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Emotional Support Animal corner

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siniang

Policy Enforcement
I thought it might be good to give Emotional Support Animals and questions/topics concerning them their own space, as to not inflate the SD space.

While I currently don't have official ESAs, I know my cats qualify as such and if necessity arises, it's only a matter of getting it in writing from my T. I already know I qualify (because T has said so).

But it's also just a general topic I'm extremely interested in. Maybe this can be a place to discuss questions that arise for someone personally who's considering getting an ESA, but also more general topics like legislature change.

And I already have a question for @joeylittle

You mentioned you take your ESA when traveling for work. How you do deal with the accommodation situation when away from home, since ESAs do not have public access rights, ergo can't stay in hotels like SDs. Do you stay specifically in pet-friendly hotels? Or do you have other arrangements?
 
You mentioned you take your ESA when traveling for work. How you do deal with the accommodation situation when away from home, since ESAs do not have public access rights, ergo can't stay in hotels like SDs. Do you stay specifically in pet-friendly hotels? Or do you have other arrangements?
When I need to stay in a hotel then yes, it's just one that allows pets, and I try and find the ones with the lowest fees. If I'm being put up in some sort of extended-stay corporate housing, then I request that I need to be in a place that allows pets. If the company I'm working for doesn't have an option to help me with that, then I can usually make some sort of deal where they give me what they would have spent on housing me, and I find an air bnb (or other kind of short-term rental) that will allow pets.
 
Thank you @joeylittle

I keep forgetting that AirBnB is a thing :oops: (which is ironic...because...well...shit ton of that here...but hence for me so closely tied to "vacation rental" with emphasis on vacation).

I've stayed in Red Roofs with both cats and dogs, before, and love them. What other hotel chains are pet friendly? Everytime I look at hotels (for vacation), they're all "no pets".

Another question... I know that's probably unlikely given you have cat, but maybe someone else has experience? Has anyone ever asked for accommodations to be allowed to bring their ESA to work? From what I've researched, in contrast to SDs, this would be up to the employer, but would fall under accommodations they at least need to consider under ADA? Maybe I'm wrong.
 
Ok, I know I'm waaaay premature with this, but it's on my mind now, so it's on my mind now, so I'm researching it now....because that's what I do.

I'm absolutely terrible with asking for things. Hence, I'm looking for tips as to how to approach the ESA topic with your treatment team, particularly given all the stigma and concern around it. Particularly with regard to

1) Getting existing pets ESA status
2) Getting a new pet as an ESA.

Thanks :)
 
Since we had talked about it in my thread a while ago and might be of particular interest for you @joeylittle , Southwest Airlines allows a person to have ONE ESA/SD but also ONE additional pet carrier (with two pets max). :)

https://www.southwest.com/html/generated/help/faqs/pets_faq.html said:
Can a Customer traveling with a trained service animal or emotional support animal also bring a pet?
Yes. A Customer with a trained service animal or emotional support animal larger than a child under the age of two must purchase an additional seat and place the pet carrier under the seat in front of the additional seat.

Not sure how this applies to SD/ESA smaller than a child (such as a cat), but large enough to not fit comfortably into a carrier with the pet. But Good to know that they also allow the "buy a second seat" option and allow you two essential bring two animals.

Just wanted to share.
 
Good to know that they also allow the "buy a second seat" option and allow you two essential bring two animals.
Thanks - that's super-helpful to know!
Has anyone ever asked for accommodations to be allowed to bring their ESA to work? From what I've researched, in contrast to SDs, this would be up to the employer, but would fall under accommodations they at least need to consider under ADA? Maybe I'm wrong.
I think, you'd need to be in a pet-friendly workplace, and assume that your ESA has no more access rights than a beloved pet. The ADA doesn't open the door in any way towards considering ESAs in the workplace. But - I know many people who bring their dogs to work because the work environment is OK with it. Usually, there's some sort of informal asking around to make sure other colleagues are OK with it. I think I don't see cats in these situations because (a) cats have different care needs, can be left alone at home more easily; and (b) cat allergies.

If I had the sort of cat who would literally just sit in a basket all day, and went in and out of harness easily, and walked well on a leash...then I'd absolutely be bringing cat to work :)
 
I take my dog to work but is a service dog not an ESA. ESA’s are offered no protection under the ADA. Service dog/miniature horses fall under the ADA guidelines but must perform a task you can not perform yourself. For instance my dog retrieves medication and also will snap me out of a flashback. Service animals are also required to be trained where ESA’s are not. Vest are not required under ADA guidelines but save you the hassle of having to explain everywhere you go. They are also a good training tool in that when they go on the dog knows it is time to work and focuses on you. Legally you are only allowed to be asked two questions regarding a service dog/horse. “Is this a service animal? What task are they trained to perform?” Beyond that is an ADA violation. A good rule of thumb is if a wheelchair can go there a service dog can. Only not allowed legally in a church, private club, operating room, or food preparation area.
 
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