4 Most Common ESA Myths Debunked
The concept of emotional support animals is gaining a lot of popularity nowadays. Every single day, there are thousands of people who are applying for an ESA letter. And given the benefits an ESA provides you with, the rising number isn’t at all surprising.
However, with this popularity, the myths surrounding ESAs are also becoming more and more common. Did you know, some people believe that it’s compulsory to buy a vest for your ESA? Some even think that online ESA certifications are not legal. There are so many such misconceptions that are becoming unnecessary obstacles for people in the path of getting an ESA.
In this article, we’ll tell you about four such myths that are surrounding ESAs nowadays. And we’ll debunk them one by one.
So, let’s begin.
People often confuse an ESA with a therapy animal and a service animal. However, there are a few very significant differences between the three. Let’s understand them.
A service animal is an animal, usually a dog, that is specifically trained to help its owners, who have some disabilities, to perform some particular tasks. The tasks may include helping them with walking, reminding them to take their medicines, and several other things. Given this, they are usually allowed in almost all public places.
These are the animals that are used under counselor guidance only. In fact, in many cases, they assist the therapist. As a rule of thumb, a therapy animal is always used within special settings. And the main work of them is to enhance the communication between doctor and patient to make the session more effective.
An emotional support animal, on the other hand, does not perform any specific tasks. It’s just like any other pet who is there to provide you with the love and emotional support that you need in order to keep yourself mentally healthy. However, by making a pet an ESA, you can live with them in a no pet policy place and also fly with them legally.
You see, at a brief look, you may find the three types of animals the same. After all, all of them are helping you live a better life. However, if you dig a little deeper, the differences are clearly visible.
Well, it’s true that if you have a need for an emotional support animal, you can apply for one. However, it doesn’t mean that anyone can have an ESA. To have an ESA pet, a person must have a qualifying psychological condition. And when you apply for an ESA letter, your condition is evaluated by a licensed medical health practitioner. Only if he believes you have the condition, you can get an ESA letter.
Here are a few of the conditions that can qualify you for an ESA:
In short, do not waste your time applying for an ESA if you don’t have any psychological condition.
An emotional support animal doesn’t have any access restrictions is also a myth that is widely believed. And this is probably because it is often confused with a service animal, as we discussed above. But, unlike service animals, an emotional support animal doesn’t have access to all public places.
You may be allowed in some places if you an emotional support dog, cat, or any other small animal. However, that too depends on the management of the place. And you don’t have the right to fight their decision.
This may be true theoretically. But in reality, you do not have such freedom. There are many things you have to keep in mind while choosing an ESA for yourself. Let’s discuss a few.
You can now perhaps understand that not any type of animal can be your ESA.
However, with this popularity, the myths surrounding ESAs are also becoming more and more common. Did you know, some people believe that it’s compulsory to buy a vest for your ESA? Some even think that online ESA certifications are not legal. There are so many such misconceptions that are becoming unnecessary obstacles for people in the path of getting an ESA.
In this article, we’ll tell you about four such myths that are surrounding ESAs nowadays. And we’ll debunk them one by one.
So, let’s begin.
Myth 1: ESAs, Therapy Animals and Service Animals are the Same
People often confuse an ESA with a therapy animal and a service animal. However, there are a few very significant differences between the three. Let’s understand them.
Service Animal
A service animal is an animal, usually a dog, that is specifically trained to help its owners, who have some disabilities, to perform some particular tasks. The tasks may include helping them with walking, reminding them to take their medicines, and several other things. Given this, they are usually allowed in almost all public places.
Therapy Animal
These are the animals that are used under counselor guidance only. In fact, in many cases, they assist the therapist. As a rule of thumb, a therapy animal is always used within special settings. And the main work of them is to enhance the communication between doctor and patient to make the session more effective.
Emotional Support Animal
An emotional support animal, on the other hand, does not perform any specific tasks. It’s just like any other pet who is there to provide you with the love and emotional support that you need in order to keep yourself mentally healthy. However, by making a pet an ESA, you can live with them in a no pet policy place and also fly with them legally.
You see, at a brief look, you may find the three types of animals the same. After all, all of them are helping you live a better life. However, if you dig a little deeper, the differences are clearly visible.
Myth 2: Anyone can Keep an ESA
Well, it’s true that if you have a need for an emotional support animal, you can apply for one. However, it doesn’t mean that anyone can have an ESA. To have an ESA pet, a person must have a qualifying psychological condition. And when you apply for an ESA letter, your condition is evaluated by a licensed medical health practitioner. Only if he believes you have the condition, you can get an ESA letter.
Here are a few of the conditions that can qualify you for an ESA:
- PTSD
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Panic Attacks
- Bipolar Disorder, etc.
In short, do not waste your time applying for an ESA if you don’t have any psychological condition.
Myth 3: ESAs have Access to All Public Places
An emotional support animal doesn’t have any access restrictions is also a myth that is widely believed. And this is probably because it is often confused with a service animal, as we discussed above. But, unlike service animals, an emotional support animal doesn’t have access to all public places.
You may be allowed in some places if you an emotional support dog, cat, or any other small animal. However, that too depends on the management of the place. And you don’t have the right to fight their decision.
Myth 4: You can Make any Type of Animal your ESA
This may be true theoretically. But in reality, you do not have such freedom. There are many things you have to keep in mind while choosing an ESA for yourself. Let’s discuss a few.
- You cannot keep a dangerous or poisonous animal as an ESA. If you do so, you’ll hardly be able to enjoy any benefits of an ESA.
- Your ESA should be the one that you can control. Having an ESA that is out of control at a public place can make your problem even worse.
- Sometimes, you or your housemates may also be allergic to certain types of animals. In that case, you can’t get that particular animal.
- In the end, if you travel a lot, you do not have many choices. Most airlines only allow dogs or cats to travel with their owners in the cabin.
You can now perhaps understand that not any type of animal can be your ESA.
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