These online ESA letters are often scams that have been around for years, yet the ads still flood our feeds daily. How do these companies get away with it? It’s unclear, but many people who see these ads and send money don’t realize they’re being scammed.
I asked friends online, “Do ads for ‘ESA letters’ sold online make you mad?”
I added: “Help educate novice pet guardians who might fall for the scam without doing their due diligence—please!
– What do the ads say that you know is not true, for example, ‘you can take your ESA anywhere, just like a service dog’?
– What is the truth about the so-called ‘rights’ of ESAs regarding access, housing, and travel (including via air)? Where can this information be found?
– What is the real process for obtaining a legitimate ESA letter from a credible source?”
What is an Emotional Support Animal (ESA)?
An Emotional Support Animal (ESA) provides therapeutic benefits such as emotional support, comfort, and companionship to individuals with mental health or psychiatric disabilities. Unlike Service Animals, ESAs are not considered pets under U.S. law and can be any domesticated animal, including cats, dogs, rabbits, birds, and more. However, they must be manageable in public and not create a nuisance.
ESAs do not perform specific tasks; their presence alleviates symptoms associated with a person’s mental health condition. To legally have an ESA, the owner must have a qualifying mental health or psychiatric disability diagnosed by a licensed mental health professional, documented by a properly formatted prescription letter. The key difference between a legitimate ESA and a pet is this letter from a licensed mental health professional.
How to Determine if an ESA is Right for You
There are no strict rules about who would benefit from an ESA. The primary benefit is often the companionship and comfort animals provide during distressing times. Caring for an animal can also motivate individuals to maintain routines and engage in regular exercise.
If you think an ESA might be right for you, discuss it with your mental health professional. Explain why you believe an ESA would be beneficial for you. Your professional may already be familiar with ESAs and can advise you, or you might need to learn more about ESAs together before they make a recommendation.
Where Do ESAs Come From?
ESAs can come from any place pets are found. Unlike Service Animals, ESAs do not require specific training. They can be adopted from shelters, purchased from breeders or pet stores, or even come from a neighbor’s litter.
Source: Fox 28
