When we think of emotional support animals or even service animals, we tend to think of dogs first. However, this does not mean that only dogs can be registered for service or support. This article is meant to answer the question of whether or not you can register your cat as an emotional support animal.
In the pet world, it is indeed a “dog’s world.” People tend to prefer dogs over cats. People tend to think of dogs as “warm” and “friendly.” Cats are often thought of as “cold.” The truth is that cats can be just as warm and loving as dogs. Thus, cats can absolutely help those who suffer from mental and emotional anguish.
So yes! You can register your cat as an emotional support animal. Let’s go over the specifics of this starting with the very basics.
What is an emotional support animal?
An emotional support animal is any animal that provides “comfort” to an individual that suffers from mental or emotional anguish. The most commonly registered animals for emotional support are dogs and cats. However, we are also seeing the parameters of “emotional support” to include non-traditional animals.
Emotional support animals are more than “pets” because an emotional support animal helps the individual dealing with mental and emotional issues live a normal life. Furthermore, with pets, you do not have any rights. Registering your pet as an emotional support animal grants you special rights for travel and living accommodations. These rights are specified under the Fair Housing Act and the Air Carrier Access Act.
* To claim your rights you must have proper documentation. Get yours here!
Emotional support animals are not the same thing as service animals because they are not specifically trained to complete a task for someone who is disabled.
What does the Fair Housing Act and Air Carrier Access Act say about cats?
The Fair Housing Act (FHA) allows you to comfortably live with your emotional support cat without any additional fees. This is true even if they have a no-pet policy. You would only need to present to them an emotional support animal housing form. The FHA protects emotional support animal owners from discriminatory acts by landlords and housing associations. If you ever find yourself being denied the opportunity to secure housing because you have an emotional support cat, we recommend that you contact the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and file a complaint.
The Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) allows you to travel with your emotional support cat without any additional fees. You would simply submit your emotional support animal travel documents when you are ready to fly. All you need to do is have the proper documentation ready and submitted before your flight.
How can I make my cat an emotional support animal?
Making your cat an emotional support animal starts is neither a difficult nor time consuming process. It is very easy (and fast when you work with us). It starts with having a cat. Once you have a cat, it is very easy to register your cat as an emotional support animal if you suffer from mental or emotional hardship.
If this is you, then we recommend you obtain your emotional support animal letter because this is what officially makes your cat an “emotional support cat.” It all begins with the emotional support animal letter. You can secure your emotional support animal letter by starting here.
Once you complete your order, you be emailed a brief questionnaire asking about your mental and emotional health. After this is completed, one of our therapists on staff (depending on what state you live in) will approve you and you will be all set! Your cat will then be a legally certified emotional support cat. Congratulations!
If you want to live with your emotional support cat, you would simply purchase a housing form. Click here to secure your housing form.
If you are interested in traveling by air with your emotional support cat, you would secure your emotional support animal travel documents by purchasing those as well. Click here to secure your travel documents.