Despite their reputation for being aloof, cats are some of the most loving and supportive animal companions you can add to your life. Your feline friend is sure to form a strong bond with you, provide you with comfort and support, and help you maintain a daily routine. For many individuals dealing with mental health conditions or disabilities, the addition of a cat into their lives is a necessity that helps them tackle their days with greater peace and confidence.
If you want to turn your cat into a valid emotional support animal (ESA) to ensure you can benefit from their support no matter where you live, it’s vital to receive an ESA letter. Our guide tells you more about how to get your cat registered as an ESA.
How to Get Cat Registered as ESA: Do Cats Qualify?
Cats can be emotional support animals, and they are one of the most popular types of ESAs, in addition to dogs. Cats are an accessible animal for many, they are not too costly to take care of, and it’s easy to clean up after your cat. They are also fairly unobtrusive, and they tend to be a good fit for all kinds of spaces, including large homes and small studio apartments.
For many, the addition of a cat ESA to their treatment plan makes all the difference when it comes to dealing with the symptoms of mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, and chronic stress.
Who Qualifies for a Cat ESA?
Any individual with a mental health condition or another disability that is diagnosed by a mental healthcare professional may be qualified to add a cat ESA to their treatment plan. These animals provide great benefits to their owners with just their presence, and they do not need to be trained to support their owners. The first step to seeing if you qualify for a cat ESA is speaking to your provider.
How to Get Cat Registered as ESA: Important Steps
There are no formal registrations or certifications that you need to obtain in order to get your cat recognized as a valid ESA; the only document you need is a valid ESA letter written by a mental healthcare provider or a medical professional in your state. Each state has varying rules on ESA letters for emotional support cats, and some states may require that you have at least a 30-day relationship with your provider before you are eligible for a letter.
In general, the steps for registering your cat as an ESA include:
- Making an in-person or online appointment with a therapist or another mental healthcare provider
- Speaking about your condition and needs with your provider, letting them provide you with an evaluation
- Obtaining approval for an ESA
After you are approved by your provider for your emotional support cat, they will write you your valid ESA letter. Make sure you pay attention to any state-specific regulations for your ESA and that you check the expiration date of your letter; you will need to speak to your provider to obtain a new letter when your current one expires.
Can My Cat ESA Be Denied Accommodations?
Your ESA letter entitles you to housing accommodations under the federal Fair Housing Act. This regulation states that if you have a valid ESA to help with your mental health condition or disability, they must be allowed to live with you, regardless of any pet or breed restrictions an apartment or housing unit has in place. You are also not required to pay pet fees, pet rent, or additional pet security deposits with a valid ESA.
However, if your cat ESA is destructive, aggressive, or dangerous to others around your housing, you may be legally denied accommodations. Additionally, if your ESA letter is found to be fake or not valid, your cat ESA will be treated as a regular pet and must adhere to any applicable pet policies.
Keeping Your Feline Friend at Your Side
When your feline friend helps you deal with the serious symptoms of a mental health condition, it’s important that you keep them at your side. You can do this with a valid ESA letter, the only document you need to access your protected housing rights. We recommend speaking to a mental healthcare provider licensed in your state if you think that a cat ESA would be the perfect addition to your treatment plan.
