Emotional Support Dog Certification

Emotional support Animals (ESAs) provide comfort to individuals that are suffering from anxiety, stress or other mental health concerns.

For many that are suffering with anxiety or other mental health issues, the company of a dog is crucial to their ability to function normally. Emotional support Animals (ESAs) helps these individuals deal with daily challenges.

Service Dogs and Emotional Support Animals are permitted to travel in the cabin with their handler. 

Airlines can determine if an animal is a service animal or pet by:

• Looking for physical indicators such as the presence of a harness, patches or tags;
• Requiring documentation for psychiatric support animals and emotional support animals; and
• Observing the behaviour of animals.

Most airlines have specific documentation requirements for Emotional Support Animals.  

Always check with your airline in advance for specific requirements.

Legally, individuals do not have to disclose the nature of their disability or if they have a disability to anyone in order to be allowed to have their Emotional Support Dog accompany them. 

It is unlawful to ask for medical documentation or proof of training.

In most cases, the answer is No, even if your lease has a “no-pets” policy, if you require the the use of a support animal your landlord must accommodate you and allow you and your support dog to stay. 

However, a "Service Dog Certificate" has more power than a "ESA Certificate" as a service dog is authorized to go anywhere that the owner is permitted to go. 

In some cases, and dependent on your countries laws, an "ESA" may be denied access to apartments, therefore its always best to register your dog as a "Service Animal". 

We always recommend that you verify which certification is required by your landlord before completing your certificate registration.

One of the key advantages is the ability to live in housing with “no pets” policies without facing discrimination. Landlords are required to provide reasonable accommodation for ESAs. 

In some cases, and dependent on your countries laws, an "ESA" may be denied access to apartments, therefore its always best to register your dog as a "Service Animal". 

We always recommend that you verify which certification is required by your landlord before completing your certificate registration.

Having your ESA registered can also make it easier to identify your animal as an ESA, which can help reduce misunderstandings or disputes with housing providers or neighbours.

Under current laws, you can have an emotional support dog in your residence, even if there’s a no-pets policy. 

Unlike service dogs, emotional support dogs are not granted access to most public places like stores, restaurants, and other businesses. 

Workplace policies on emotional support dogs vary and are at the discretion of the individual employer or institution.