Many people experience issues such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, social anxiety disorder, or another mental, behavioral, or developmental disorder. It’s been demonstrated, however, that these individuals experienced an improvement in their health when they had an animal companion. A recent survey revealed that 74% of the participants reported their mental health improved as a result of having an emotional support animal.
Qualifying Issues for Emotional Support Animals
Some of the qualifying issues for having an emotional support animal include anxiety disorders, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and other mental, behavioral, or developmental disorders. On an annual basis, it’s been estimated that 26% of American adults experience a diagnosable mental disorder. It’s important to note that anxiety disorders are considered to be the most common type of mental illness in this country, with 40 million adults being affected. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is also prevalent within the United States. Recent data indicates that 7.7 million adults are living with this condition.
A large percentage of children have also been diagnosed with mental, behavioral, or developmental disorders. When considering children between the ages of two to eight years alone, one out of every seven has received some type of diagnosis within these categories.
Renters Rights and Emotional Support Animals
When individuals or families have pets, they will usually have to pay a deposit. Since emotional support and assistance animals are not considered to be pets, tenants aren’t required to pay these fees, according to the Fair Housing Act section at Humanesociety.org. It is possible, however, that some landlords may request a security deposit. Furthermore, if the emotional support and service animal causes any damages, landlords do have the right to request payment to cover these costs.
Learn More About Emotional Support Animals
If you have a dog, cat, or another type of emotional support animal, it’s important to know your rights and responsibilities. Since there are a variety of laws surrounding ESA ownership, it makes sense to locate reputable resources accordingly.
In case you’re planning to obtain an emotional support animal, then you need to make sure that you apply for an ESA letter. This is important because you want your emotional support animal to have the proper certification. While there are other options, you can conveniently apply for this letter online. At that time, you will be able to learn more about qualifications and other relevant information.
You may also want to consider the benefits of adopting rescue animals as ESAS. When you choose rescue animals as ESAS, you’ll be providing a welcome home for them. Since many of these animals may have been living in a shelter for quite some time, they will appreciate your love and attention just as you will appreciate their’s. Adopting rescue animals as ESAS can also provide both of you with a renewed sense of purpose.