Missouri Emotional Support Animal (ESA) Laws: Everything You Need to Know.

• Can any animal qualify as an ESA in Missouri? Yes, almost any animal including dogs, cats, birds, and rabbits can qualify as ESAs with the proper documentation from a licensed professional.
• What are ESA housing rights under Missouri laws? Missouri ESA housing laws state that landlords must waive pet fees and provide reasonable accommodations to ESA owners.
• How do I get an ESA letter in Missouri? To get an ESA letter in Missouri, consult a licensed mental health professional who can assess your need and provide the necessary documentation.
• Are ESAs considered pets in Missouri? No, emotional support animals are not considered pets in Missouri and are protected under laws like the Fair Housing Act.
• Do landlords in Missouri have to accept ESAs? Yes, under Missouri ESA housing laws, landlords must accept ESAs and cannot charge pet fees or deposits.

Missouri’s housing laws align with the federal Fair Housing Act (FHA) to protect ESA owners from discrimination. Key provisions include:

• No Fees or Deposits: Landlords in Missouri must waive pet fees and deposits when presented with a valid ESA letter. The law prevents landlords from using “no-pet” policies to deny ESA owners housing.
• Required Documentation: The ESA letter must include verification from a licensed mental health professional confirming that the ESA alleviates one or more symptoms of the tenant’s disability. The document should be current and detailed enough to meet legal requirements.
• Valid Reasons for Rejection: Landlords may reject an ESA request if:
  1. The animal poses a direct threat to the safety of others or property.
  2. The documentation provided is invalid or inadequate.
• Enforcement: Tenants can file complaints with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) or seek legal help if their rights are violated.

Unlike service animals, ESAs are not automatically granted access to public spaces such as restaurants, retail stores, and entertainment venues. Some businesses, however, choose to accommodate ESAs voluntarily.

Though public access may be limited, Missouri boasts a variety of locations where emotional support dogs are welcomed. These include:

• Laumeier Sculpture Park (St. Louis): Enjoy expansive outdoor trails and art installations alongside your ESA dog.
• Forest Park (St. Louis): Ideal for walks and relaxation in one of the largest urban parks in the U.S.
• Wildflower Café (St. Louis): A charming pet-friendly café welcoming well-behaved emotional support dogs.
• St. Charles Historic District: Features numerous pet-friendly shops and dining spots.
• Drury Inn & Suites: Missouri locations of this hotel chain often accommodate pets with prior notice.
• Creve Coeur Lake Memorial Park (Maryland Heights): Scenic walking trails perfect for outings with your emotional support dog.

Missouri public schools are not legally required to accept ESAs on their campuses. However, under the Missouri fair housing law for emotional support animals, colleges and universities must provide reasonable accommodations for students living in on-campus housing. Here’s how this works:

• On-Campus Housing Protections: If a student presents a valid ESA letter from a licensed mental health professional, their institution is obligated to allow their ESA in university-owned housing.
• Emotional Support Animals in the Classroom: Some schools may voluntarily allow ESAs in certain educational settings, but this remains at the discretion of the institution and usually requires additional permissions and documentation.
• Appealing Denied Requests: Students who face issues regarding ESA accommodations in housing or classrooms can appeal through administrative channels provided by their institutions, referencing state and federal laws.

While the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) does not explicitly include ESAs in workplace accommodations, Missouri employers are encouraged to make reasonable efforts to support employees with documented needs for ESAs. Here’s what ESA owners in Missouri should know about workplace rights:

• Documentation Requirements: Employees requesting workplace accommodations for an ESA should provide valid documentation demonstrating the therapeutic benefit of the animal for a recognized mental health condition.
• Employer Discretion: Workplaces may choose to allow ESAs based on their policies, workplace environment, and the specific role of the ESA in supporting the employee.
• Limitations and Safety Considerations: Employers can deny requests if the presence of an ESA would create undue hardship, disrupt business operations, or compromise workplace safety.
• Encouraging a Supportive Culture: Forward-thinking companies often embrace inclusive approaches, which may involve creating designated pet-friendly workspaces or providing additional mental health resources.