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For individuals with emotional or mental health struggles, a support animal can be a crucial part of treatment. Colorado recognizes the importance of emotional support animals and has laws in place to protect them and their owners.
If you would like to learn more about “emotional support animal registration” for dogs and cats (and whether or not it’s really needed), we'll explain everything you need to know in this extensive guide.
Overview:
- Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) differ from service animals and ordinary pets; they are typically prescribed by a licensed mental health professional to provide emotional or psychological support.
- Government agencies generally do not recognize emotional support animal registration databases as legitimate proof of ESA status.
- Under the federal Fair Housing Act (FHA), ESA owners are entitled to specific protections and accommodations.
A. How Do You Qualify For An Emotional Support Animal In Colorado?
Emotional support animals (ESAs) are typically small animals, such as dogs, cats, rabbits, hamsters, and ferrets, that offer relief for people with qualified emotional or mental disabilities or conditions. ESAs provide therapeutic benefits for individuals who have the following disabilities or conditions: :
- Learning disabilities
- Attention deficit disorder (ADD)
- Depression
- Postpartum depression
- Bipolar disorder
- Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
- Anxiety disorders
- Panic disorders
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Phobias
Note: Emotional support animals differ from service animals that are professionally trained to perform tasks on behalf of a person with disability. Emotional support animals can be other animals (not just dogs) and they do not need to have special training.
→ Emotional support animals are valuable companions. At Sploot Vets, we provide Fear Free, top-tier veterinary care to help them stay healthy and happy. Check out our vet clinics in Denver and Colorado Springs.
B. How Many Emotional Support Animals Can I Have?
It is possible to have more than one emotional support animal for one individual. However, this needs to be prescribed by a mental health professional on the official emotional support animal letter.
C. ESAs & Housing in Colorado: What You Need to Know
Federal laws support people who have been prescribed ESAs. By securing a formal ESA letter, finding housing can be easier for said individuals. Some landlords may put stipulations that they don’t accept tenants who have pets.
However, because ESAs are prescribed for therapeutic reasons, landlords are legally obliged NOT to discriminate against potential tenants who have ESAs, as detailed in the Fair Housing Act.
Note: In Colorado, the Fair Housing Act is also supported by the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act, which provides similar protections at the state level and requires housing providers to make reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities.
Properties With a No-Pets Policy in Colorado
The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing based on protected characteristics, including disability. Thus, it requires landlords to allow emotional support animals (ESAs) as a reasonable accommodation for people with disabilities, which can include allowing emotional support animals (ESAs)—even in properties with a “no pets” policy in Colorado.
Can Landlords Charge a Pet Fee for Emotional Support Animals?
Emotional support animals are not regarded as pets since they are a therapeutic necessity for their owner. Therefore, landlords cannot charge a pet fee or pet deposit for ESAs. Landlords can, however, charge for actual damage caused by the emotional support animal.
Do Landlords Have to Accept Emotional Support Animals?
Landlords may, at times, evict or reject a request from an ESA owner. These situations usually arise when an ESA poses a direct threat to the health and safety of others—or if the ESA has caused extensive property damage.
D. Responsibilities of ESA Owners [Housing]
While the Fair Housing Act protects the owners of emotional support animals or assistance animals, ESA owners have the following responsibilities.
1. Presenting a Valid ESA Letter & Keeping It Updated
In recent times, as the demand for ESAs has increased, so has the number of cases involving fraudulent or fake ESAs. (In Colorado, fraudulent ESA claims can lead to civil infraction and fines.)
To validate ESA claims, landlords may require documentation in the form of an ESA letter from a licensed healthcare provider. ESA owners need to provide this upon the request of their landlord. In addition, housing providers may ask for an updated letter, typically every 12 months.
2. Within the Limits of ‘Reasonable Accommodation’
Emotional support animals may be permitted as a reasonable accommodation under housing laws, but these accommodations have limits. Housing providers may deny or revoke an accommodation if the ESA poses a direct threat, causes significant property damage, or results in substantial disturbances that cannot be addressed.
3. The Emotional Support Animal’s Well-Being
We encourage owners of emotional support animals to look after their ESA’s health and well-being, keep necessary vaccinations updated, and ensure beneficial house training or obedience training, if possible.
It's essential to note that owners of emotional support animals must also comply with the pet laws applicable to the region. For example, in Denver, Colorado, dogs and cats over 6 months of age need to be vaccinated for rabies. In addition, dogs and cats in Denver need to be licensed.
→ Keep emotional support animals protected and thriving; stay up to date on essential dog/cat vaccines with Sploot Vets. Book an appointment today!
E. Must Know: ESA Letters vs ESA Registration
Is “Emotional Support Animal Registration” a Real Thing?
Technically, there is no such thing as emotional support animal registration. Though this is a common phrase used, there is no database where dogs, cats, or other pets should be registered as ESAs. In addition, emotional support animals do not require a license or official certification.
More accurately, “emotional support animal registration” is a matter of securing a formal emotional support animal letter from a licensed mental health professional.
What is an Official Emotional Support Animal Letter?
An emotional support animal letter prescribes a certain dog, cat, or other animal for emotional support or therapeutic benefits. This letter is prepared and signed by a licensed mental health professional, mainly for individuals with a diagnosed disability or condition.
F. Step-by-Step: How To Declare an Emotional Support Animal in Colorado
For a dog or cat to be recognized as an emotional support animal under Colorado law, the pet must be prescribed by a licensed mental health professional to an individual with an emotional or mental disability or condition. There’s no ‘emotional support animal registration’ needed; just follow these steps:
1. Find a Licensed Mental Health Professional
The first step is to be evaluated by a licensed mental health professional who will determine if an individual can be prescribed an ESA. It is recommended to see a reputable psychologist, therapist, or psychiatrist. With the growth of telemedicine, this step is made more convenient. It may be possible to meet with a mental health professional virtually.
2. Get an Emotional Support Animal Letter
An emotional support animal letter, written by a licensed mental health professional, explains why a dog, cat, or other pet provides relief for someone with a qualified condition. Essentially, an ESA letter details how a dog or cat differs from an ordinary pet when it comes to therapeutic benefits.
Note: An ESA letter must be written on an official letterhead, signed, dated, and include the mental health professional's name, contact information, and license number. ESA letters can be sent to a patient in-person or electronically.
3. Present Your ESA Letter as Documentation
After securing a valid emotional support animal letter, a hard copy or an electronic copy can be presented to the landlord (or other individuals who may need to see documentation).
Note: ESAs don’t need to wear a special vest or tags for identification.
4. Update Your ESA Letter
ESA letters are valid for 12 months from the date it was written. If you have an ESA letter that was issued more than 12 months ago, reach out to a healthcare provider to renew your ESA letter.
Final Thoughts on Emotional Support Animal Registration (Dog or Cat) in Colorado
To conclude this article, we’d like to remind readers that in Colorado, a formal ESA letter from a mental health professional is all the “emotional support animal registration” that an ESA needs.
In addition, emotional support animal owners, similar to other pet parents, have the responsibility to ensure that their ESAs pose no threat to other people or animals in the community.
For owners of ESA dogs and cats, it is important to ensure good behavior and have the required dog vaccines or cat vaccines to prevent the spread of transmissible diseases.
All-in-One Vet Care for Dogs & Cats in Colorado
If you have any questions about your emotional support animal’s health, we’re here to help! Sploot Veterinary Care is a top-rated provider of all-in-one veterinary care with primary care, urgent care, and emergency vet services, all under one roof.
We have numerous, conveniently located vet clinics in Denver and Colorado Springs. We are open 365 days a year, for extended hours so that we can be here for you when you need us most.
Plus, we offer Fear Free veterinary care that prioritizes your dog’s or cat’s well-being. Experience stress-free veterinary care today!
Book an appointment online or through the Sploot Vets app!
