ESAs In Alabama
Federal and State Guidelines
My ESA MD supports owners of Emotional Support Animals in the beautiful state of Alabama.
Call 833-372-6388 now if you would like to speak to a doctor. Or feel free to call our office staff with your questions.
ESA Regulations in Alabama
Alabama doesn’t have specific laws about Emotional Support Animals. So, the federal guidelines of the Fair Housing Act apply. The Fair Housing Act protects the rights of people to live with their support animal. Pet restrictions do not typically apply.
And ESA owners are also exempt from pet deposits and fees, because ESAs are not pets..
ESA owners are still responsible for any property damage caused by their ESA.
Emotional Support Animal Vs. Service Animals
Alabama does not have provisions for ESAs. But Alabama does recognize Service Animals.
The difference between an ESA and a service animal can be confusing. Thus, many landlords don’t know the difference. And many individuals who qualify for an ESA don’t understand the difference. Or they don’t know how to practice their rights. Let’s examine the differences.
Emotional Support Animals
An Emotional Support Animal is an animal that provides security and emotional stability to its owner. A person feels safer and happier with their animal. There are even studies that show the benefits of ESAs.
Do ESAs Need to Be Trained?
ESAs do not require any special training. Therefore, they do not automatically have public access rights. So, policies on ESAs vary from business to business in Alabama.
Many hotels and even some restaurants make special allowances for ESAs. And of course ESAs are allowed anywhere that is pet friendly. Check with the hotel or restaurant.
Service Animals or Emotional Support Animals
A service animal dog is a trained to assist a disabled person. The dog is trained to help with a specific disability. Below are some examples of tasks that a service animal may perform:
- Remind their diabetic handler to eat something if their blood sugar is low.
- Wake their handler from a PTSD-induced nightmare.
- Retrieve items for a limited mobility handler.
Service animals are rigorously trained to go into public spaces. They must be non-reactive to the stimulus in the environment. Service Animals must follow their handler’s commands. After all, service animals are allowed anywhere their handler has to go.
Service animals can be trained by their handler. Or some are trained professionally.
How to Qualify for an ESA
For someone to qualify for an emotional support animal, individuals must have:
- a diagnosis of a disability
- a recommendation from a doctor or psychologist concluding that an emotional support animal will improve the person’s overall quality of life
Call us if you think you qualify. Our caring staff and doctors are here for you. We want you to have a great life with your ESA. Therefore we make sure you understand the process, your rights and responsibilities.
We know the law and we understand the needs of ESA owners. And our mission is to ensure that any ESA owner can confidently and live with their ESA.
First, we provide a preliminary screening. We want to make sure our service is appropriate for you. If qualified, we then schedule a Telehealth appointment with one of our physicians.
The initial visit is free. You only pay if you qualify for an ESA letter.
Ask questions during your interview. We will take as much time as needed. Also, our staff will educate your landlord on your rights (as well as your responsibilities).
We also can help you find and certify an ESA.
If you or someone you love have any questions, please call us at 833-372-6388.
