For residents of Hawaii, having an emotional support animal (ESA) can provide significant emotional and mental health benefits. This guide will walk you through the steps to certify your pet as an ESA in Hawaii.
- Step 1: Determine Your Need and Qualifications:
- Consult with a licensed mental health professional who can evaluate your condition and recommend an ESA if necessary. You will need to discuss if you have any of the following diagnosable conditions that can permit an ESA:
- Anxiety or panic disorders
- Depression
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Intellectual disabilities
- Phobias
- Mood disorders
- You may also take this quiz to see if you qualify
- Discuss any FAQs:
- How do I register my emotional support animal? You may be surprised to learn that the number one tip for ESA registration can be summed up in a single word – don’t! There is no official process for ESA registration, and you are not required to place your emotional support dog (or other animals) on any sort of registry. The only documentation necessary for emotional support animals is an ESA letter, which is provided by a licensed medical professional.
- Is There an ESA Registry? No. There is no official emotional support animal registry, and you are not required to complete specific training or certification for your ESA. While you may see many companies advertising ESA registration and promising to guarantee your ESA a spot on the registry, they are simply taking advantage of ESA owners who are unfamiliar with the ESA regulations. Instead, all you’ll need to guarantee your rights as an ESA owner is a doctor-provided ESA letter.
- What is an ESA Letter? An ESA letter is essentially your “prescription” for an ESA, serving as the clear, doctor-approved documentation required to preserve your ESA rights. An ESA letter can only be issued by a licensed mental health professional, and cannot be transferred from one patient to another.
- Can My Dog Become an ESA? Yes. One of the biggest benefits to the ESA process is that your dog, cat, or another type of pet can often qualify as your emotional support animal. Because there is no specific training or certification required for an ESA, nearly any animal that provides you with comfort and support can fulfill the role. Your ESA letter will fulfill all documentation requirements for housing. An ESA letter serves as your “prescription” and is specifically connected to you as the patient, not necessarily a specific animal (though many ESAs include details about a particular ESA if necessary). When you’re choosing your ESA, keep in mind that there are certain limitations to ESA rights. For example, extremely large emotional support animals like horses and llamas can be more easily refused housing accommodation, so it’s important to be aware.
- How to Qualify for an Emotional Support Animal? Support Pets makes it easy to qualify for an ESA using our online system, saving you the time and hassle of other ESA options. Our licensed medical practitioners can provide you with a professional ESA letter, guaranteeing your ESA rights and protecting you from unlawful discrimination. In as little as 24-48 hours, Support Pets can deliver your ESA documentation, with a 99 percent acceptance rate for qualifying ESA applicants. Simple take our online qualification quiz to find out if you’re a good ESA candidate, select your preferred ESA letter and place your order request. You’ll complete a simple doctor’s questionnaire, then one of our licensed medical professionals will review your information and provide a valid ESA letter.
- Do I Qualify for an Emotional Support Animal? For many people, determining whether or not they qualify for an emotional support animal can seem confusing. However, you may be surprised to discover that your emotional or mental challenges are included in the wide range of conditions that commonly receive doctors’ recommendations for ESA. While it will ultimately be up to a licensed professional to provide you with the official ESA “prescription,” here are just a few of the diagnosable conditions that can allow you to obtain an ESA: Anxiety or panic disorders, Depression, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Intellectual disabilities, Phobias, Mood disorders
- Step 2: Obtain an ESA Letter:
- If you qualify, your mental health professional will secure a letter stating your need for an ESA. The letter should include the professional’s credentials, the date, and your diagnosis.
Here is a sample ESA Letter. In order to be considered valid, an ESA should contain the following information:
- The name, license number, and location of the licensed medical professional issuing the ESA letter
- The official letterhead of the practice or office of the prescribing doctor
- An official statement that you have a diagnosed disability as outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) of Mental Disorders (the letter does not need to include information about your specific condition)
- The doctor’s statement that an ESA enables you to better perform the tasks of everyday life
- A reference to the federal regulations protecting ESA rights is also usually helpful, though not required
- In some situations, the letter may need to include specific information about the animal selected as your ESA (e.g. breed, size, etc.)
An ESA is valid for one year, after which it will need to be renewed.
- Step 3: Understand Your Legal Rights:
- Familiarize yourself with the Fair Housing Act (FHA) and Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA), which protect your rights to have an ESA in housing and on flights.
- Step 4: Ensure Good Behavior:
- Ensure your ESA behaves well in public and private spaces to avoid any issues with landlords or airlines.
By following these steps, you can successfully certify your pet as an ESA in Hawaii. My Virtual Physician offers comprehensive support to guide you through the process.
Contact My Virtual Physician for expert assistance in certifying your emotional support animal in Hawaii.
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