How To Get An Emotional Support Dog In Virginia

So if you think you re ready to get an emotional support animal then read on to find out more.

How to get an emotional support dog in virginia. An emotional support animal in west virginia is defined as an assistance animal who helps those with mental and emotional disabilities. Generally speaking the two main differences between service dogs and emotional support animals center on 1 the animal s level of training and 2 the severity of the owner s needs. Virginia s 36 96 3 1 combats emotional support animal and service dog fraud. However this is not something that you can simply ask for and receive.

Don t listen to your landlord s demand to go online and get a certificate in the state of virginia that s now against the law. To qualify for an emotional support animal known as an esa in virginia you need to have an esa letter this is an official letter from a certified mental health professional such as a psychologist psychiatrist or clinical social worker. In order to get an emotional support animal in virginia you ll be required to consult a licensed mental health professional. When virginia laws allow you to bring a service dog or emotional support animal to public places or housing.

Can a virginia landlord charge a pet deposit for an emotional support animal. In this article we ll cover all you need to know about getting an esa in virginia. Virginia 36 96 3 1 combats emotional support animal fraud in housing. We serve clients residing in the commonwealth of virginia and are based in charlottesville virginia.

Under virginia s disability rights law and the federal americans with disabilities act ada people with disabilities may bring their service animals to all public accommodations including stores businesses. Luckily there are many different types of treatments and support options for people who are dealing with these disorders. Highly trained dogs perform a multitude of tasks that allow greater personal freedom and independence. Virginia emotional support dogs having a mental health disorder can be quite debilitating especially if you are not getting the right treatment and support.

An emotional support animal must alleviate one or more identified symptoms or effects of a person s disability but there is no requirement that a support animal be individually trained or certified or that it be a dog. By lisa guerin j d. Service dogs of virginia is a 501 c 3 non profit organization that raises trains and places dogs to assist people with disabilities. In order to legally be qualified to receive an esa you ll need to diagnosed as emotionally disabled by a certified mental health professional therapist psychiatrist or psychologist that resides in the state you live in.