Emotional Support Animal For Apartments
The decision to include an emotional support animal in your apartment is sacred; the animal ceases being merely a pet and becomes a vital part of your emotional well-being. They can help with depression, anxiety, and even ADHD. Their affection, cuddles, and even their occasional attention to create the aura of support within the apartment community that an animal provides.
Because the emotional function that an emotional support animal performs is so critical, it is also important that you possess the proper paperwork which clearly identifies your emotional support animal(s), making it easier for the landlord to verify that your ESA(s) are allowed in your apartment. Additionally, this documentation may also be required when you are applying to various apartment management companies.
The ESA Process
Before you fill out any application for an emotional support animal, make sure to visit your local humane society, a doctor, or a registered veterinarian in order to obtain the necessary information about what they really entail. It is important to note that the typical requirements for obtaining an ESA vary from state to state, as well as from city to city.
However, most often than not, you must first undergo a background and medical check by a licensed and qualified mental health professional in order to ensure that whoever is applying for the emotional support animal is not a danger to themselves or others. You must also supply the licensed individual with the necessary information regarding your emotional support animal(s).
While many people assume that the typical requirements are identical, there are a few variations in the requirements that typically apply in each jurisdiction.
Once you have received your certificate from the licensed health care professional, you can then begin filling out your application for your apartment. The first thing you will want to do is to find a copy of the veterinarian’s recommendation for a companion animal.
Most veterinarians or animal doctors specialize in providing emotional support animals. Therefore, if you have a recommendation from a veterinarian, you can simply use this as the starting point in creating your letter for your apartment.
ESA Application & Letter
Start with the basic information such as your full name and address. Along with this information, you will want to include details such as whether you rent your apartment through the apartment owner, how long you have been renting the property, if you are a full time or part-time renter, and if you are paying your monthly apartment rents on time.
All landlords require that applicants provide information such as this in order to conduct background checks. Therefore, preparing your application and letter for your landlord helps to speed up the application process. It also helps you avoid information requests from landlords.
After you have completed filling out your application and letter, you should submit them along with two additional letters of recommendation, one to your landlord and one to your personal doctor.
The fourth and final step you should take in preparing for this type of assistance is to request that a copy of your letter and recommendation be emailed to apartment’s management company. This email should include your personal doctor’s name as well as your landlord’s name. Also, you should request that the management company forward your letters and application materials to the applicable state animal welfare authorities.