Register Dog As Emotional Support Animal Nz
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.
Register dog as emotional support animal nz. The only documentation necessary for emotional support animals is an esa letter which is provided by a licensed medical professional. In order to be prescribed an emotional support therapy dog the person seeking a dog for this role must have a verifiable disability. An emotional support animal can be a true lifesaver for someone dealing with mental health problems. From offering companionship and the stability of a routine to serving as a trusted guide through anxiety inducing social situations emotional support animals offer invaluable support in addition to the non judgmental unconditional love that animals already provide so freely. Of course if you already have a dog your choice will be clear but remember to be reasonable and train your dog if necessary.
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. Service dogs are allowed access to all public places such as movie theaters hospitals and restaurants. Presence alone alleviates symptoms most handlers receive some emotional support from their disability assist dog regardless of their disability that support or companionship is a bonus and not a justification for the animal being a disability assist dog. Please keep in mind emotional support animals need to be well behaved in public and follow basic commands. As part of the application process for an emotional support therapy dog you will be required to be certified as having an emotional disability by a psychologist therapist psychiatrist or other certified mental health professional.
This requires the owner to present documentation when they apply to mpi for an import permit to show the dog has been. When choosing a dog be careful when picking the right one. Alternatively you can take a survey through an online mental health service to see if you qualify for a letter of need. There is no official process for esa registration and you are not required to place your emotional support dog or other animals on any sort of registry. Emotional support animals are allowed access only to apartments including those with no pet policies and on airplanes.
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. Simply having a disorder does not mean one is disabled.