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Cat Parent
"They are five stars all the way! The site helped set me up with a professional therapist, who is licensed in my state. It was very easy to setup calls or opportunities to communicate with them that worked for both of us.
Most of all they allowed me to keep my cats Mew and Espurr. “
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How to Get an ESA Letter in Louisiana Online
Emotional support animals (ESAs) are assistance animals who bring their owner's therapeutic benefit and companionship through their presence. ESAs can be any domesticated species of animal such as dogs, cats, rabbits, goats, pigs, reptiles, or birds. ESA laws often differ between states. While all states protect ESAs in terms of housing rights – as per federal law – some states are more lenient when it comes to recognizing the rights of ESAs in terms of public access rights.
ESA Laws In Louisiana
Although ESAs provide many therapeutic benefits and are regarded as assistance animals to many individuals, they are not regarded as service animals under Louisiana law. Louisiana law reflects that of federal law and specifically, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Under the ADA, service animals must be individually trained to perform specific functions related to the handler’s disability. For example, a dog who helps a blind owner to navigate the world or a psychiatric service dog (PSD) who wakes its owner from a nightmare.
Under Louisiana law, owners of public enterprises like restaurants and hotels do not have to allow ESAs like they do service dogs.
Nonetheless, ESAs, as per the federal Fair Housing Act, are recognized when it comes to housing. Under this law, housing providers must make ‘reasonable accommodations’ for tenants with ESAs.
While ESAs were once recognized by the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA), the Department of Transportation (DOT) has since changed these laws. Airlines are only legally permitted to accept service animals and it is up to their discretion whether they allow ESAs. Oftentimes, ESAs may be subjected to conventional pet fees.
Understanding Lousiana's New ESA Law (HB-407)
Louisiana recently passed a new law called the Support and Service Animal Integrity Act (HB 407), effective on August 1, 2024. This law makes sure that only people who have a genuine need for emotional support and service animals can have them in their homes. Here’s what it means in simple terms:
- Clear Rules for Documentation: If you need an emotional support animal, your healthcare provider has to have a valid Louisiana license. They must also know you for at least 30 days before they can give you the paperwork you need. This helps make sure the need for the animal is genuine.
- No Faking It: There are penalties for people who try to pass off their pets as service animals when they’re not. This is to prevent fraud and ensure that real service animals can do their jobs without confusion.
- Notice for Animal Sales: When selling support animals, clear information must be given to avoid misunderstandings and scams.
This law helps landlords and tenants understand their rights and responsibilities, making sure that support and service animals are used appropriately and fairly. For a full understanding of the law, be sure to read the official bill, HB 407.
Pettable's ESA letter process 100% complies with the new Louisiana law, and we have put in place measures to satisfy the 30-day relationship requirement. Just be aware that you will need two separate consultations at a minimum of 30 days apart before you can receive an ESA letter.
How Do You Qualify For An ESA In Louisiana?
Any person with a qualifying mental or emotional health condition can qualify for an ESA in Louisiana. An official ESA letter can legitimize your need for an ESA and this can be obtained through Pettable. We can connect you with a licensed mental health practitioner (LMHP) in your state.
Benefits of Emotional Support Animals for Louisiana Residents:
While ESAs might not be allowed in every public space, an ESA letter can legitimize your claim and might work in smaller, independent restaurants and stores. It is also worth obtaining one if you want to appeal to your employer about bringing your ESA to your place of work.
ESAs have many benefits to their owners, including the following:
Provide Mental and Emotional Stability
ESAs are able to reduce anxiety levels and mitigate the symptoms of many mental health conditions. They bring unconditional love, positive routine, and purpose to their owner's lives. They have also been shown to reduce stress levels and boost happy hormones.
Get Relief From Expensive Pet Housing Fees
An emotional support animal (ESA) can help you save on pet housing fees as landlords and housing providers are required to make accommodations for ESAs without charging extra pet fees, under laws that protect individuals with disabilities. This is because ESAs are recognized for their role in providing therapeutic benefits to their owners through companionship, rather than being considered ordinary pets.
Provide Social Support
Animals are social creatures and form strong bonds much like their human counterparts. ESAs give their humans a great sense of connection and offer social support.
How To Get a Psychiatric Service Dog in Louisiana
If you believe a psychiatric service dog could help you more than an emotional support animal, Pettable can guide you. Start by filling out our simple online quiz to see if you qualify for a psychiatric service dog (PSD) based on what you need. The key step is teaching your dog to help with your mental health. With Pettable's online PSD training, you'll learn how to train your dog to do things like get your medication or help in an emergency, tailored to your mental health needs.
Why Pettable is the Best Online ESA Provider for Louisiana
The team at Pettable believes in the power of ESAs and that’s why we’re passionate about providing our clients with the support that they need. Pettable brings confidentiality, compassion, and kindness to every interaction, ensuring that clients get the utmost support while navigating the ESA letter process.
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