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.
ESAs are not service animals. The benefit their owners by providing comfort, routine, 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 recommendation for an ESA from a licensed mental health professional.
Do I Qualify for an ESA?
Building Hope offers psychiatric evaluations to residents of Massachusetts and Connecticut to determine the benefits of an animal to our clients.
After your evaluation, we’ll write letters to the appropriate authorities, like your landlord or your college, to get you the accommodations you deserve, like your animal as your roommate!
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 