What is an Emotional Support Animal?
An Emotional Support Animal, or ESA, is an animal that provides a therapeutic benefit to a person who is struggling with their mental health. These animals are not service animals, but they provide support, comfort, and companionship to their owners.
What Are the Benefits of Having an ESA?
Under the Fair Housing Act, landlords cannot discriminate against a person who needs an ESA. This means that rules such as pet bans, restrictions, or fees are waived for those who have a prescription for an ESA from a licensed mental health professional.
A recent change in law now allows airlines to have discretion on whether to fly ESAs as pets or service animals. Each airline has its own rules about whether ESAs are allowed onboard.
Do I Qualify for an ESA?
Building Hope offers psychiatric evaluations to residents of Massachusetts to determine the benefits of an animal to our clients and will write letters to housing and travel authorities to certify your animal as an ESA.
How Much Does an Evaluation Cost?
ESA evaluations cost $150 for first time clients. Letters will be renewed annually at $125.
Building Hope Counseling Services 