How to Use Emotional Support Animal Vests and Other Identification for Dealing with the Public
Apart from the Fair Housing Amendment Act (FHAA) and Air
Carrier Access Act (ACAA), the protection offered to emotional support animals
(ESAs) varies from state to state. Some states allow ESAs more freedom in
public places, while others have stricter policies. Lately, many policies have
become more stringent because of the increasing number of pet owners claiming their
pets are service animals when they are not.
If you have a legitimate need to bring your ESA in public,
you should consider taking steps to provide proof of your claim.
Wear Emotional Support Animal Vests
Many among the public see an animal with a vest and assume
it is a service animal. However, you must make sure the public knows your
animal is an ESA to ensure you don’t break any laws. Avoid sending a misleading
message by fitting your animal with an emotional
support animal vest. An ESA vest will clearly state “Emotional Service
Animal” or “Emotional Support Dog” to help clear up any confusion.
Provide Documentation When Asked
An emotional support animal vest all on its own may not
provide enough “proof.” For example, airlines often have rigid policies to
ensure a passenger absolutely needs to bring an animal on board. If an
authority figure continues asking about your animal even after acknowledging
its emotional support animal vest, you may want to provide additional
documentation to support your claim.
Emotional
support animal certification can help satisfy a questioning authority. Certificates
have both your name and your animal’s name on them, as well as an
official-looking registration date. If they would rather see a doctor’s note,
you may want to print up an ESA sample doctor’s letter for your physician to
fill out.
Reinforce Your Claim
Although they work to improve the well-being of their
handlers, ESAs do not have the same rights service dogs have. They are not
protected in most public places. However, some establishments have begun
welcoming emotional support animals under certain criteria, requiring behavioral
standards or a visual indication such as emotional support dog vests. These
places prove that people who need their ESA should feel comfortable while visiting,
provided they are not being dishonest.
To ensure you aren’t abusing their laws, the following items
can help when out in public with your ESA:
- Emotional support animal vests
- Certification with both your name and your ESA’s name
- A doctor’s letter signed by your doctor
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