ByVirginia’s Emotional Support Animal Laws
Although everyone loves their pets, they are a critical part of life for some. A pet provides emotional support and comfort, essential for some people's mental health. These pets are known as emotional support animals. If you have an , you might want to know what your rights are.
Emotional support animals are not considered service animals, so the ADA doesn't cover them. Nevertheless, they have rights, including coverage under the Fair Housing Act. They also enjoyed complimentary air travel, but this is no longer always the case.
Of course, not all pets are considered ESAs. To be classified as an l, you must have an ESA letter. The rules and regulations surrounding procuring an ESA letter and what rights you have are confusing. Further complicating the matter is the differing laws and regulations from state to state. Luckily, DoNotPay is here to help with all of your ESA needs.
Difference Between an ESA and a Service Animal
Although both ESAs and service animals serve as support to their owners, service animals and ESAs have fundamental differences.
Service Animal
A service animal is a dog or sometimes a miniature horse trained to perform a specific task for its owner. The nature of the job can vary, and some examples are:
- Guiding a person with an eyesight impairment
- Recognizing the onset of a panic attack, and getting help
- Ensuring someone takes their medication
Emotional Support Animals in Virginia
Although both ESAs and service dogs can assist those with depression and anxiety, ESAs have not been trained to perform service-related tasks. Another big difference is the breed of animals. While service animals are limited to dogs and miniature horses, ESAs can span many animal types, including but not limited to:
- dogs
- cats
- pigs
How to Get an ESA Letter on Your Own
To receive ESA rights, you need to have an ESA letter. The laws for who can issue an ESA letter vary by state, and in Virginia, the letter can be issued by any licensed medical professional. There are a few steps you can take to get an on your own.
- Locate a licensed medical professional in-person or online.
- Make an appointment.
- Discuss why you benefit from your emotional support animal.
- Ask for an ESA letter.
Emotional Support Animal Rights in Virginia
After you have your ESA letter, you will want to know what rights your ESA is entitled to. Some situations are black and white, while others are gray. For example, if you would like your ESA to accompany you to work, it is best to discuss the situation with your employer and show them the ESA letter. Other cases are clear-cut.
| Fair Housing Act | The Fair Housing Act covers emotional support animals, and a landlord can not discriminate against you because of an ESA. Even if the property isn't pet-friendly, ESAs are welcome. If a landlord does not accommodate an ESA, you have the right to send demand letters to them. |
| Airline Regulations | Before 2020, ESAs received complimentary air travel. In December 2020, the U.S. Department of Transportation revised the definition of service animals so that ESAs are no longer covered.
All major domestic carriers, including American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines, stopped allowing ESAs. The animals can still fly if they meet pet restrictions and the owner pays the pet fee. |
If this is a route you wish to take, DoNotPay is here to assist with our Complaint Letters product. The process is simple, and after filling out a few simple steps, DoNotPay will:
- Generate a demand letter to demand compensation
- Gather small claims court forms
- Deliver you a court script
How DoNotPay Can Help With All ESA Needs
The laws and regulations surrounding are confusing. It can be overwhelming to understand your rights and implement them, especially if someone else isn't cooperating.
If you need to get a legitimate ESA letter, navigate housing rights with a landlord, or ask for airline exceptions, DoNotPay is here to help. Our Service and Emotional Support Animals product can assist with all of your ESA needs in a few simple steps.
- Search "service animal" on DoNotPay.
- Select the type of issue you need help with, including contacting your landlord about your ESA/service animal, asking your airline about ESA options, or requesting ESA/service accommodations at other venues.
- Answer a series of questions about your current situation and the details of your ESA/service animal, so we can generate the best results for you.
That is all you have to do. DoNotPay can generate and send letters to the appropriate person and mail them. They can lobby for accommodations with airlines and other entities, and they also will ensure you have a ESA letter at an affordable price.
What Else Can DoNotPay Help With?
DoNotPay is not only here to help with service and emotional support animals. We can help you with a long list of common problems and dilemmas, including:
- Canceling any service or subscription
- United airlines emotional support animal
- Emotional support animal
- Emotional support animal
- Pet Licenses
- Hotel Upgrades for free