Sometimes, when we are going through a tough time due to a disability or mental ailment, it can help to have a constant companion to keep us in good spirits. For those in Texas, emotional support animals have been picking up steam with individuals looking for alternative forms of self-help and less invasive forms of treatment.
This does not mean that you can immediately start calling your pet an emotional support animal, documentation will be required to take advantage of the privileges given to ESAs.
While it may not be an overnight process, getting a pet licensed as an emotional support animal is far from arduous and easily done if you know what to look out for. The following paragraphs will take a brief look at what goes into getting an ESA registration in Texas, and why some businesses and websites should be avoided before making the leap.
Getting an Animal Registered as an ESA in Texas
The first thing to know before you start shopping around for “ESA registrations’ is the considerable amount of scams surrounding emotional support animals. To start, the document you will need to have your animal legally recognized as an emotional support animal is an ESA letter.
Any website or business that promises “ESA certificates” or “ESA registrations” should be given a wide berth. These formal, multisyllable titles sound very official and can trick a lot of inexperienced people into giving their money (and financial information) to scammers. Always do your research ahead of time to ensure the ESA website you are using is legitimate.
This extends to the licensed mental health professional (LMHP) who will need to approve you for an ESA letter. The LMHP will need to be legally allowed to practice in the state of Texas. It is worthwhile to lightly vet an LMHP’s credentials before agreeing to meet anyone and everyone who has a “Dr.” in their title.
When you do find someone reliable, the process is fairly simple. You will meet with the individual online or in person and discuss your specific mental or emotional ailment and how an ESA could lessen its severity. Depending on the medical professional and their belief in an ESA providing genuine assistance, they will either agree to an ESA letter or reject it.
If you feel that the LMHP may not have gotten to the truth of it, it is perfectly acceptable to reach out to another for a second opinion and see if you have better luck.
What Makes a Person Eligible for ESA Registration Texas?
While there isn’t a comprehensive list of every medical ailment that qualifies someone for an emotional support animal, there are a handful of conditions that are generally accepted. If you do not find one that hits close to home, it does not mean you are guaranteed to be rejected for an ESA letter; though your chances may be less likely than those with something like PTSD.
The following is a list of the conditions that are generally accepted for ESA letters:
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Bipolar disorder
- Panic disorder
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Schizophrenia
- Several phobias
This list is not exhaustive, and other conditions, particularly those that affect mood and emotional well-being, may also qualify you for an ESA.
Last Word on ESA Registration in Texas
Always do your research before agreeing to use a service that provides people with ESA letters. While some of these are perfectly legitimate and offer easy over-the-internet options for people in rural locations, others are scams that will give you a fake document and happily take your money. Any site offering ESA certifications, ESA tags, or ESA certificates should be avoided at all costs.
Some doctors and licensed mental health professionals may not believe that an ESA could provide you with sincere relief and may choose alternative forms of therapy. If you feel this is incorrect, it is not outside of societal norms to get a second opinion, and every doctor will feel differently about giving out ESA letters.
