Emotional support animals offer therapeutic benefits for those who suffer from mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. ESAs provide comfort and support but don’t need formal training like assistance dogs. The relationship between the handler and the animal fosters emotional stability and grounding, which promotes better mental health.
Requirements to Get ESA Certification Texas
To be clear, in order to get federal legal protection for your emotional support animal, an ESA letter is needed. Certification wouldn’t be enough. An ESA letter is something that only licensed mental health professionals can prescribe. A reputable organization wouldn’t register you without this.
Thus you must have a consultation with a mental health professional, which can be done in person or over the phone. Unlike some states such as California and Iowa, in Texas there is no minimum mandated relationship period that you must have with your mental health professional before they can issue an ESA letter.
You need a legitimate evaluation from a Texas licensed professional but it’s at their discretion how long it takes for them to issue the ESA letter.
Why Get ESA Certification?
After obtaining an ESA letter, some people choose to upload it to an online registry which has additional benefits.
Although you still need an ESA letter from a licensed mental health professional to qualify under the law, having the certification can definitely make everyday life easier. For example, it is far easier to pop your ESA ID into your wallet/purse to bring out if someone questions your ESA than to carry your ESA letter with you.
Not only is this easier, but it’s safer as you don’t have to risk carrying your private medical documentation around with you. It may also reduce anxiety as you are less likely to need to verbally explain your condition or why the ESA is needed, which some will find difficult.
Avoiding Scams With ESA Certification
You do also have to be on your guard when searching for ESA certification as there are organisations who may try to take advantage of you. Here are some things to think about when looking at registries.
- Is it transparent over what ESA certification is and is not?
- Does it have contact details, such as a physical address?
- Does it promise instant certification without any consultation or valid ESA letter?
A company that isn’t transparent, doesn’t have a physical address, and promises instant certification without an ESA letter is likely a scam.
Texas Housing Rights for ESA Owners
Under the Fair Housing Act, landlords have to make reasonable accommodations for tenants who have disabilities, which includes allowing ESAs, even if they have a ‘no pets’ policy. That protection applies all across Texas, from apartments in Austin to condos in Dallas.
Landlords can’t charge extra fees or deposits just because you’ve got an ESA. Housing laws don’t class your ESA as a pet as it’s an assistance animal that is necessary for your health and well-being. However, you still have obligations such as you will have to pay for any damage that your ESA causes.
When Can Landlords Deny Your ESA Certification?
There are almost no restrictions on (domesticated) emotional support animals, so landlords can’t get around the rules by saying certain breeds or sizes are not allowed. However, they can refuse an ESA in certain circumstances.
For example, a landlord may refuse to allow an ESA if the animal is a risk to other residents or would cause significant damage to the property. These refusals have to be substantiated with specific facts regarding the particular animal as opposed to beliefs about a specific breed. For example, if there is documented history of the animal biting someone.
Summary of Getting ESA Certification Texas
To get ESA certification safely and effectively in Texas, first obtain an ESA letter from a Texas-licensed mental health professional. Then, register for certification via a reputable organization whilst ensuring you know your rights and obligations as an ESA holder. When you have done this and received your certification, you can start to enjoy the multitude of benefits they bring.