Self-Help: Reasonable Accommodation for an Emotional Support Animal
- lfhc13
- Apr 24
- 2 min read
Emotional Support Animal Documentation Requirements
To have a recognized emotional support animal, proper documentation is essential. The following are the key components typically required:
Letter from a Licensed Mental Health Professional: This letter should be on the professional's letterhead and include their license information. It must state that the animal provides necessary support to alleviate a symptom.
Confirmation of Need: The letter must confirm that the presence of the animal is necessary for your emotional well-being and that it is not merely a pet.
Current Date: Ensure the letter is dated, as some housing providers may require it to be recent (usually within the last year).
Here is a form you can provide to your physician to verify you have a medical need for an Emotional Support Animal.
Writing a Request for Reasonable Accommodation for an Emotional Support Animal
When writing a request for reasonable accommodation for an emotional support animal, it's important to be clear and concise. Below is a suggested structure for your request:
Sample Request Structure
Your Name: Include your full name and contact information.
Date: The date you are submitting the request.
Recipient's Name and Title: Address the letter to the appropriate person or department.
Subject Line: "Request for Reasonable Accommodation for Emotional Support Animal"
Body of the Request
Begin with a brief introduction stating your current housing situation and any relevant details about your tenancy.
Next, explain your need for an emotional support animal. Include the following points:
Request for Accommodation: Formally request permission to have the animal in your residence, specifying any relevant details.
Conclusion
Thank the recipient for considering your request and express your willingness to provide any further documentation if needed. Include a polite closing statement.
Signature
Sign your name and include your contact information again for easy reference.
Example Letter
Here’s a brief example of how your letter might look:
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, Zip Code]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]
[Date]
[Recipient's Name]
[Recipient's Title]
[Company/Organization Name]
[Address]
[City, State, Zip Code]
Subject: Request for Reasonable Accommodation for Emotional Support Animal
Dear [Recipient's Name],
I am writing to formally request a reasonable accommodation for my emotional support animal in my residence at [Your Address].
The emotional support animal plays a crucial role in helping me manage symptoms and improve my overall well-being.
I kindly request permission to keep the animal, as its presence is essential for my emotional health. I am happy to provide documentation from my licensed mental health professional to support this request.
Thank you for considering my request. I look forward to your positive response.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
By following these guidelines, you can create a clear and effective request for reasonable accommodation for your emotional support animal.
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