Emotional support animals are prescribed to people with mental disabilities like depression, anxiety, stress disorders, etc. These people are extremely dependent on their emotional support animals, and life can be difficult for them on their own.
Emotional support animals are trained to cater to the needs of the people who need their help. Their owners require extreme emotional support to get them through their day. This is a fairly new form of treatment and far better than medications. Its effectiveness is comparatively higher than other methods of treatment.
People who need the support of ESA require their presence 24/7 and are also allowed to travel with them. ESAs help their owners stay calm in chaotic and stressful conditions; separation can be fatal for both the owner and ESA. An ESA’s function is determined by the disability of its owner.
Landlords or property owners are often unaware of the necessity of the ESA. Most landlords and neighborhoods presume a no-pets policy. This creates barriers for people with ESAs to live in such building and residential areas.
Now that we have established the importance of the emotional support animals for their owners, here are a few tips to keep an emotional support animal with you in a city that is not pet-friendly.
You are probably moving to a new city due to a job opportunity, college or family. In most cities, there are strict laws against pets, but you need to do your research. Make sure you are aware of the legalities and rules associated with pets and ESA. Some residential areas and societies have an internally imposed restriction on pets. Make a list of areas that will be a little flexible and eliminate the areas that have a strict policy against pets, from your list of potential living spaces.
Since you will be moving to an area that is not a pet-friendly, finding a place where pets are welcomed is unlikely. However, find a landlord who is somewhat willing to hear your story. Talk about the necessity of your ESA and explain that your emotional support pet is trained and stays calm in stressful situations.
Make sure to carry your doctor’s prescription with you when searching for a house. Even when staying there make sure you can validate the reason for your emotional support animal staying with you.
Landlords or property dealers who agree to let you stay will most probably ask you for the legal documentation required to keep the pet in a no-pet area. Make sure you arrange these documents and can produce them whenever needed throughout your stay.
Conforming to the rules of the area may be necessary in this case. Train your ESA to behave a certain way that does not pose a problem for your landlord or neighbors. Do not walk your dog at times when children or other residents are outside. If people are comfortable with it, introduce your ESA to them so that it does not get startled on contact with an unknown person.
Most apartment buildings have a no-pets policy, try to find an area that has houses. If finding a society is difficult, you can always opt for the ground floor in an apartment building. Make sure that no one is disturbed by your pet.
The key is to maintain a positive attitude in the face of adversity. You may get anxious over the residence of your ESA with you, but taking the right steps can help you stay happily in a no pet zone.