Unveiling the Intriguing History of National Boston Terrier Day
As we prepare to celebrate National Boston Terrier Day, it’s essential to delve into the rich history of this joyous occasion. The day is a heartfelt tribute to one of the most beloved dog breeds, the Boston Terrier. This charming canine has won the hearts of dog enthusiasts worldwide, thanks to its friendly demeanor, distinctive appearance, and unwavering loyalty.
National Boston Terrier Day originated as a grassroots movement among dedicated Boston Terrier enthusiasts who sought to create a special day to honor their cherished companions. Over time, the celebration gained widespread recognition, and now, every year on January 31st, Boston Terrier lovers come together to celebrate the breed that has brought so much joy and companionship into their lives.
Recommended Activities: A Well-Balanced Selection for Every Boston Terrier Enthusiast
In the spirit of National Boston Terrier Day, let’s explore a curated selection of activities that cater to the diverse interests of Boston Terrier owners. To ensure inclusivity, we’ve organized these activities based on popularity, offering a mix of both indoor and outdoor options.
Outdoor Adventures
Playtime at the Dog Park: Gather fellow Boston Terrier enthusiasts and head to a local dog park for a day of frolicking and socializing. Boston Terriers thrive on interaction with other dogs and will revel in the opportunity to make new friends.
Scenic Walks and Hikes: Boston Terriers are known for their moderate energy levels, making them ideal companions for outdoor walks and hikes. Explore nearby trails or parks to give your furry friend a chance to stretch their legs and enjoy the great outdoors.
Boston Terrier Meetups: Check local community boards or online forums for Boston Terrier meetups in your area. These gatherings are a fantastic way for both dogs and owners to connect, share stories, and celebrate their mutual love for the breed.
Homemade Treat Baking Party: Gather friends and their Boston Terriers for a fun-filled baking party. Create homemade treats using dog-friendly recipes, and let the dogs enjoy the delicious results.
Boston Terrier Photo Booth: Set up a themed photo booth with props and backdrops featuring Boston Terrier motifs. Capture adorable moments with your furry friend and create lasting memories.
Interactive Puzzle Games: Keep your Boston Terrier mentally stimulated with interactive puzzle games. These activities engage their intelligence and provide a rewarding experience for both dog and owner.
Boston Terriers as Exceptional Emotional Support Animals and Service Dogs
Beyond the joyous celebrations of National Boston Terrier Day, it’s essential to recognize the remarkable qualities that make Boston Terriers exceptional as both emotional support animals and service dogs.
Emotional Support Animals (ESAs)
Boston Terriers, with their affectionate nature and keen sensitivity, make excellent emotional support animals. These dogs have an innate ability to provide comfort and companionship, offering solace to individuals dealing with emotional challenges. The unwavering loyalty of a Boston Terrier can be a source of immense emotional support for those in need.
In addition to their role as emotional support animals, Boston Terriers have proven to be effective service dogs. Their intelligence, trainability, and small size make them well-suited for various service tasks. From assisting individuals with mobility challenges to providing support for those with medical conditions, Boston Terriers have demonstrated their versatility in enhancing the quality of life for their human companions.
As we commemorate National Boston Terrier Day, let’s reflect on the unique bond we share with these wonderful dogs. Whether engaged in outdoor adventures, baking treats, or simply enjoying a quiet moment together, the day serves as a reminder of the joy and companionship Boston Terriers bring into our lives.
So, on this special day, let’s celebrate the Boston Terrier breed.
Brought to you by National Service Animal Registry. Learn more about us and how to qualify your pet as a service dog, emotional support animal (ESA), or therapy animal, TODAY!
Sensory processing disorders (SPD) pose unique challenges for children, affecting their ability to navigate and interpret the world around them. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in alternative therapies to support these children, with a particular focus on service dogs and sensory integration therapy. This blog aims to delve into the latest case studies, drawing from academic journals, insights from medical institutions, and heartening testimonials. Our exploration will encompass therapy techniques, the training of service dogs, and provide an educational perspective while addressing challenges and limitations associated with these interventions.
Understanding Sensory Processing Disorders
Before we dive into the effectiveness of service dogs and sensory integration therapy, let’s briefly explore what sensory processing disorders entail. SPD involves difficulties in organizing and interpreting sensory information, leading to challenges in daily activities. Children with SPD may be oversensitive or under sensitive to stimuli such as touch, sound, taste, or smell. This can result in behavioral issues, difficulty in forming relationships, and academic struggles.
The Role of Sensory Integration Therapy
Sensory integration therapy is a widely recognized approach aimed at helping individuals with SPD. The therapy focuses on exposing individuals to sensory stimuli in a structured and repetitive manner, gradually helping them adapt and respond appropriately. Occupational therapists often employ this technique to address sensory challenges, contributing to improved focus, motor skills, and social interactions.
Specific Techniques in Sensory Integration Therapy
To optimize the effectiveness of sensory integration therapy, therapists utilize specific techniques tailored to individual needs. Deep pressure massages, swinging activities, and sensory-rich play environments are common methods employed to help children with SPD regulate their sensory responses. These techniques are integrated into personalized therapy plans, ensuring a targeted and effective approach.
The process of training service dogs to assist children with SPD is a specialized and collaborative effort between canine experts and occupational therapists. Canine experts work closely with therapists to identify specific sensory triggers for each child. Dogs are then trained to recognize and respond to these triggers, providing a calming presence during overwhelming situations.
Specific Techniques in Service Dog Training:
Recognizing Sensory Triggers:
Canine experts collaborate with therapists to identify sensory triggers for each child.
Dogs are trained to recognize signs of distress or anxiety related to sensory stimuli.
Deep Pressure Therapy:
Dogs are trained to provide deep pressure therapy through gentle leaning or lying across the child’s lap during overwhelming situations.
This technique helps regulate sensory responses and provides a calming effect.
Alerting to Auditory Stimuli:
For children with auditory sensitivities, dogs are trained to alert the child to specific sounds.
This may involve the dog nudging the child or providing a signal when a potentially distressing sound is detected.
Tactile Support:
Dogs are trained to provide tactile support by nudging or applying gentle pressure in response to the child’s tactile sensitivities.
This helps desensitize the child to certain tactile stimuli over time.
Navigating Social Environments:
Service dogs are trained to guide children through social interactions, acting as a supportive companion in challenging environments.
This enhances the child’s confidence and social skills.
Case Studies: The Transformative Bond
Numerous case studies illustrate the transformative bond between children with SPD and their service dogs. The implementation of these specific training techniques has been pivotal in fostering emotional regulation, improved social interactions, and overall enhanced well-being for the children involved.
Educational Perspective: Integrating Service Dogs into School Environments
As the benefits of service dogs become more apparent, educational institutions are exploring ways to integrate them into school environments. Service dogs can accompany children with SPD to school, providing consistent support throughout the day. Educators report positive changes in the overall classroom atmosphere, highlighting increased empathy and understanding among students.
Challenges and Limitations
While the positive impact of sensory integration therapy and service dogs is evident, it is crucial to acknowledge the challenges and limitations associated with these interventions. One challenge lies in the accessibility of service dogs, as the demand often exceeds availability. However, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) allows anyone to train their own service dog. There are many resources out there, including books and/or videos that may assist with different techniques to train your own service dog.
Additionally, not all individuals with SPD may respond positively to sensory integration therapy, emphasizing the need for personalized approaches.
Conclusion
In the intricate world of sensory processing disorders, the combination of sensory integration therapy and the companionship of service dogs offers a holistic and promising approach. The case studies explored in this blog shed light on the transformative effects these interventions can have on the lives of children with SPD. By delving into the specific techniques involved in training service dogs, we gain a deeper understanding of how these interventions can be tailored to meet the unique needs of each child. Through ongoing research, collaboration between professionals, and a commitment to individualized care, we can strive to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for children with sensory processing disorders.
As we usher in the New Year with joy and celebration, it’s crucial to consider our loyal companions, especially service dogs, who play an integral role in supporting individuals with disabilities. The festivities, marked by loud noises, crowds, and fireworks, can be overwhelming for our furry friends. In this guide, we’ll explore uplifting and supportive guidance to safeguard service dogs during New Year celebrations, focusing on minimizing the impact of potential stressors both indoors and outdoors. We’ll also delve into recognizing and managing stress signals exhibited by service dogs, and provide recommendations for equipment that can aid in ensuring their safety and well-being.
Minimizing Stress During Indoor Celebrations
Create a Safe Haven:
Designate a quiet and comfortable space indoors where your service dog can retreat to when the festivities become overwhelming. Set up their bed, favorite toys, and water bowl in this area. This safe haven will serve as a retreat where they can feel secure and relaxed.
Use White Noise:
Consider playing soothing white noise or calming music to drown out sudden loud sounds such as fireworks. This can help create a more peaceful atmosphere and reduce the impact of unexpected noises on your service dog.
Gradual Exposure to Celebratory Sounds:
In the days leading up to the New Year, gradually expose your service dog to recorded sounds of fireworks and celebratory noises at a low volume. Reward them with treats and praise for remaining calm, gradually increasing the volume as they become more accustomed to the sounds.
Provide Engaging Distractions:
Keep your service dog mentally stimulated with interactive toys and puzzles. This will help redirect their attention away from the noise and create a positive association with the celebration.
Minimizing Stress During Outdoor Celebrations
Plan Ahead:
If you plan to attend outdoor celebrations, research the event’s schedule and choose a quieter time to attend, avoiding peak fireworks displays. Look for pet-friendly events or areas where your service dog can feel more at ease.
Use a Thundershirt or Anxiety Wrap:
Consider using a Thundershirt or anxiety wrap to provide gentle, constant pressure that can have a calming effect on your service dog. These garments are designed to reduce anxiety and stress during loud events.
Maintain a Comfortable Distance:
During fireworks displays, maintain a safe distance from the source of the noise. This can help minimize the intensity of the sound and reduce the stress on your service dog.
Gradual Exposure to Outdoor Stimuli:
Similar to indoor preparations, gradually expose your service dog to outdoor stimuli associated with celebrations. Take short walks near areas where fireworks might be heard, rewarding calm behavior with treats and positive reinforcement.
Recognizing and Managing Stress Signals
Observe Body Language:
Keep a close eye on your service dog’s body language for signs of stress. Common stress signals include trembling, excessive panting, pacing, lowered ears, and dilated pupils.
Implement Positive Reinforcement:
Whenever your service dog displays calm behavior in the face of stressors, reinforce it with positive reinforcement such as treats, praise, and affection. This will help them associate the stressful situation with positive experiences.
Know When to Retreat:
If you notice persistent signs of stress, don’t hesitate to retreat to a quieter space. Your service dog’s well-being should take precedence over social obligations.
Consult with a Professional:
If your service dog consistently struggles with anxiety during celebrations, consult with a professional dog trainer or behaviorist. They can provide personalized guidance and training techniques to address your dog’s specific needs.
Equipment for Safeguarding Service Dogs
ID Tags and Microchip:
Ensure that your service dog wears updated identification tags and has a microchip. In the event that they become separated from you during the festivities, proper identification will increase the chances of a safe reunion.
Comfortable Harness or Vest:
A comfortable and well-fitted harness or vest is essential for maintaining control over your service dog in crowded or chaotic situations. Ensure it is labeled with clear signage indicating their service status.
Portable Water Bowl:
Keep a portable water bowl with you to ensure your service dog stays hydrated, especially if the celebration involves physical activity or takes place outdoors.
First Aid Kit:
Have a canine-specific first aid kit on hand to address minor injuries or health concerns. Include items such as bandages, antiseptic wipes, and any necessary medications.
As we celebrate the arrival of the New Year, let’s prioritize the well-being of our devoted service dogs. By taking proactive measures to minimize stress, recognizing and managing stress signals, and utilizing appropriate equipment, we can ensure that our furry companions not only feel safe but can also share in the joy of the festivities. Remember, the bond between you and your service dog is a source of strength, and by working together, you can navigate the celebrations with confidence and create positive memories for both of you.
Want to register your dog as a service dog or your animal as an emotional support animal (ESA) to help protect your rights, connect with us today and allow us to assist you.
In recent years, the presence of service animals and emotional support animals on college campuses in the United States has become increasingly prominent. These animals play a vital role in supporting students with disabilities and promoting their well-being. This article delves into the challenges and benefits of integrating service animals and emotional support animals within the college environment. Additionally, we’ll explore the process of applying for animal accommodation within educational institutions and highlight the distinct roles and contributions of these animals to student success.
Differentiating Service Animals and Emotional Support Animals
Service animals, including psychiatric service dogs, and emotional support animals each serve unique and critical roles in supporting individuals’ well-being. Service animals, such as guide dogs for the visually impaired or alert dogs for those with hearing impairments, undergo specialized training to perform tasks that aid individuals with disabilities. However, there’s another category of service animals that deserves attention – psychiatric service dogs.
Psychiatric Service Dogs: A Specialized Form of Assistance
Psychiatric service dogs are a subset of service animals that play a pivotal role in assisting individuals with psychiatric or mental health conditions. These dogs are trained to perform specific tasks that mitigate the effects of their handlers’ mental health challenges. For example, they might be trained to interrupt panic attacks, provide deep pressure therapy during moments of anxiety, or remind individuals to take their medication.
Moreover, psychiatric service dogs provide emotional support and companionship, serving as a constant source of comfort for their handlers. Individuals grappling with conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety disorders, or depression often find solace in the presence of these dogs, who offer not only unconditional companionship but also practical assistance that enhances their daily functioning.
Emotional Support Animals: Providing Comfort and Companionship
While emotional support animals don’t undergo the same extensive training as service animals, they are no less valuable in their contributions to individuals’ mental well-being. Emotional support animals offer comfort and companionship to individuals dealing with emotional or psychological conditions. They are not limited to dogs – emotional support animals can be various species, chosen based on the individual’s preferences and needs.
These animals offer a unique form of support by simply being present. Their calming presence can help alleviate stress, reduce feelings of isolation, and provide a sense of stability. Their non-judgmental companionship creates a therapeutic bond that significantly contributes to the emotional resilience of their handlers.
Differentiating Roles, Similar Impact
While both service animals and emotional support animals play distinctive roles, their impact on individuals’ lives is profound. Service animals, including psychiatric service dogs, empower individuals to overcome physical and mental barriers by performing essential tasks. They enable their handlers to navigate daily life with greater independence and confidence. In contrast, emotional support animals contribute by fostering emotional well-being, providing comfort, and offering an unwavering source of support.
Benefits of Service Animals and Emotional Support Animals on Campus
Service animals make a profound impact on the lives of students with disabilities. They assist in navigating campus environments, from attending classes to moving around independently. Emotional support animals, while not trained to perform specific tasks, provide emotional comfort and alleviate stress, contributing to students’ overall mental well-being. The presence of these animals on campus fosters an inclusive atmosphere that values diversity and supports students’ needs holistically.
Challenges of Integrating Animals on Campus
While the presence of service animals and emotional support animals is undeniably beneficial, challenges exist. Some individuals may have allergies or fear of animals, making it essential to strike a balance between accommodating those who benefit from animals and ensuring the comfort of all students. Establishing clear guidelines and policies helps address potential disruptions and conflicts that may arise due to the presence of animals on campus.
Applying for Animal Accommodation
Navigating the process of animal accommodation within colleges is a crucial step to ensure that both the needs of students and the regulations of educational institutions are met. This process involves specific steps to ensure the legitimacy and necessity of these animals, and it often starts with obtaining a letter from a licensed mental health professional.
Students seeking accommodation for service animals, including psychiatric service dogs, must present a letter from a licensed mental health professional. This letter serves as a formal endorsement of the animal’s role in assisting with the student’s disability. It outlines the specific tasks or functions the animal is trained to perform, demonstrating the animal’s essential contribution to the student’s well-being and daily functioning.
For those looking to acquire such a letter, the National Service Animal Registry (NSAR) offers a streamlined process. NSAR is an organization that provides registration and certification services for service animals and emotional support animals. Through their services, individuals can obtain the necessary documentation that validates the legitimacy of their service animal.
The NSAR process involves the following steps:
Online Application: Individuals start by submitting an online application on the NSAR website. This application typically includes details about the individual’s disability, the tasks the service animal is trained to perform, and any relevant medical information.
Review by Mental Health Professional: NSAR’s team reviews the application and may contact the applicant’s licensed mental health professional to verify the need for a service animal.
Letter Issuance: Upon approval, NSAR provides a letter from a licensed mental health professional that outlines the individual’s need for a service animal. This letter can then be submitted to colleges or other relevant institutions as part of the accommodation process.
In addition to obtaining a letter, colleges often provide verification forms that students need to complete to initiate the accommodation process. These forms serve to establish a clear and organized approach, ensuring that all relevant parties are aware of the presence and purpose of the animal on campus.
By obtaining a letter through a reputable service like the National Service Animal Registry, students can streamline the process of securing accommodation for their service animals. This helps educational institutions assess the legitimacy of the animal’s role and ensures that students with disabilities can fully benefit from their animal companions while adhering to college regulations.
Service animals are permitted in a wide range of campus areas, including classrooms, dormitories, and other facilities, in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Their training equips them to perform tasks that enable students with disabilities to participate fully in college life. In contrast, emotional support animals have more limited access, often restricted to housing accommodations due to the Fair Housing Act (FHA). This differentiation ensures that the presence of animals aligns with their intended functions and regulations.
Contributions to Student Success
Service animals significantly contribute to students’ academic achievements by providing assistance in a variety of ways. They may retrieve items, guide individuals with visual impairments, or alert those with medical conditions. Emotional support animals, through their presence and companionship, alleviate stress and loneliness, fostering a positive environment that enhances students’ mental health and emotional resilience.
Legal Considerations
The legal framework surrounding service animals and emotional support animals in educational settings is primarily governed by the ADA and the FHA. These laws ensure that students with disabilities have equal access to education and housing accommodations. Understanding the rights and responsibilities of both students and educational institutions under these acts is crucial for promoting inclusivity and complying with legal obligations.
Conclusion
The integration of service animals and emotional support animals within US colleges is a testament to the commitment to inclusivity and support for students with disabilities. As these animals become essential companions on campuses, it is imperative to navigate the challenges, understand the legal framework, and celebrate the myriad benefits they bring. By providing clear guidelines, fostering awareness, and offering appropriate accommodations, colleges can create an environment where students thrive academically and emotionally, supported by the presence of these remarkable animals.
Understanding the Difference Between Service Animals and ESAs
Imagine walking into a crowded airport with your companion animal by your side. You’re calm and collected because you know your furry friend offers you the support you need. But as questions from strangers start pouring in—“Is that a service dog?” or “What’s the difference between an ESA and a service animal?”—you realize the world isn’t as informed about these distinctions as it should be.
This guide aims to provide a comprehensive breakdown of the differences between Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) and Service Animals. By the end of this article, you’ll not only understand their distinct roles but also their legal protections, training requirements, and how they serve individuals with disabilities.
What Are Service Animals?
Service animals are specially trained animals—usually dogs—that assist individuals with disabilities by performing specific tasks. These tasks are directly related to the person’s disability, such as guiding the visually impaired, alerting those who are deaf, or providing stability to those with mobility challenges.
Key Characteristics of Service Animals:
Training: Rigorous, task-specific training is essential. Can be completed by the handler. No “official” training is required by a “certified” trainer.
Legal Protections: Covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to go out in public with their handler. Covered under the Fair Housing Act (FHA) by the Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to live with you in your home with NO pet fees. Covered under the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) by the Department of Transportation (DOT) to travel with you with NO pet fees.
Behavior: Must exhibit impeccable behavior in public settings.
Species: Limited to dogs and, in some cases, miniature horses.
Examples of Tasks Service Animals Perform:
Guiding a person with visual impairments.
Detecting blood sugar levels in individuals with diabetes.
Interrupting self-harming behaviors in individuals with PTSD.
Legal Framework:
Under the ADA, service animals are not considered pets. Businesses can only ask two questions:
Is the dog a service animal required because of a disability?
What work or task has the dog been trained to perform?
What Are Emotional Support Animals (ESAs)?
Emotional Support Animals provide comfort and emotional relief to individuals with mental health conditions or emotional disorders. Unlike service animals, they do not require specialized training to perform specific tasks.
Key Characteristics of ESAs:
Purpose: Offer emotional support to alleviate symptoms of mental health conditions.
Legal Protections: Covered under the Fair Housing Act (FHA) by the Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to live with you in your home with NO pet fees).
Training: No specialized training is required.
Species: Can be any animal that provides comfort.
Benefits of ESAs:
Alleviate anxiety, depression, and loneliness.
Provide a sense of purpose and routine.
Legal Framework:
The FHA allows individuals with ESAs to live in housing that may otherwise prohibit pets. However, ESAs are not granted public access rights like service animals.
ESA dog snuggled in handlers lap
Key Differences Between Service Animals and ESAs
Feature
Service Animals
Emotional Support Animals
Training
Task-specific training required
No training required
Legal Protections
ADA, FHA, ACAA
FHA
Public Access Rights
Full access under the ADA
No public access rights
Species
Dogs and miniature horses
Any animal
Practical Tips for Acquiring a Service Animal or ESA
Steps to Obtain a Service Animal:
Assess Your Needs: Determine if a service animal is necessary for your specific disability.
Find a Reputable Organization/Breeder: You can purchase almost any dog and train them yourself. You can purchase a dog and have them trained by a service dog trainer. Or, you can seek a reputable non-profit service dog training organization that may be able to pair you with a dog.
Understand Your Rights: Familiarize yourself with ADA protections (going out in public), the FHA (your housing rights), and the ACAA (your air travel rights).
1. Can my dog be both an ESA and a service animal? Yes, a dog may be both; however, a service animal has more rights than an ESA so if your dog is qualified as a service dog, it doesn’t make much sense to also identify them as an ESA as they have more rights than the ESA designation.
2. Do I need to register my ESA? No, it’s not required by law; however, it can often increase the chances that your ESA will be accommodated while out in public with helpful identification.
3. Can service animals be denied entry anywhere? Service animals are allowed in most public spaces, but exceptions include areas where their presence would compromise safety or hygiene, such as certain hospital zones.
4. Are ESAs allowed on airplanes? As of 2021, airlines are no longer required to accommodate ESAs under the ACAA for free. A handler may still be accommodated with their ESA provided they follow the airlines’ pet policies. However, service animals are still permitted for free.
5. How can I spot a fake service animal? It’s almost impossible to spot a fake service dog because as long as the handler has a disability and the animal has been trained to perform a task related to the individual’s disability, it is a service dog. However, while working the dog should be well-behaved and focused while working. This doesn’t mean they cannot be happy while out in public, but they should not be distracted by sounds and activities around them, they should not excessively bark (unless it’s their assigned task to alert others and/or their handler), and should not poop or pee in an establishment.
Conclusion
Understanding the differences between service animals and emotional support animals is the first step in making informed decisions. If you’re ready to take the next step, explore our comprehensive guide to obtaining an ESA letter or connect with a licensed therapist today. Share this article with others who may benefit from learning more about this critical topic.
WHICH SERVICE "TYPE" SHOULD I SELECT?
Guide: This type is regarded as a "working service dog". Choose this type if you experience vision problems and your dog is trained to guide you in public settings.
Hearing Alert: This type is regarded as a "working service dog". Choose this type if your dog is trained to alert you to sounds that you are unable to hear or identify, such as alarm clocks, doorbells, telephones, automobile sounds, and other important sounds you have trouble identifying.
In Training: If your dog is being trained to become a service dog, but isn't quite ready to qualify for registration, "In Training" is the service type you should select. Although service dogs that are in training have no federally protected rights, many public places allow you access with your service dog in training.
Medical Assist: This type is regarded as a "working service dog". Choose this type if your dog is trained to assist you when experiencing a physical situation in which you can't perform a major life task for yourself (retrieve items, open doors, turn on lights, etc.).
Mobility: This type is regarded as a "working service dog". Choose this type if your dog is trained or able to provide stability and support for substantial balance or walking problems because of a physical disability.
PSA (Psychiatric Service Animal): This type is regarded as a "working service dog". Choose this type if your psychiatric or emotional disability substantially limits your ability to perform a major life task and your dog is trained to perform or help perform the task for you. A letter from a licensed therapist or psychiatrist that clearly indicates this is required.
Seizure Alert: This type is regarded as a "working service dog". Choose this type if your dog is trained or able to either predict a seizure or to get assistance from another person at the onset of a seizure.
SERVICE DOG VS. EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMAL
An Emotional Support Animal (ESA) is an animal that, by its very presence, mitigates the emotional or psychological symptoms associated with a handler's condition or disorder. The animal does NOT need to be trained to perform a disability-specific task. All domesticated animals (dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, hedgehogs, rodents, mini-pigs, etc.) may serve as an ESA. The only legal protections an Emotional Support Animal has are 1) to fly with their emotionally or psychologically disabled handler in the cabin of an aircraft and 2) to qualify for no-pet housing. No other public or private entity (motels, restaurants, stores, etc.) is required to allow your ESA to accompany you and in all other instances, your ESA has no more rights than a pet.
You'll also need to be prepared to present a letter to airlines and property managers from a licensed mental health professional stating that you are emotionally disabled and that he/she prescribes for you an emotional support animal.
If you do not have a letter of prescription and are unable to get one, we recommend that you consider Chilhowee Psychological Services. This agency offers legitimate psychometric testing, assessment, diagnosis, AND a letter of prescription from a licensed mental health professional. Click here to view their website.
A final note: Some animals are innately able to predict the onset of a physical or psychiatric event or crisis, effectively enabling the handler to prevent or minimize the event. This is an ability that usually cannot be trained - some animals are simply born with the ability to sense the onset of the event. These types of animals, although not otherwise task-trained, are considered "working" service animals.
VIP Pass
Normally, emailed PDF copies are processed and sent the afternoon an order is shipped. It usually takes 2 - 4 business days to process and complete an order once we've received the image of your animal, although that can fluctuate, depending on the number of registrations we've received.
VIP Pass is an optional service that places your order ahead of all other orders in front of you (we usually have between 80 - 140 orders to process each weekday). So, your registration kit will ship either the day you order it (if the order is placed before 10:00 AM mountain time) or the very next business day GUARANTEED! Of course, you'll need to make sure you upload or email us an image of your animal immediately!
VIP Pass is not overnight or next day delivery. To have your order delivered "overnight", please contact our office to order and pay for Next Day Delivery. (1-719-756-2634 or info@nsarco.com).
