When it comes to states that value emotional support animals (ESAs), Minnesota is pretty high on the list. The Minnesota Human Rights Act and certain federal laws protect the rights of ESAs in terms of housing, employment, and public access. In this guide, we’ll explore the rights of ESAs in Minnesota and look at the process of obtaining an official ESA letter through Pettable.
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Minnesota Emotional Support Animal (ESA) Laws
The main laws you need to worry about for your emotional support animal in Minnesota are federal laws such as the Fair Housing Act and the Air Carrier Access Act. However, Minnesota does have its own human rights act that does provide a couple of added benefits for ESA owners, particularly if you plan on bringing your emotional support animal to work.
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Minnesota Emotional Support Animal Laws
Minnesota's laws protect emotional support animals (ESAs) under the Fair Housing Act. This means landlords are required to allow ESAs in housing, provided you have the necessary documentation and meet specific criteria.
Emotional Support Animal Laws in Minnesota
While most states don’t have explicit ESA-related laws, Minnesota has the Minnesota Human Rights Act which specifically protects service animals and ESAs. The state believes in the importance of these animals and has specific laws in place to safeguard their rights. Let’s explore these laws in more detail below.
Minnesota ESA Housing Laws
As per the federal Fair Housing Act (FHA), ESAs are protected in the state of Minnesota. Housing providers cannot legally deny tenants with ESAs and must make ‘reasonable accommodations’ to ensure that they can access housing rights. ESAs are not subject to the same pet rental fees as conventional pet animals. It is important to provide housing providers with an official ESA letter to access these housing rights.
Minnesota ESA Laws for Employment
Under the Minnesota Human Rights Act employers must provide ‘reasonable accommodations’ when it comes to allowing employees to bring their ESAs to work. Employers are allowed to ask for an official ESA letter written by a medical professional. Although they can deny the ESA if they will cause significant disruption in the workplace, an official letter can certainly help employees advocate for this right.
Minnesota ESA Laws for Travel
As per the federal Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA), only service animals have explicit travel rights. ESAs were once protected by this law, however, this has been revoked. The decision to allow an ESA is at the discretion of the airline and ESAs may have to pay animal travel fees. If the animal is too big, they may have to travel in the hold rather than in the cabin.
Minnesota ESA Public Access Laws
Service animals are allowed access to places where the public is allowed, provided that they are well-behaved and not causing any disruptions. When it comes to ESAs, it is up to the establishment. Happily, there are many pet-friendly cafes and stores in the state, making it ideal for those with ESAs.
How to Get a Legitimate ESA Letter Online in Minnesota
If you aren't in contact with a mental health professional in Minnesota who can issue an ESA letter, we are able to connect you with one at Pettable. We have a network of the best mental health professionals throughout The United States who are ready to consult with you and issue an ESA letter in as little as 24 hours. Here's how our simple process works:
Complete Our Assessment
To get started, you need to complete the short online assessment that will help us determine what your needs are and provide important information to your assigned clinician. The quiz only takes around 3 minutes to complete, access the quiz and get started now!
Consult with a Therapist & Get Your ESA Letter
Meet with your Minnesota-based therapist online or over the phone and discuss your ESA needs. They will verify that you have a qualifying condition and detail your needs in an official ESA letter. This letter is all you need to show to your landlord to access reasonable accommodation for your emotional support animal. If you arent approved, we offer a 100% money-back guarantee.
What is an Emotional Support Animal?
An ESA is an animal that brings its owner therapeutic benefits through its presence. They can significantly enhance quality of life and help people manage the impact of mental and emotional health disabilities. ESAs can be any legal species of domestic animal including dogs, cats, chickens, pigs, goats, guinea pigs, reptiles, or birds.
What is a Service Animal?
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a service animal is defined as an animal that is individually trained to perform specific disability-related functions. Service animals also include psychiatric service dogs (PSDs).
Difference Between an Emotional Support Animal and a Service Animal
Both are assistance animals who provide immense comfort and support to their owners. Service animals are trained to perform specific tasks related to disabilities (for example, retrieving an object that has fallen on the ground for an owner in a wheelchair or reminding an owner with bipolar to take their medication.) ESAs provide comfort and support through their physical presence though they are not individually trained to perform specific tasks.
Meet the author:
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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