Denver is an amazing city for outdoor activities. This makes it a perfect city for having an ESA or emotional support animal. ESA’s can help with a multitude of disabilities from depression to anxiety and even stress. An emotional support animal is an animal (typically a dog or cat) that provides a therapeutic benefit to its owner through companionship. The animal provides emotional support and comfort to individuals with psychiatric disabilities and other mental impairments. The animal is not necessarily specifically trained to perform tasks for a person who suffers from emotional disabilities. Unlike a service animal, an emotional support animal may not be granted access to some places of public accommodation.
ESA Denver- Living With an Emotional Support Animal
Under the federal Fair Housing Act (FHA), an emotional support animal is viewed as a “reasonable accommodation” in a housing unit that has a “no pets” rule for its residents. Emotional support and service animals are not “pets,” but rather are considered to be more like assistive aids.
The law requires the landlord to make an exception to its “no pet” policy so that a tenant with a disability can fully use and enjoy his or her dwelling (without additional fees).
So long as the tenant has a letter or prescription from a licensed medical or mental health professional, and meets the definition of a person with a disability, he or she is entitled to a reasonable accommodation. This would allow you to have an emotional support animal in the apartment or house.
ESA Denver- Where to Take Your Emotional Support Animal
Dog Parks
Denver is a very welcoming city to pets, especially dogs, which are the most common emotional support animals. Denver has multiple off-leash dog parks for people to enjoy. Some of these top parks are Fuller Dog Park, Berkeley Lake Park, and Cherry Creek State Park.
All offer fenced in off-leash areas to take your emotional companion dog. Berkeley Lake Park also has separate fenced in areas, with one for dogs under 25 pounds and one for dogs over 25 pounds.
Dog-Friendly Bars and Restaurants
The Mile High City is a top city when it comes to dog-friendly bars and restaurants. The most recommended place in Denver for taking your emotional support animal is The Lift. Located on Leetsdale Drive, The Lift offers a 7000 square foot fenced in back patio just for your canine friend. They also offer a wide selection of micro-brews and a family-friendly food menu so all ages can enjoy this hangout. The Bark Bar is a dog-centric bar located on West 38th Avenue.
This establishment has a massive outdoor area for your dog to play with other canines. Finally, Oblio’s Pizzeria on East 22nd Avenue not only offers fresh made Italian pies but is also dog-friendly. Oblio’s employees even have water bowls for your pup, so it makes a great place to grab a bite to eat after a long walk with your dog.
ESA Denver- How do I get An Emotional Support Animal?
Getting an emotional support animal is a completely painless process. You can start by taking CertaPet’s simple 5-minute survey to see if you would be a good candidate for an ESA. If you are considered a good candidate, we can connect you with a licensed mental health professional who will determine if an emotional support animal is best for you.
Only by having a letter or prescription from a licensed medical professional will you be covered legally under the Fair Housing Act. This letter will also work for flying with your emotional support animal under The Air Carrier Access Act.