For generations, people have relied on animals to provide support. Whether it’s to help with cattle, keep rodents away, or provide physical support in other ways, cats and dogs continue to help people in various ways. But what about emotionally? While people have found animals comforting for years, the ways that they can help go far beyond that.
In fact, studies have shown that an emotional support animal (ESA) can help alleviate symptoms of mental health disorders. Of course, this extends to our feline companions, and if you think an emotional support cat is right for you, you’ll want to stick around.
In this guide, we take you through how to get a cat ESA certified.
What Is an Emotional Support Cat?
An emotional support animal (ESA) is a companion animal that provides support for mental health disorders. They’re assigned to one person and can help with anxiety, depression, loneliness, and even chronic stress. Therefore, an emotional support cat is a cat that’s an emotional support animal.
You’ll also find that emotional support animals have some unique protections under state and federal law. A great example is the Fair Housing Act (FHA), which allows you to live in housing that’s otherwise non-pet-friendly. In fact, you won’t have to pay any fees for your cat either.
In order for an ESA to be legitimate, though, you need more than your word. You’ll need a letter from a licensed mental health professional (LMHP) who’s licensed in the state you live in. This letter must outline your condition and why your cat is helping. Without one of these letters, you may end up with fines and other issues.
How to Get a Cat ESA Certified
If you want to get a cat ESA certified, the steps aren’t too complicated. Essentially, you need to get yourself an ESA letter, which you can get from a licensed mental health professional (LMHP). If you have one already, you can speak with them and ask for a signed letter.
If you don’t have an LMHP, don’t worry, because there are also other options. There are plenty of online platforms that can help you get an emotional support animal letter via telehealth. This is a process that connects you to an LMHP over the phone who can issue you an ESA letter. If you do plan on going this route, just make sure you’re working with a reputable organization that connects you with an LMHP who’s based in your state.
It’s also important to note that some states have laws that require LMHPs to maintain a professional relationship with you for at least 30 days, and one example is California. Make sure you adhere to these rules and check the laws in your state to be safe.
Do You Have to Register Your Emotional Support Cat?
No, you don’t have to register your emotional support cat. In fact, all you need for your ESA cat to be legitimate is the letter from a LMHP in your state. That said, there may be some benefits to registering your ESA cat.
For example, having access to your ESA letter and information about your ESA online is helpful for verification purposes. It can also help you renew your ESA letter, and this needs to be done annually. Plus, some platforms may offer deals for renewal if you register your ESA with them online.
Sometimes, people mistake ESA registration for an ESA letter, so it’s important to make this distinction. Always make sure you have an ESA letter to avoid any problems, and think of registration as something you can do after for convenience and future savings.
Understanding How to Get a Cat ESA Certified
Understanding how to get a cat ESA certified is essential if you want to have a legitimate emotional support animal, and for your ESA to be certified, you need an emotional support animal letter. Make sure you only work with a licensed health professional who understands your situation, and it’s important that they’re licensed in your state.
Now, if you don’t have an LMHP you work with already, don’t panic, because you can find great professionals online through telehealth. Just make sure you thoroughly vet the organization before you decide to work with it.