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In Iowa, emotional support animal laws you need to know about include the Fair Housing Act (FHA) and the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA). Iowa also recently passed a new law requiring a 30-day client-provider relationship before issuing an ESA letter.
Emotional support animals (ESAs) offer their humans a huge amount of companionship and love. For this reason, it's no wonder why people want to live with their ESAs and include them in day-to-day life. If you live in Iowa – the so-called Hawkeye state – you have probably wondered about Iowa's emotional support animal laws.
In this guide, we'll discuss everything that you need to know about having an ESA in Iowa.
Under the federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Iowa's Disability Rights Law, service animals are protected and have the right to accompany their handlers in any space where the general public is permitted. This includes restaurants, bars, shopping malls, public transport, and any public establishment.
According to the ADA, service animals can only be dogs or miniature horses. These service animals must be trained to perform a specific task related to the handler's disability.
Unfortunately, under the ADA and Iowa's disability law specifically, emotional support animals do not have the same protections when it comes to accessing public spaces. Only service animals who are trained to form a specific function are allowed in areas where conventional pets aren't allowed. That means that ESAs, despite their therapeutic benefits, are generally not permitted in spaces that don't allow pets.
They are, however, protected when it comes to housing in Iowa as per federal law.
Iowa's new law, SF-2268, details the rights and responsibilities related to emotional support animals (ESAs) and service animals in housing accommodations. Under this law, individuals with disabilities can request reasonable accommodations for their assistance animals from landlords. If the disability or the need for an ESA is not obvious, such as with a mental health condition, landlords can request supporting documentation from licensed healthcare providers who have an established relationship with the tenant for at least 30 days, either in person or via telehealth. ESA registrations (including ID cards, badges, or vests) alone are insufficient proof, instead you need an ESA letter written by a licensed mental health professional. Landlords cannot request details about the severity of the disability but must make reasonable accommodations unless it imposes undue hardship or fundamental changes to their operations. Tenants are liable for any damage caused by their animals. The law also stipulates that the documentation must be renewed annually and the commission will provide standardized forms and training​.
If you plan on getting an ESA letter from Pettable and live in Iowa, you will need to meet with your designated clinician two times with 30 days between the meeting. After establishing the 30 day relationship, if you qualify for an emotional support animal the clinician will write your ESA letter.
The federal Fair Housing Act (FHA) protects owners with emotional support animals by stipulating that housing providers must make reasonable accommodations for those with ESAs so that they can access fair and equal housing opportunities.
Prospective or existing tenants with ESAs can submit an official ESA letter to the landlord to show that their emotional support animal is required to support them through a mental health disability. This letter must be written by a licensed mental health practitioner (LMHP) in the person's state. If you live in Iowa, your therapist must be licensed to practice there.
An official ESA letter can waive pet rental fees and reduce additional costs associated with a traditional pet. This is because ESAs are seen as medical aids rather than pets.
Employment is also covered by the ADA, which only recognizes service dogs in terms of public access and employment rights. As such, ESAs are not protected when it comes to employment. Nevertheless, you may be able to show your employer your ESA letter, and they may decide on a case-by-case basis, depending on the place of work. It is, however, up to their discretion as they are not legally obliged to allow an ESA at work.
The Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) did make provisions for emotional support animals until 2020. Unfortunately, this law has since been changed, and now only service dogs, as recognized by the ADA, are allowed to join handlers on flights at no extra charge.Â
Some airlines, however, may still allow ESAs to fly with their owners without charging an additional fee. This is up to the discretion of the specific airline, and it's always best to check out their unique policy before booking a flight.
As per the ADA, only service dogs have explicit access rights in terms of public access laws. Still, some private establishments may have a pet-friendly policy and welcome you and your ESA. It's best to phone ahead before visiting establishments to avoid disappointment. If you're unable to bring your ESA along with you, consider hiring a pet sitter to keep them company whilst you're out.
Happily, we can sort out your ESA letter in Iowa in a jiffy when you follow our quick and easy steps.
1. Complete Our Assessment
Take a quick quiz so that we can check if you qualify for an ESA and determine your needs.
2. Consult with a Therapist
Connect with a licensed practitioner in Iowa and attend a brief consultation.Â
3. Get Your Emotional Support Animal Letter
Get your official ESA letter within 24-48 hours and present it to your landlord. If, for some or other reason, you are not successful in obtaining an ESA letter, Pettable guarantees 100% money back.
An ESA is any domestic creature that brings its owner comfort and companionship. Their presence offers a myriad of therapeutic benefits and can help owners to combat loneliness, reduce anxiety, ease depression, and boost health and well-being. ESAs can be any legal animal species, including dogs, cats, ferrets, rabbits, pigs, goats, snakes, lizards, rats, and guinea pigs.
A service animal differs slightly from an ESA in that it is individually trained to perform a specific task related to its handler's disability. Service animals are used for a wide range of disabilities, including physical, physiatric, sensory, and intellectual. Functions might include:
While both ESAs and service animals are medical aids and offer a great deal of support, they differ slightly. ESAs provide comfort and medical benefits through their presence, whereas service dogs perform a specific function that directly supports the particular disability.
Iowa may not be the most friendly state in terms of protecting ESAs, but an official ESA letter can guarantee better housing protection. Chat with the team at Pettable, and we'll happily connect you with a therapist in Iowa.
Kristi Carignan is a seasoned freelance writer with over 20 years of experience crafting copy for global agencies and brands. When she's not writing, she enjoys spending time with her furry companions, Sugar the PomChi and Rudy the Shiba Inu, and indulging in hobbies like crafting and home renovation.
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