ESA Dogs

[Polistes]

So thats how it works I got ya. Thanks for clearing that up!

[cottonlouie]

[QUOTE=GSDolch;2178808]*why* is really no ones business.

But there is no reason to certify an ESA. I don't know why anyone would want to do it. I'm not asking about emotional difficulties, I'm asking why certify when there is no reason to. It's not required to have an ESA, which is basically just a pet.

[ILGHAUS]

You are correct in that there is no reason to look for certification that a dog is an ESD as there is no official certification or certifying agency. Nor are there any laws requesting such.

What someone with an ESD should do is gather all of the documents that they can and place them together so that they have a stronger case to present to any potential future landlord. With this group of papers would be a copy of a letter signed by treating doctor and up-to-date vet records.

These might include:
CGC Certifications
Obedience Certifications
Temperament Evaluations/Certifications
Documentation of any other type training or use of the dog

None of the above are required but if available they should be kept together for future use. If an owner does not have any but has the opportunity to work toward any it is to their benefit as any type of training for any pet would be. And has been stated being able to show any such type documentation may make the procedure with working with a landlord go more smoothly.

Also in the folder or binder that is dedicated for this purpose should be copies of any letters submitted to landlords and any replies received from them.

When moving it is always good to get a letter of recommendation from current landlord if possible stating that the dog was well-behaved etc.

[GSDolch]

I think Ilghaus explained it nicely and clarified things without getting into the "why" of them wanting to do it.

[cottonlouie]

Originally Posted by GSDolch

I think Ilghaus explained it nicely and clarified things without getting into the "why" of them wanting to do it.

Actually, Ilghaus did a fantastic job of getting into the "why" of them wanting to do it - they don't need to, so why?

[Davis40]

[quote=cottonlouie;2179884]

Originally Posted by GSDolch

*why* is really no ones business.

But there is no reason to certify an ESA. I don't know why anyone would want to do it. I'm not asking about emotional difficulties, I'm asking why certify when there is no reason to. It's not required to have an ESA, which is basically just a pet.

Reason being you and/or need your dog to fly with you. It's better than chemically inducing yourself with Xanax. I am in the process of having our 6 month gsd enrolled in 3 week obedience training then speaking with her about the next steps for ESA training

[ILGHAUS]

our 6 month gsd enrolled in 3 week obedience training then speaking with her about the next steps for ESA training

There is no training requirements for an ESA. In housing, you need a dog that doesn't annoy the neighbors by barking or jumping on them when you pass in a hall way or on a shared sidewalk. The owner needs to pick up after their dog when outside.

On a flight, the dog needs to be behave and lay quietly so as not to disturb the other passengers.

That is all the training that is *required*. An ESA is a pet. The better behaved the easier it will be for things to go smoothly when making a request to a landlord.

Also, you need to remember that a landlord can put a size limit or even breed restriction on ESAs under some conditions. Example, if their insurance doesn't allow GSDs then they do not have to allow you to have a GSD in their rental property.

And another point that is very important - not all landlords (based on type of dwelling) are required to give an accommodation to allow an ESA.

[ILGHAUS]

Flying with an ESA

"The final rule limits use of emotional support animals to persons with a diagnosed mental or emotional disorder, and the rule permits carriers to insist on recent documentation from a licensed mental health professional to support the passenger’s desire to travel with such an animal. In order to permit the assessment of the passenger’s documentation, the rule permits carriers to require 48 hours’ advance notice of a passenger’s wish to travel with an emotional support animal."

http://airconsumer.ost.dot.gov/rules...20382-2008.pdf

1) Owner must have a diagnosed mental or emotional disorder
2) Documentation (on letterhead and in most cases less than one year old) from a licensed mental health professional who is treating the owner for their mental or emotional disorder.

******

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION OFFICE OF AVIATION ENFORCEMENT AND PROCEEDINGS WASHINGTON, DC

May 13, 2009

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions Concerning Air Travel of People with Disabilities Under the Amended Air Carrier Access Act Regulation

...
#41. For purposes of providing documentation stating a passenger’s disability-related need for an emotional support or psychiatric service animal1, what kind of practitioners qualify as “licensed mental health professionals”?

Answer: Any licensed mental health professional (e.g., psychiatrist, psychologist, licensed clinical social worker) including a medical doctor who is specifically treating a passenger’s mental or emotional disability is a practitioner qualified to provide documentation stating the passenger’s need for an emotional support or psychiatric service animal. A qualified practitioner would include a general practitioner who is treating the passenger’s mental or emotional disability.


#42. May a carrier require that the documentation a passenger provides in order to travel with an animal that is used as an emotional support or psychiatric service animal state the passenger’s specific mental or emotional condition?

Answer: No. A carrier may only require that a passenger’s documentation confirm that a passenger has a mental or emotional disability recognized in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders- Fourth Edition (DSM-IV), in addition to three other items (i.e., the passenger needs the animal for air travel and/or activity at the passenger’s destination, the individual providing the assessment is a licensed mental health professional and that passenger is under his/her care, the date and type of mental health professional’s license and the state or other jurisdiction in which it was issued).


#43. May a carrier accept documentation from a licensed mental health professional concerning a passenger’s need for a psychiatric or emotional support animal if the documentation is more than one year old?

Answer: Carriers may, at their discretion, accept from the passenger with a disability documentation from his or her licensed mental health professional that is more than one year old. We encourage carriers to consider accepting “outdated” documentation in situations where such passenger provides a letter or notice of cancellation or other written communication indicating the cessation of health insurance coverage, and his/her inability to afford treatment for his or her mental or emotional disability.

http://airconsumer.dot.gov/rules/FAQ_5_13_09.pdf

[knwilk44]

So, if your dog is prescribed to you by your LMHP and you have a letter stating that having your dog is absolutely necessary in your treatment of your mental disease, then what certain circumstances can a landlord not allow you a dog? Because, under the Fair Housing Act, I thought that any person with any disability, would have to be reasonably accomodated.

[ILGHAUS]

Because, under the Fair Housing Act, I thought that any person with any disability, would have to be reasonably accomodated.

First this thread is about ESDs and not SDs.

The Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988 (FHAA) does not apply to rentals -- " ... buildings with four or fewer units where the landlord lives in one of the units, and (b) private owners who do not own more than three single family houses, do not use real estate brokers or agents, and do not use discriminatory advertisements."

and as you stated -- "reasonably accommodated"