How To Register An Emotional Support Dog In Va

The use of emotional support animals and therapy animals has risen dramatically over the years and has provided an important benefit to many within the veteran community.

How to register an emotional support dog in va. Currently 652 veterans with approved guide or service dogs receive the veterinary service benefit. Alternatively you can take a survey through an online mental health service to see if you qualify for a letter of need. Instead any requested allowances for an esa must be bolstered with a letter from a certified mental health professional. When choosing a dog be careful when picking the right one. I nearly fell due to the last encounter and if i get hurt from a fall it could land me in the hospital.

If you have an emotional disability you can legally qualify for an esa short for emotional support animal you must be certified as emotionally disabled by a psychologist therapist psychiatrist or other duly licensed and or certified mental health professional. Va doctors just can t be handing out letters for fido to be allowed. When virginia laws allow you to bring a service dog or emotional support animal to public places or housing. By lisa guerin j d. To be eligible for the veterinary health benefit the service dog must be trained by an organization accredited by assistance dogs international in accordance with va regulations.

A wide body of anecdotal evidence and scientific studies reflects what many already suspected animal companionship can help support positive outcomes in physical and mental. 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. 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. How to register an esa there is no official registration database for emotional support animals.