Emotional Support Dogs

"The one absolutely unselfish friend that a man can have in this selfish world, the one that never deserts him, the one that never proves ungrateful or treacherous, is his dog."----Senator George Graham Vest

Dogs have been man’s best friend for over 13,000 years and possibly much longer. I believe that these angel spirits were with us before this life on earth and I am confidant that they will be with us in the after life to come. During this life on Earth, dogs have been man's helper, protector, and companion. According to the Humane Society of the United States, 39% of U.S. homes have one or more dogs and 34% have one or more cats.

An Emotional Support Animal(ESA), is a dog or other common domestic animal that provides therapeutic support to a disabled or elderly owner through companionship, non-judgmental positive regard, affection, and a focus in life. If a doctor determines that a patient with a disabling mental illness would benefit from the companionship of an emotional support animal, the doctor write letters supporting a request by the patient to keep the ESA in "no pets" housing or to travel with the ESA in the cabin of an aircraft.

ESAs are not task trained like service dogs are. In fact little training at all is required so long as the animal is reasonably well behaved by pet standards. This means the animal is fully toilet trained and has no bad habits that would disturb neighbors such is frequent or lengthy episodes of barking. The animal should not pose a danger to other tenants or to workmen. That being said, many people who need an ESA either don’t know it, and/or have no idea how to train them once they get them. This sad truth is the cause for many what could have been lasting and healing relationships to fail and the would be ESA ending up in the shelter, or worse dead from an accident that could have been prevented.

Society can be cruel, judgmental, and un-supportive of those with mental and physical illnesses. People don’t always show their pain in public. Long nights are spent crying and feeling totally unloved, miss-understood, alone, and hopeless. These people need un-conditional love to restore their faith and hope. Un-conditional love is not temporary, it doesn’t have strings attached, there is not time limit or frame, it is not sexual, nor does it have any words. In the Bible we learn that there is only one Human Being capable of un-conditional love all of the time, this is our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Although there may be some exceptions, there are very few, if any people who can express this kind of love 24hours per day. Everyone has their breaking points and failings. I have found that the best description of un-conditional love or pure love is found in I Corinthians 13:4-7 where the descriptive word is “Charity”: “Charity (Love) suffereth long, and is kind; charity(love) envieth not; charity(love) vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; rejoiceth not in iniquety, but rejoiceth in the truth; beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Anyone who has formed a relationship with their pet can see all of these characteristics and more in the innocence of these little animals.

References:

For more information about the differences between emotional support animals and psychiatric service animals, read the related article at: http://www.servicedogcentral.org/content/node/76

It is important to note that having a diagnosis of a mental illness, by itself, is not sufficient to qualify a person for an ESA unless that illness is so severe it disables them. Only a judge can truly determine whether a person is legally disabled. However, a doctor can probably make a medical determination of a person's disability and on that basis prescribe an ESA. To qualify as disabled under federal disability rights laws, a person must experience substantial limitations on one or more major life activities because of their mental illness.

Studies have shown real health benefits for those living with pets, including: 
* lower cholesterol
* lower blood pressure
* lower triglyceride
* reduced stress levels
* reduced feelings of loneliness
* better mental health
* increased activity
* more opportunities for exercise
* more time spent outdoors (for dog owners especially)
* more opportunities for socialization

On July 23, 2010, Attorney General Eric Holder signed final regulations revising the Department’s ADA regulations, including a revised definition of “service animal.” This final rule was published in the Federal Register September 15, 2010, and the effective date is six months after that publication.

Key changes include the following:
1. Only dogs will be recognized as service animals.
2. Service animals are required to be leashed or harnessed except when performing work or tasks where such tethering would interfere with the dog's ability to perform.
3. Service animals are exempt from breed bans as well as size and weight limitations.
4. Though not considered service animals, businesses are generally required to accommodate the use of miniature horses under specific conditions.

Until the effective date, existing service animals of all species will continue to be covered under the ADA regulations.

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Existing policies that were clarified or formalized include the following:
1. Dogs whose sole function is “the provision of emotional support, well-being, comfort, or companionship” are not considered service dogs under the ADA.
2. The use of service dogs for psychiatric and neurological disabilities is explicitly protected under the ADA.
3. “The crime deterrent effects of an animal's presence” do not qualify that animal as a service animal and “an animal individually trained to provide aggressive protection, such as an attack dog, is not appropriately considered a service animal.”

These previously existing policies are already in effect.

The first and foremost item you need to have is a current (meaning no more than 12 months old), letter from a licensed doctor stating a subscription for and emotional support animal for therapy to be kept with you at all times for travel. This letter must be signed with the doctor's license number on it.

Other things to consider bringing which are not manditory, include a health certificate and vaccine records. It is also often recommended that your dog be well trained before flying. This will ensure that your dog is kept safe in the airport and that you are more likely to get on the plane with your dog.

When making a reservation to fly with an ESA, call 48 hours in advance to ensure that they know your dog is coming along. Bulk head seating is recommended to ensure that your dog has enough space. Also take into consideration that dogs are not allowed in exit rows.

In preparation for the flight, restrict meals and water. Cut off food and water for the most part four hours before the flight. Give your dog small amounts of water from time to time as needed though. Make a potty break right before entering the airport.

You also qualify for pre-boarding because you have your dog with you. Pre-boarding will allow your dog to get settled in ahead of time. Reach the gate ahead of time and talk to the gate agent. Tell them that you would like to pre-board.