Remember the time–just a couple of years ago–when you thought you knew what a Service Animal was? You believed it was a dog trained to perform specific tasks for their physically or mentally impaired handlers. That’s all changed of late. For $75, you can go online and register your pet as an Emotional Support Animal. The benefit being that you can take it on a plane, into a restaurant, or into a no-pets rental unit.
But hang on there. It’s not as easy as it sounds. There’s a little caveat to buying that certificate. If you really want to force someone to accommodate such an animal, the registration must be accompanied by a letter from a doctor–and in some states–a psychiatrist, if you’re planning to take your case to court. In my state of Indiana, owners of public accommodations are not required to allow Emotional Support Animals, only Service Animals.
People didn’t used to advertise their emotional problems. If you were depressed, you saw a doctor or shared it with family and close friends. You didn’t think it was anybody’s business but your own. But now, you can proudly walk into an airport or restaurant with a cat or a pig and everyone will know you might be on Prozac, and can’t get through a day without this animal to prop up your mood. Never mind if someone nearby is wildly allergic to cats. Allergies are no defense against Emotional Support Animals.
It might be a good idea to bring along a box of Kleenex the next time you take a trip or go out to dinner.