accept emotional support animals on their premises but you could call them ahead of your trip and ask about their policy. Some establishments are open to accepting emotional support animals at their own discretion.

Your dog may not be familiar with the airport environment, the confines of sitting at your feet on an airplane, or facing the scrutiny of airline personnel and other passengers. Please be aware that airline staff (including gate agents, TSA, and flight attendants) can deny passage for your emotional support animal (and you) if the animal is deemed to be a health threat, bother, or nuisance to other paying passengers, even if you have had your ESA pre-approved to accompany you on the plane. We suggest that you follow the American Kennel Club (AKC) Good Citizen program and ensure that your dog is trained to do the following to ensure that your travel is smooth. Read more about the 10-step AKC Good Citizen program on our page, Prepare an Emotional Support Animal for Flying.

Since March 1, 2018, new flying requirements were set by Delta in regards to Service Animals. In order to fly with a Service Animal, Therapeutic Animal or Emotional Support Animal, it’s essential that the passenger uploads the required documentation at least 48 hours prior.
https://www.delta.com/content/www/en_US/skymiles/program-resources.html

In general, this requires three forms. The first one includes a statement from a licensed mental health professional, the second one is a veterinary health form that contains all the useful information about the animal and the third one is an animal training confirmation form because only trained animals can travel by plane.
https://www.delta.com/content/dam/delta-www/pdfs/policy/EmotionalSupportAnimal-RequiredForms.pdf 

From March 1, 2018, additional information for flying with a service animal is required if you travel with United as well. Essentially, the passengers have to provide all the necessary documentation 48 hours before the flight to the Accessibility Desk. This includes the travel notice as well as the letter from the licensed health care professional. What’s more, the passengers are required to provide forms showing the veterinary documentation and health info of the animal together with the confirmation of its behavioral training.

Only in certain circumstances. If the animal’s accommodation could mean additional administrative costs and other adjustments that would affect housing arrangements, then the landlord might refuse your request. For instance, the animal is disruptive or poses a threat to the health, safety, and property of the other tenants. Make sure to train your ESA so they are not unruly and you are always in control.

No. Under the regulations stipulated by the HUD, tenants with assistance animals, including emotional support animals, are not required to pay extra fees. However, a tenant can be liable for expenses that arise from damages is caused by the emotional support animal.

The American Disability Act dictates that assistance animals, including emotional support animals, must be handled properly by its owner. They must ensure that the ESA is obedient and can behave well in public. The handler is responsible for the care and supervision of the ESA at all times.

Landlords and property managers must make reasonable accommodations for tenants or prospective tenants with Emotional Support Animals, even if the apartment, house, or college dorm does not allow pets. A reasonable fee may only be asked by the landlord if there is any damage to the property as a result of your animal, otherwise no other fees may be imposed. Property managers/landlords may require the tenant complete a mental health professional Third Party Verification form. Purchase your emotional support letter for housing from Touch, or view our payment plans to get an affordable ESA prescription. If your landlord requires you to fill out their form, just check the purchase option, send us your form, and our psychiatrist will complete your housing form.

In case your landlord doesn’t allow your ESA even when you have presented him/her with all the correct documentation from a licensed therapist, there are several things that you can do:

1. It’s possible to get in touch with HUD in order to file a complaint.
2. Your lawyer can help you as well by assisting you in writing a strongly-worded letter to your landlord.
3. Finally, you may want to contact an ESA advocate and have them advise you on your next step properly.

In the event that your landlord strongly objects to and rejects your ESA, it’s essential that you ask them to write a formal rejection letter explaining their decision. Then it’s time for you to act and write them back with an email statement explaining that you have provided all the legal documentation necessary (ESA letter from TOUCH ESA). For example, you may state that denying you accommodation even with the ESA documentation is due to discrimination. Of course, proceed to inform them then that you’ll be filing a HUD complaint in regards to this open discrimination of disability. Once things come to this point, your landlord will have to check the laws on disability and understand that they are legally obliged to grant you access. Don’t lose your temper and stay calm, but never forget that you have all the right to fight this as there is absolutely no reason why someone with a disability should be forced out of their home or denied housing.

In some cases, it’s possible for your landlord to reject your ESA. After all, the purpose of ESA is to protect the person who has to deal with emotional or mental disability, but the said law doesn’t have the right to punish the landlord either. Therefore, pay attention to the following cases when landlords have the right to legally reject your ESA.

1. In case of a too large an animal for the accommodation size. For instance, if you want to live in a studio apartment you can’t really house a horse or a llama.
2. The second situation is in the case of the building having 4 or fewer units, with landlord living in the said building as well.
3. Finally, a landlord can reject your ESA if the accommodation is a single-family house rented to you without a realtor.

Overview of Emotional Support Animals and Housing Laws

Everything depends on whether the person in question receives federally subsidized housing or has a documented disability that would make the landlord waive the “no pets” policy. Sadly, in the case of renting housing, the landlord is in the position to deny pets. Still, federal statutes, including Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (“Sec. 504”) and the Federal Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988 (“FHAA”) state that a disabled person has to have equal rights to those with no disabilities when it comes to housing. It’s completely illegal to deny someone housing just because they have a certain disability. According to the statues, everyone, and this includes people with disabilities, has the right to equally enjoy their accommodation. Courts have stated before that “no pets” rule doesn’t stand if the person with an emotional or mental disability finds the comfort and ease in their pet’s companionship. A landlord who still denies housing to a person with a disability who needs an animal by their side for emotional support and qualifies under the statutes, violates the said statutes and can be seriously fined.

In order to actually qualify under both statutes, the tenant has to check whether they have a qualifying disability in the first place. For example, mental disabilities such as mental illness, retardation, and special learning disabilities as well as mental impairment when it comes to performing major life activities all qualify under the statutes.

What’s more, under Sec. 504, the tenant must be “otherwise qualified” in order to get the benefit, he/she must be denied that benefit due to the disability only, and the whole program must get federal financial assistance. According to courts, “otherwise qualified” means that the tenant has to be able to meet the program’s requirements even with the handicap. Also, the tenant should be able to respect tenancy rules such as taking care of the animal, cleaning up after it, walking it in designated areas, etc. Finally, Sec. 504 provisions can only be benefited by housing authorities that are funded by federal government (e.g. public housing projects).

Unlike Sec. 504, the FHAA applies to both public and private housing. Of course, FHAA also requires the establishment of a qualifying disability as well as the proof that the landlord is fully aware of the tenant’s disability which made the waiving of the “no pets” policy an obvious and legal move, but the process ended up in landlord rejecting ESA still. Moreover, the tenant has to openly request the waiver of “no pets” policy from the landlord with full explanation about the emotional support that the animal provides in their specific case of disability. In general, a physician’s statement is usually more than enough for the proof of disability and accommodation request. Feeling the emotional distress that comes from the “no pets” accommodation policy is not a reason enough to qualify under the federal law. There has to be an official connection recognized by the licensed therapist between the pet and the disability.

In case of both statutes mentioned, the person who is mentally disabled has to meet the following standards when it comes to waving the “no pets” policy in accommodation: 1) the accommodation in question has to be functional enough for the disabled person’s comfort, and 2) a cost-benefit balancing test has to be passed in order for both parties to be satisfied. The latter can be established by proving just how much the animal companion helps alleviates the emotional struggle of the disabled person. Such evidence is often obtained from a medical professional. Also, it’s essential that the tenant’s benefits in the latter case are compared to the landlord’s burdens as well. However, these burdens are usually very minimal. In the end, the number of mentally disabled people who actually qualify for the “no pets” waiving policy is quite small. But, precisely because of that, most landlords can’t argue against the waiving of the said policy. What’s more, there shouldn’t be any other reasonable alternatives to lessening the disability effects other than the pet.

Courts haven’t put a limit on possible animal species yet. But the usual species allowed in accommodation were generally, cats, dogs, and birds. Moreover, courts declared that the animal in question doesn’t require special training or ESA certification. Just providing the evidence about the connection between the animal and disability is enough.

However, even if the disabled person completely qualifies under the federal laws, the landlord can still refuse to waive “no pets” policy if this will cause great burdens on the landlord. This is true in cases when “no pets” is a fundamental housing program rule or when the disabled person cannot follow the tenancy rules. Still, so far, no landlord has been able to refuse to waive a “no pets” policy to a mentally disabled person who fully qualifies under the law, even in the above-mentioned cases.

It’s important to mention that if the tenant with disability in any way compromises the safety of other tenants or their property with the animal companion, they automatically don’t qualify under the statutes which make the landlord waive the “no pets” policy.

There are plenty of known benefits when it comes to the company of animals for people with mental disabilities. This is why it’s essential that legal communities assist the mentally disabled people with their rights in mind in order to make sure those rights are enforced.

The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development passed the Fair Housing Amendment Act of 1988. This law protects your rights to living in a “No Pet” policy dwelling unit with your Emotional Support Animal.

Wondering how you’re protected for traveling with your Emotional Support Animal? Well, here’s where you can learn about the Air Carrier Access Act of 1986.

Yes, but please note the housing and airline ESA letters are written per US federal laws (FHA and ACAA). We cannot make any assurances that they would work for airline travel or housing in Canada.

A person with a disability cannot be asked to remove his service dog from the premises unless:

You may have more than one emotional support dog if they all provide you with emotional assistance.

Unlike service dogs, emotional support animals do not have access rights to all public areas. However, ESA’s of certain sizes can be brought on airplanes and allowed to live in pet-free housing. Service dogs, however, are allowed to accompany their owners wherever they go.

ESAs or Emotional Support Animals are animals that provide a company to a person that deals with mental/physical/emotional disabilities. In order for a person to get the confirmation letter which states that they need and can benefit from an ESA, it’s essential that they receive a prescription from a licensed health care professional allowing and recommending this. Basically, ESAs are there to provide emotional support to the person in question. There is no special training involved when it comes to ESAs. Therefore, they are only legally allowed to be in airline cabins and publicly available housing. Since they have no training, it’s not legally allowed for ESAs to be on college premises, businesses and places of work, restaurants, and so on if these places have a “no pet” policy.

Service Animals

On the other hand, Service Animals (dogs) perform at least one task that counts as a medical aid to the person with some disability. Therefore, in order to qualify for a Service Animal, the person in question has to have a disability that prevents them from performing at least one of the very important life tasks unless assisted. The service dog has to be trained for one specific task that will be of immense importance for the disabled person such as protecting someone having a seizure, relaxing someone with PTSD, or pulling a wheelchair. As they go through challenging training, Service Animals are legally allowed at many public places where ESAs are not. They are perceived as working animals and not pets.

Therapy Animals

Therapy Animals (dogs) bring therapeutic assistance to people in places such as schools, hospitals, nursing homes, hospices or retirement centers, etc. but their rights are not legally protected which means that a therapy dog still can’t enter any place that a regular dog couldn’t either.