Registering Emotional Support Animal Virginia
However this is not something that you can simply ask for and receive.
Registering emotional support animal virginia. This is a federal law so it applies all over the country but that doesn t stop individual states making their own amendments to its clauses. 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. Emotional support pets are those that provide medicinal benefit through support and companionship whether that is to ease symptoms from an emotional or mental disability as a non judgmental companion or even as a distraction from stresses associated with daily life. We rise in the strongest support of this legislation. 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 motels restaurants theaters schools and more.
As noted by the virginia department of professional and occupational regulation. An emotional support animal can be a true lifesaver for someone dealing with mental health problems. 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. An emotional support animal registration of any kind including an identification card patch certificate or similar registration document is no longer allowed. We gladly provide online services for patients in virginia.
Fair housing law requires housing providers to accommodate a person with a disability by changing or modifying a rule policy or practice when doing so is necessary to give the disabled person equal opportunity to use and enjoy his or her unit. This is an official letter from a certified mental health professional such as a psychologist psychiatrist or clinical social worker. Virginia s 36 96 3 1 combats emotional support animal and service dog fraud. Get the help you need to restore your health and wellbeing. Registration of an emotional support animal with esa registration of america does not give you any additional legal rights.
When virginia laws allow you to bring a service dog or emotional support animal to public places or housing. 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. 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. By lisa guerin j d. In this article we ll cover all you need to know about getting an esa in virginia.
In regards to emotional support animals the rule that.