Planning on getting an emotional support animal in Anchorage? Don’t know where to start? You’ve come to the right place! Emotional support animals are the most underrated assistance animals!
But, what people don’t realize is that an emotional support animal can truly play a big part in a persons life! emotional support animals not only provide comfort and safety, but they also provide companionship for those suffering from mental illness. To learn more about getting an emotional support animal in Anchorage, Alaska then read on!
Emotional Support Animal in Anchorage: Specific Protection
When getting an emotional support animal in Anchorage, Alaska, there are two crucial laws that will protect you and your emotional support animal.
These laws are the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) and the federal Fair Housing Act (FHA). It is important to know that if you are getting an emotional support animal in Anchorage then you will not be protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Definition an Assistance Animal
Before you plan on getting an emotional support animal in Anchorage, let’s discuss somewhat exactly an emotional support animal is, and how it is different from other assistance animals.
Under the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, an assistance animal is defined as:
An animal whose job is to provide assistance, perform tasks, or provide therapeutic support to people Americans with disabilities.
An assistance animal can be classified into roughly three categories. These are service animals and emotional support animals.
According to the ADA, a service animal is any dog that receives formal training in order to assist those with a physical, sensory, psychiatric, mental, or intellectual disability. A service dog must provide service that is related directly to an individuals disability. For example, a guide dog is trained to help the blind.
In contrast to a service dog, an emotional support animal (ESA) is an animal that has prescribed by a mental health professional to assist those with emotional or moderate mental illnesses.
Emotional support animals do not require any formal training as they do not help those with physical disabilities. ESAs have proven to be quite useful for people who suffer from depression, anxiety, and milder forms of PTSD.
How to Get an Emotional Support Animal in Anchorage: CertaPet’s Simple 5 Min Process
Are you ready to get an emotional support animal in Anchorage Alaska! CertaPet is a company devoted to making the entire process of getting an emotional support animal in Anchorage (and other cities) a whole lot easier! Today, many people in the United States often struggle to find the right therapist to help them out with their disability. But, with CertaPet, if you qualify for an emotional support animal, then you can receive your ESA letter in the mail within 48-hours!
So, what do you do? First, you will need to take a simple 5-minute prescreening online. This questionnaire will briefly analyze your current mental health. And, if deemed an appropriate candidate, you will able to connect with a licensed mental professional directly!
Travel Laws (Air Carrier Access Act)
People getting an emotional support animal in Anchorage Alaska will be pleased to know that the Air Carrier Access Act will protect their ESA during travel.
The Air Carrier Access Act is a law which states that airlines must provide reasonable accommodation for those with any assistance animals. This law also states that the airline you choose to fly with is not allowed to charge you any pet fee. If you choose to fly with your ESA in the cabin then there are a few things you need to prepare:
- First, you need to provide a valid ESA letter that has been supported by a licensed mental health professional
- Secondly, prior to departure, you will need to provide 48-hours advanced notice that you will be traveling with your emotional support animal
- Finally, most airlines will require a supporting document indicating that the animal is safe to travel with!
Employment Laws
Emotional support animals are not service dogs. Therefore, they are not covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act. As such, your employer is not obligated to allow your ESA into your workplace. Nevertheless, on a case-by-case basis, some employers may make an exception to this rule
Housing Laws (Fair Housing Act)
In Anchorage Alaska, all emotional support animals will be protected under the federal Fair Housing Act. The Fair Housing states landlords and housing agencies must provide reasonable accommodation to any person(s) with an assistance animal. In addition, landlords cannot charge any pet-fee for an emotional support animal, and any no pet policy should be lifted for the individual.
ESA Campus Housing
College students studying in Anchorage Alaska will be quite pleased to know that the federal Fair Housing Act extends to on-campus housing. College students with an emotional support animal will be permitted to bring their ESA to dorms, however, in order to do this, students need to provide a credible ESA letter.
Exception to the Rules
Although, ESAs are allowed in most homes. It is important to remember that a landlord can refuse your emotional support animal on some occasions. Instances of when an emotional support animal may be refused reasonable accommodation include:
- The animal is simply too large to accommodate in the home
- The landlord suspects animal cruelty towards the emotional support animal
- ESAs are generally not allowed in buildings that have less than 4 units or single family homes
- The emotional support animal displays aggressive behaviors
Punishment for Misrepresenting an Assistance Animal
Misrepresenting an assistance animal is considered a serious federal law. People who choose to misrepresent an assistance animal can face dire consequences like time in prison or fines. The state of Alaska currently does not state what the penalty is for misrepresenting an emotional support animal.
5 Facts You Need to Know Before Receiving Your ESA
- An emotional support animal can be nearly any domestic animal! Dogs, cats, even rabbits can qualify as an ESA.
- ESAs are best suited to those suffering from mild forms of PTSD, stress, anxiety, panic attacks, and depression
- When choosing to rent with an ESA, a landlord cannot ask you about your disability or illness!
- An emotional support animal letter is your golden ticket! Without this letter, you will not be protected by any of the laws stated above
- Once you get an ESA, they will not be required to wear any form of vest” href=”https://www.certapet.com/service-dog-vest/” data-wpil-keyword-link=”linked”>vest, jacket, or harness to identify them as an ESA. But it is strongly advised they do!
What is an ESA Letter?
To qualify for an emotional support animal, all people need is a letter that has been supported by a licensed mental health professional. ESAs do NOT require “certification” or registration.
Where to Find a Suitable ESA!
If you plan on getting an emotional support animal in Anchorage, Alaska. Then you can look for one nearly anywhere! Remember, emotional support animals don’t require immense formal training in order to qualify as an assistance animal. Rather, their goal is to simply provide a sense of comfort and safety to those with mental illnesses.
That being said, you can choose to get an animal that best supports your needs and desires. You can find a suitable ESA at:
- The Alaska SPCA
- Alaska Dog & Puppy Rescue
- Alaska Humane Society
You can even visit a reputable breeder should you not be able to find the animal of your desire!
Where to Take Your Emotional Support Animal
For those who choose to get an ESA dog, the opportunities for travel time can be endless! In the city of Anchorage, you can take your ESA dog to hikes, parks, beaches, restaurant, and even hotels!
Dog Parks and Dog Runs
- Flattop Mountain
- Kincaid Park
- Lower Winner Circle
- University Lake Dog Park
Dog-Friendly Restaurants and Bars
- Ak Alchemist
- Tommy’s Burger Shop
- Dark Horse Coffee Co
- Kaladi Brothers Coffee
Resorts, Fitness and Spas
- Comfort Inn Ship Creek
- Long House Alaskan Hotel
- Guesthouse Anchorage Inn
ESAs in Anchorage, Alaska: How to Get Connected with an LMHP in Your State Today!
Getting an emotional support animal in Anchorage doesn’t have to be a daunting task! In fact, it can be really quick and easy for those who truly have a debilitating mental illness. If you believe you suffer from depression, panic attacks, anxiety, or even PTSD, get connected with an LMHP today by seeing if you qualify with the free, 5-minute pre-screening now!