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Though they exist in a class separate from service animals, emotional support animals (ESAs) can be a life-changing benefit for individuals with mental, social, or emotional needs that affect their routine. While any pet may provide daily support, making your dog a recognized ESA can be valuable in keeping them by your side.
Fortunately, getting this designation can be quick and straightforward, though you can typically expect to pay a few fees on the way. On average, it can cost $200 to $300 to make your dog an emotional support animal. To help you plan your dog’s course to certification, we’ll discuss the details of how much it costs to make your dog an emotional support dog.
The Importance of Emotional Support Dogs
Emotional support dogs are not service animals nor require the exhaustive training needed to perform specific tasks, but their simple presence is invaluable in alleviating many mental and emotional burdens that hold individuals back. They can provide comfort when handlers feel stress, fear, depression, or loneliness or act as a calming presence to help them focus and perform their duties more efficiently.
While any animal can support you emotionally, gaining the ESA distinction may impact your ability to find a home. Under the Fair Housing Act (FHA), landlords cannot restrict emotional support dogs even if they generally ban companion animals on their properties.
Although landlords may still restrict access to public spaces, the FHA prohibits them from keeping you from renting an apartment or charging additional fees for your dog. With documentation legitimizing your dog as an ESA, you’ll have a much easier time finding places to live.
Many businesses and public areas may also make special accommodations for companion animals that provide emotional support.
How Much Does Making Your Dog an Emotional Support Dog Cost?
Since dogs don’t need any training to become emotional support animals, the only cost unique to the process involves getting a letter from a licensed mental health professional (LMHP). Landlords and many state and local governments require this letter to receive rights under the FHA.
You must schedule a consultation if you don’t currently see a psychologist or other LMHP. Consulting in person with an LMHP is crucial in helping them assess your needs and whether an ESA would help you.
Due to confusion around what conditions call for an ESA and a lack of legal knowledge among many health professionals, writing ESA letters has become a notable ethical issue. Not all LMHPs have the same requirements for issuing a letter, and some don’t offer them at all.
Research and discuss your need for an ESA and the LMHP’s experience to determine if they can provide the necessary services. Depending on their requirements, they may perform one or several sessions to evaluate your needs before writing a letter.
An LMHP consultation to receive an emotional support animal letter will run roughly $150–$250. Some will write the letter as part of their session, while others may charge a fee of around $75–$150.
Additional Costs to Anticipate
If you already have your dog, there are no added costs beyond the LMHP’s letter to transform them into a legit ESA. Owners may consider getting a new harness with ESA labeling, which costs roughly $15–$35.
Though they aren’t a requirement, harnesses help others identify your dog as an emotional support animal and avoid confusion.
Recertification of Your Emotional Support Dog
ESA letters are typically valid for one year, though some landlords may still accept letters that have passed the 12-month mark. As they can use an old letter as a reason not to rent, it’s crucial to understand their policies and local and state laws around expiration dates.
From the LMHP’s perspective, an ESA is a prescription. The annual visit and reissued letter help them ensure your ESA is still necessary or see if you have overcome your challenges. With this renewal, you can expect another $75–$150 fee unless you still see your therapist. In that case, they may reissue the letter as part of your usual sessions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does Insurance Cover the Cost to Make My Dog an Emotional Support Animal?
As with service animals, health insurance and pet insurance won’t cover any costs of getting an emotional support animal. Most non-profits that provide dogs for those with disabilities only work with service animals. ESAs are generally considered personal pets that don’t require placement with those in need, so any expenses for getting or raising a dog will come out of pocket.
Can I Get an ESA Letter Online?
Several services provide ESA letters online, but you must be wary of scams. Many sites offer to rush you through the process, charge low fees, or “register” your dog. ESA dogs don’t need registration in any database, so any request to certify your dog is likely misleading.
Generally, a service that doesn’t entail a one-on-one talk with a mental health professional likely won’t give you valid documentation. Speaking with an LMHP licensed to practice in your state is the only way to get an ESA letter that gives your dog access to fair housing opportunities.
What Happens if I Don’t Get an ESA Letter?
States and municipalities vary in how they manage emotional support animals and determine their rights. Misrepresentation often comes with penalties. Lying or showing false ESA letters could result in losing your housing, several hundred dollars in fines, and possibly community service.
Are Emotional Support Dogs Allowed on Airplanes?
As of 2021, emotional support dogs are not protected under the Air Carrier Access Act. Previously, ESAs shared the same privileges as service animals. They could fly in the cabin without discrimination or extra fees. After lobbying from airlines due to the cost, inconvenience, and abuse of the law, the government rolled back privileges on any animal other than service dogs.
Some airlines still allow ESAs but consider them as pets. They may be subject to added fees, and the airline might not let them in the cabin if they don’t meet size or breed criteria. The rules change rapidly. Always follow up with your airline before planning a flight to ensure they’ll still allow your dog to travel with you.
Conclusion
Emotional support animals play a crucial role for hundreds of thousands of people, but the lack of certification around them leaves many worrying about the abuse of the system. ESA letters are the vital documentation needed to prove your dog’s status.
On average, it can cost $200 to $300 to make your dog an emotional support animal, which doesn’t include the cost of caring for your dog. By working with a licensed health professional and paying the cost to make your dog an ESA, you can do your part to promote the responsible use of ESAs for others.
Featured Image Credit: Daxiao Productions, Shutterstock
