Frequently Asked Questions
Nearly any type of domesticated animal can provide emotional support to their handler, including but not limited to cats, dogs, mice, rabbits, birds, hedgehogs, rats, minipigs, ferrets, etc. These pets do not require any specialized training as their mere presence helps deter symptoms associated with a person’s psychological/emotional disability.
No. USDocuPet.com utilizes the most current DSM-5 Level 1 Cross-Cutting Symptom Measure. A self or informant-rated measure that assesses mental health domains that are important across psychiatric diagnoses. It is intended to help clinicians identify additional areas of inquiry that may have significant impact on the individual’s treatment and prognosis.
USDP Emotional Support Animal Letters are written to comply with the most current requirements set forth by almost all airlines.
Please check your airline’s ESA policy, as they may require a 24-48 hour notice of an Emotional Support Animal traveling in cabin.
Please check your airline’s ESA policy, as they may require a 24-48 hour notice of an Emotional Support Animal traveling in cabin.
Depending on the letter you elect to receive…
Pet Restricted Housing: Under the Fair Housing Act, an individual with a disability may be entitled to keep an emotional support animal in housing facilities that otherwise do not allow pets.
Airline Travel: Under the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA), a commercial airline must permit emotional support dogs and other animals to accompany qualified passengers with a disability on a flight.
The ADA does not grant Emotional Support Animal owners the same rights of access to public places, as it does service animal owners.
Pet Restricted Housing: Under the Fair Housing Act, an individual with a disability may be entitled to keep an emotional support animal in housing facilities that otherwise do not allow pets.
Airline Travel: Under the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA), a commercial airline must permit emotional support dogs and other animals to accompany qualified passengers with a disability on a flight.
The ADA does not grant Emotional Support Animal owners the same rights of access to public places, as it does service animal owners.
No. Emotional Support Animals are not required under any law to wear a vest, harness, patch or uniform that identifies them as an ESA.
Yes, just like dogs, cats have been proven to help reduce symptoms of a mental health disorder for their handler.
If your pet, in any capacity, provides you with companionship and or relief from a disorder listed on the DSM-5 then yes, your pet is an ESA. Our 23 question assessment has been built in accordance with the DSM-5 to determine which diagnosis is appropriate in relation to your ESA.
Many services online falsely advertise the significance of a registry. There is no governing body that requires ESA registration. We provide a database where you can look up your information using your Unique Pet ID that you’ll receive at checkout.
An Emotional Support Animal letter generally looks like a single page letter from a doctor. Every USDP letter states a specific diagnosis, your LCSW’s name, license number and state of issue. Beware of scam sites that allow their mental health professionals to practice in states they are not licensed in.
- LCSW –Licensed clinical social worker
- PsyD –Doctor of psychology
- Ph.D. –Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology
- LMFT –Licensed marriage and family therapist
You can have your landlord call or email us and if necessary, we will connect them with the Licensed Clinical Social Worker that reviewed your APA DSM-5 Assessment. Our staff is here to help, and stand up for your rights.
