Do you need an ESA letter for your animal in Georgia?
Then My ESA MD is here to help you every single step of the way!
We will help you understand the laws, and get you your official letter from one of our doctors, if you qualify. And are dedicated to making the process of ESA registration as easy and straightforward as possible.
ESAs in Georgia from Atlanta to the Blue Ridge Mountains
More people in Georgia are reaching out for Emotional Support letters across the state. Life can be stressful in bustling Atlanta. Having a best friend animal can help! The Blueridge Mountains are gorgeous and a great place to take an ESA for a relaxing day. But even people who life in the beautiful mountain areas have stress. Some of them have been requesting ESAs for their pets in Georgia.
Understanding ESA Basics
Why would someone get their emotional support animal registered as an ESA?
What is the difference between an emotional support animal, a service animal and a regular pet? Let’s get a clear understanding of what an ESA is or isn’t for starters. Then we will get into the process of getting an ESA letter.
A pet is an animal that is kept for pleasure, enjoyment and companionship. Emotional support animals are animathat assists in the alleviation of symptoms such as anxiety that an individual may be experiencing.
A service animal assist directly through performing a task that helps the person with their disability.
Though Emotional Support Animals and Service Animals are helpful for many individuals suffering from a disability, they have different roles. An ESA helps people by bringing comfort and support. A service animal on the other hand, is trained specifically to perform a task that helps a person suffering from a specific disability. One good example of this would be a service dog bringing an individual with mobility issues their cell phone.
A service animal must also undergo rigorous training that helps them stay extremely focused and nonreactive in public scenarios that can become chaotic. Emotional support animals are not required to undergo an specific training and as a result are not allowed in all public spaces.
Rights and Laws of ESA Owners in Georgia
At this time a person with an emotional support animal has rights that are specific to housing. A landlord is not allowed to deny someone with an ESA the opportunity to rent from them even if they have strict no pet policies. A landlord is also not allowed to require a pet deposit or charge any pet rent for an ESA. They are also required to make reasonable accommodations for people with ESAs.
Responsibilities of an ESA owner.
However, this doesn’t mean that someone with an ESA has no responsibilities or obligations that normal pet owners have. A person with an ESA is still responsible for the conduct and cleanliness of their animal. If their ESA causes damage to a property, they are still financially responsible. They also have to follow any laws in regard to immunizations or leash laws in their area.
Also, while landlords are not allowed to charge pet fees or pet deposits, they are allowed to request proof for the necessity of an ESA, However, they cannot deny a person a chance to rent or occupy the property because they have an emotional support animal.
Employees and Emotional Support Animals
Employers have no specific legal obligations to accommodate ESA’s, But it is worth looking into on a case by case basis. Many companies these days understand the benefit of someone being able to bring their ESA with them to the workplace and are willing to accommodate them. Many people’s sense of health and well-being is improved so greatly by the presence of their emotional support animal that their ability to produce high-quality work is often increased dramatically.
The Air Carrier Access Act, also known as the ACA, used to allow ESAs were able to travel with their owners in the main cabin of an airplane without extra fees. However, some ESA owners were not mindful of their animals. ESAs attacked other passengers multiple times. So changes were made that allowed airlines to treat ESAs as regular pets.
Now some airlines charge extra fees or animals fly in cargo.
However, there are still a few airlines that recognize essays and make special accommodations for those traveling with them. It is important to check with the airline to see what their ESA policies are before booking.
The Process of Getting an ESA Letter in Georgia
Navigating the journey to getting an ESA letter can seem overwhelming at first, but My ESA MD is here to help every step of the way. We ensure an easy, streamlined approach that makes it possible for all our patients to get their letters same day if needed with no additional fees. Here’s a look at how we ensure all our patients receive the best possible care:
Initial Consultation and Virtual Visit
Initial consultation: Our patients will have an initial confidential consultation with one of our phone representatives. During this consultation, the patient will decide if they would like to be put in the queue to speak to one of our doctors right away. Or they can schedule an appointment, for a later time more convenient to them.
Virtual visit with one of our licensed medical doctors: Patients will then have a virtual telehealth visit with one of our medical doctors either via a video chat or telehealth call. This is the patient’s opportunity to discuss their disability, needs and experiences.
Evaluation and ESA Letter
Evaluation: Our doctor will conduct a thorough assessment and evaluation of the patient’s emotional and mental health challenges. This is a crucial step in determining whether or not the patient is in need of an ESA OR NOT.
Immediate Access to Your ESA Letter: If the doctor determines that an ESA is recommended the ESA letter will be issued at this point. This document is legally recognized. So it is very important that the patient review all details of the letter to make sure that everything is correct. The letter is valid for one year from the date that it is issued.
Continued Support: My ESA MD service doesn’t stop with just an ESA letter. If the patient runs into any trouble with their landlords or has any other further concerns my ESA MD will help.
The Dedication of Our Team
Our staff is dedicated to ensuring that each person’s experience is fast, easy and assuring from start to finish.
We connect all of our patients with a licensed doctor who specializes in ESAs. These professionals are experts in their field and empathetic individuals. They understand the importance and profound impact an emotional support animal can have on a patient’s life.
Our team works tirelessly to ensure that the process of obtaining an ESA letter in Georgia through My ESA MD is straightforward, and most importantly, dignified. Patients can schedule a consultation at their convenience with the assurance that all communication will be handled with the utmost respect and confidentiality.
My ESA MD also guarantees an expedited process for each of our patients without charging extra fees to “speed things up.“ From the moment that one of our licensed medical doctors approves a patient for an ESA letter, the patient can usually receive their letter within the hour. It will always be by the end of the day.
Our company was founded by an ESA doctor and an individual who has her own ESAs personally. We are not just a business. It is a mission to help as many people who need ESAs as possible. Our results speak for themselves.
Why My ESA MD?
Why pick My ESA MD as your ESA healthcare provider when there are so many options online these days?
Because we care and really take the time to talk with our clients. We follow healthcare regulations and are HIPPA compliant.
We have no lengthy questionnaires to fill out online before speaking to a doctor. There isn’t any 24-48 wait time before getting an appointment with a doctor. And there isn’t another 24-48 hour wait time after approval for the patient to get their letter.
Each of our patients has the opportunity to have an appointment with one our doctors the same day they call and have their ESA letter by the end of the day at latest. And if for some reason a person doesn’t qualify for emotional support animal, My ESA MD guarantees a complete refund.
Patient Rights
In addition, our doctors are committed to our patients rights. 100 percent of the way. We also won’t charge an extra fee for a reasonable amount of extra paperwork that the landlord may request our doctor fill out.
It is our pleasure to protect your rights as an ESA owner and it shows in our work. Please call us today if you need help getting an ESA letter.
Need Help Finding an ESA?
Don’t have an ESA yet, but know that you need one? Here is a list for some great places in Georgia where you will be able to find many animals to choose from that are looking for just the right person to adopt them to help you get started:
Humane Society of Northeast Georgia