How To Register An Emotional Support Dog In Virginia

When virginia laws allow you to bring a service dog or emotional support animal to public places or housing.

How to register an emotional support dog in virginia. For esa owners in virginia sb 1228 states that an emotional support animals letter must be from a disability verifier who has a therapeutic relationship with the prospective tenant. An emotional support dog is a dog that provides comfort and support in forms of affection and companionship for an individual suffering from various mental and emotional conditions. At usa service dog registration we have helped thousands of families register their service animals and emotional support animals. When choosing a dog be careful when picking the right one. An emotional support animal registration of any kind including an identification card patch certificate or similar registration document is no longer allowed.

It is fairly easy to register a dog as an emotional support animal but remember that only an esa letter will qualify a dog as a true emotional support animal. An emotional support dog is not required to perform any specific tasks for disability like service dogs are. To register an emotional support dog first you ll need to visit a mental health professional and ask for a letter stating your need for an emotional support animal. Register your emotional support dog with us take your dog anywhere the right emotional support dog registration kit for you. We offer a range of emotional support id kits to fit your needs and budget.

This is an official letter from a certified mental health professional such as a psychologist psychiatrist or clinical social worker. However this is not something that you can simply ask for and receive. Virginia s 36 96 3 1 combats emotional support animal and service dog fraud. Start with a standard id kit and you can later add on a leash collar esa dog vest and more. Alternatively you can take a survey through an online mental health service to see if you qualify for a letter of need.

Of course if you already have a dog your choice will be clear but remember to be reasonable and train your dog if necessary. We rise in the strongest support of this legislation. To qualify for an emotional support animal known as an esa in virginia you need to have an esa letter. In order to get an emotional support animal in virginia you ll be required to consult a licensed mental health professional. 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.

By lisa guerin j d.