Register Dog As Emotional Support Animal Bc
In general a psychiatric service dog or an emotional support animal esa is defined as any animal that brings comfort and support to an individual with a psychological mental or emotional disability.
Register dog as emotional support animal bc. Of course if you already have a dog your choice will be clear but remember to be reasonable and train your dog if necessary. Airlines can require that service dogs to be leashed at all times and they can bar dogs that show aggressive behavior. To enjoy access under the guide dog and service dog act we encourage visiting dog and handler teams to get certified. Apply for certification by submitting an application for a guide or service dog certificate form to security programs. A person s pet that has been prescribed by a person s licensed therapist psychologist or psychiatrist to address the person s emotional or psychological disability however in practice getting registered is anything but.
All domesticated animals may qualify as emotional support animals cats and dogs and they can be any age young puppies and kittens too as these animals do not need any specific task training because their very presence alleviates the symptoms associated with a person s psychological emotional disability unlike a working service dog or therapy dog. British columbia is committed to protecting service and support dogs. Esa registration of america is not a governmental agency and is not affiliated with or endorsed by hud the department of transportation or any other governmental agency. The national service animals registry nsar defines an emotional support animal as. There have been incidents of emotional support animals biting passengers.
When choosing a dog be careful when picking the right one. In general a psychiatric service dog or an emotional support animal esa is defined as any animal that brings comfort and support to an individual with a psychological mental or emotional disability. British columbia is committed to protecting service and support dogs. Many esa owners find that their esa makes it possible to successfully navigate many of life s challenges opening new doors and enabling them to make the. How to register an emotional support animal for many people living with emotional and mental disabilities an emotional support animal esa is a life changing companion that provides comfort affection and an increased quality of life.
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. Therapy and emotional support animals including dogs are not eligible for certification.