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As Pennsylvania’s leading solution for approving emotional support animals for housing and travel, we’ve got you – and your pet covered.
As Pennsylvania’s leading solution for approving emotional support animals for housing and travel, we’ve got you – and your pet covered.
As Pennsylvania’s leading solution for approving emotional support animals for housing and travel, we’ve got you – and your pet covered.
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Order your pets' ESA for federal protections anywhere you move or live
In 24-48 hours a therapist in PA will approve your ESA request
Federal law guarantees your right to have your pet always with you. The Fair Housing Amendments Act (FHAA) ensures your ESA rights in any house or apartment without pet fees. Approval for your well-behaved pet as an ESA boosts your confidence at home, in public, and during travel. Restaurants, stores, rideshares, and more welcome well-behaved ESAs.
In addition to the emotional benefits, having an ESA letter provides tangible legal advantages. With this documentation, your ESA is recognized as a “reasonable accommodation” in housing situations where pets might otherwise be prohibited, ensuring you can live with your animal without facing discrimination or obstacles.
Furthermore, the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) allows people to travel with their ESAs without incurring additional fees, and they are not required to place their ESA in the cargo hold during flights. This law helps make travel more accessible and stress-free for those who rely on their support animals for comfort. Additionally, your ESA’s status will grant them the right to wear a support vest, further reinforcing their role and ensuring they are identified as an essential source of comfort.
Most emotional support animals (ESAs) tend to be dogs or cats, as they are the most common and widely accepted types of support animals. However, other types of animals can also qualify as emotional support animals, depending on the individual’s needs and circumstances. These can range from small pets like rabbits and birds to more unusual animals, though exotic species often raise additional concerns. Some exotic animals, depending on their nature or behavior, can pose potential health or safety risks. Because of this, like their owners, ESAs undergo an individualized assessment to ensure they do not present any danger to the public or those around them.
This evaluation helps determine whether an animal is appropriate as an ESA in specific settings, especially in environments where safety is a concern. That being said, don’t discount the possibility of less conventional animals serving as emotional support companions! For instance, in York Haven, PA, there is an emotional support alligator named Wally who is officially registered. This example shows that, with the proper care and assessment, even the most unusual animals can offer comfort and companionship as emotional support animals.
A Makin Wellness counselor will work with you and your ESA to acquire the proper documentation under Federal and Pennsylvania law. Your letter is a prescription from your mental health professional stating recommending the need for your comfort animal. This letter will include:
There is no legal requirement for your Emotional Support Animal (ESA) to wear a vest or any specific identification, though it can be beneficial to do so. When your ESA is easily recognized as a support animal, it can help reduce confusion or misunderstandings in public spaces, making interactions smoother.
However, it’s important to note that ESAs are not granted the same access rights as service animals. Public establishments, such as restaurants, stores, or other businesses, are not legally obligated to permit emotional support animals, as they are with service animals. Therefore, while a vest may make it easier for others to identify your ESA, it does not guarantee entry into all public places. Always be mindful of the establishment’s policy on ESAs before entering.
No. Emotional support animals, comfort animals, and therapy dogs are not service animals under Title II and Title III of the ADA.
Emotional Support Animals
Service Animals
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