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Where Can I Take Emotional Support Animals?

You can take your emotional support animal to your house, college dorms, and pet-friendly public places. Some states, like California, allow ESAs in the workplace, but specific rules and policies vary by state.

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Medically Reviewed by Robert Clendenin, MD

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An Emotional Support Animal (ESA) is covered under the Fair Housing Act. They are allowed to stay with their owner in rental accommodations, Airbnbs, common use spaces in apartments, dorms, and university housing.

Having the company of an emotional support dog or other ESA can significantly enhance your well-being. However, ESAs have a few limitations due to their lack of specialized training. If you have recently received your ESA letter, it’s crucial to educate yourself about the proper use of your emotional support animal before taking them to various places. Understanding where emotional support animals are allowed helps ensure that you and your ESA remain compliant with legal and community guidelines.

In this blog, we have compiled a list of places where you can legally take your ESA, as well as places where they are not permitted. We encourage you to read this blog until the end to maximize the benefits of your ESA Letter.

Where Can I Take Emotional Support Animals

Can My Emotional Support Animal Go Everywhere?

No, emotional support animals cannot accompany their owners everywhere. For example, can emotional support dogs go into stores? The answer varies. They are covered under the Fair Housing Act, which allows them access to a limited number of places. We will discuss these places further in this blog.

The limited access is because emotional support animals, including emotional support dogs, lack specialized training to perform specific tasks, unlike service dogs. Consequently, many public places, such as stores, restaurants, and grocery stores, restrict ESA access. This raises questions like are emotional support animals allowed in restaurants? Often, they are not, unless the restaurant has pet-friendly policies.

ESAs are primarily intended to provide mental or emotional support to their handlers by simply being present during tough times. As an ESA owner, it is important to understand that while your pet is incredibly beneficial to you because of the emotional bond you share, they may not behave the same way towards others. Because they can potentially pose a threat to other people, their access is limited.

Places Where Emotional Support Animals Are Allowed

Places Where Emotional Support Animals Are Allowed
Here is a list of where emotional support animals are allowed:

1. Rental Apartments

At the top of the list is the rental apartment where you live. ESAs are privileged with special rights under the Fair Housing Act. Landlords cannot discriminate against you if you have an emotional support animal assisting with a mental or emotional disability. Furthermore, landlords cannot charge any fees or security deposits for allowing an ESA on the property. Emotional support animals are also allowed to bypass housing policies, including “No-Pet Policies.” In short, as long as they do not cause any trouble, they can stay with you for free.

2. Commonly Used Spaces in Apartment Buildings

If you’re wondering where my ESA dog can go at home, rest assured they can access all common-use areas in the apartment building where you live. These areas may include places like the lobby, elevator, pet facilities, courtyards, rooftop terrace, corridors, and parking areas.

3. College Dorms and University Housing

College dormitories are considered a “dwelling” according to the Fair Housing Act. This means they are required to accept requests related to Emotional Support Animals (ESAs). However, it is essential to be aware of the university housing policies before submitting any request for an ESA. Universities may have specific requirements that you must meet, so understanding these policies beforehand can help ensure a smooth process.
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Places Where Emotional Support Animals May Be Allowed

Places Where Emotional Support Animals May Be Allowed
The places mentioned in this list are not officially covered under the Fair Housing Act. However, many of these places are pet-friendly and may accept your request, understanding your needs.

1. Hotels and Airbnbs

Do hotels have to allow emotional support animals? The answer is no, since they don’t fall under Fair Housing Act obligations. However, many hotels and emotional support animals coexist harmoniously, particularly if the establishment is pet-friendly. Always confirm policies ahead of time to determine if your emotional support dog can join you.

2. Restaurants and Stores

For public spaces, you may question: can emotional support dogs go anywhere in stores or what stores allow emotional support animals? While emotional support animals lack the public access rights granted to service dogs, pet-friendly stores, and some restaurants may welcome your ESA. Confirm their policies before visiting. If you have a dog or a cat, your chances of acceptance increase, as both are considered safe.

3. Classrooms

Since ESAs are not trained, bringing them to a classroom is not advisable. They may cause disturbances and pose safety risks to fellow students. Consequently, the Fair Housing Act does not cover ESAs in classrooms, and schools and universities generally restrict their entry.

4. Work Premises

Many ask, can I take my ESAs in workplaces? Some employers, particularly in states like California, accommodate ESAs under workplace accessibility policies. However, not all states follow similar rules. ESAs in workplaces are not officially recognized, and it is up to the employer to accept or deny any request.

5. Clinics and Medical Offices

Bringing an ESA to a clinic depends on the clinic’s policy. Some clinics have strict pet policies to protect other patients. It is advisable to ask upfront and request any necessary accommodations. Additionally, consider whether it is safe to bring your ESA to the clinic. If your ESA is aggressive, you should reconsider taking them with you.

6. Flights

Previously, ESAs were allowed to fly in the cabin, but regulations now treat them as pets. To determine if ESA dogs go on flights, check with airlines about their pet policies.

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Common Myths About Emotional Support Animal Access

1. ESA Can Accompany You Everywhere

Questions like can a service dog go anywhere or are service dogs allowed everywhere don’t apply to ESAs. While service animals enjoy broad public access rights, ESAs are subject to stricter limits.

2. ESA Are Allowed at Work

This statement is somewhat true. A few states, such as California, have specific laws allowing ESAs in workplaces. However, the Fair Housing Act of 1968 does not cover ESAs. If you need the support of an ESA at work, you should contact your employer and ask for permission.

3. ESA Are Allowed in Classrooms

No, ESAs are not allowed in classrooms. There are restrictions on their entry as they are not trained and may pose a threat to the safety of students.

4. ESA Can Visit Places of Worship

Many wonder, where can I take my emotional support dog? Churches and places of worship are exempt from ADA Title III, making it essential to seek prior approval.

I Want to Live, Travel, and Access Public Places with My Pet. What Should I Do?

Emotional Support Animals have limited rights and cannot accompany you everywhere. However, if you feel that you need emotional support from your assistance animal, you can designate them as your psychiatric service animal. It is important to note that only dogs can qualify for this designation, and additional training is required so they can assist with your disability.

Conclusion

Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) provide invaluable support to those with mental health needs. While their access is not as broad as service dogs, understanding where are ESA dogs allowed ensures a harmonious relationship between ESA owners and the community. Stay informed about hotels and ESA policies, store regulations, and other areas where ESA access may differ. Educating yourself not only enhances your relationship with your pet but also helps ensure a positive experience for those around you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Take My Emotional Support Animal To A Doctor’s Office?

Doctors’ offices may allow emotional support animals, especially if the animal helps you manage anxiety or other symptoms. It’s best to call ahead and explain your needs, providing any necessary documentation to avoid disruptions during your visit.

Where Can I Take My Emotional Support Animal For A Walk?

Emotional support animals are allowed to walk in public spaces such as parks, sidewalks, and open areas where pets are permitted. Make sure to follow local leash laws and ensure your ESA is well-behaved to avoid any disturbances.

Can Emotional Support Animals Go To The Beach?

Emotional support animals can typically go to the beach as long as the location allows pets. Public beaches may have specific rules, such as leash laws or restricted areas, so always check local regulations before bringing your ESA.

Can Emotional Support Animals Enter Libraries?

Libraries generally do not have to allow emotional support animals, but some may have pet-friendly policies or events like “read to a dog” programs. It’s a good idea to check with the library before your visit to see if they allow ESAs.

Are Emotional Support Animals Allowed In Theaters Or Cinemas?

Movie theaters do not have to accommodate emotional support animals unless they are service animals. It’s advisable to check with the theater beforehand and consider visiting an outdoor venue or drive-in, where ESA access is more flexible.

Can Emotional Support Animals Go To Coffee Shops?

Coffee shops, especially independent ones, may allow emotional support animals, but it’s not a legal requirement. It’s best to ask the staff if they have a pet-friendly policy or if they permit ESAs in their establishment.

Can Emotional Support Animals Go On Trains?

Emotional support animals may be allowed on trains, depending on the transportation company’s policies. Amtrak, for example, allows ESAs on certain routes with proper documentation. Always check the specific train operator’s guidelines before traveling.

Can I Take My Emotional Support Animal To A Gym?

Most gyms do not permit emotional support animals as they are not covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). However, some gyms with pet-friendly policies may allow ESAs, so it’s a good idea to check with the gym before bringing your ESA.

Are Emotional Support Animals Allowed In Stores That Sell Food?

Emotional support animals are not required to be allowed in stores that sell food unless they are service animals. However, many grocery stores or specialty food shops may allow ESAs if the store has a pet-friendly policy. Always check with the store ahead of time.

Can I Take My Emotional Support Dog To Walmart?

Walmart is not legally required to allow emotional support animals. However, some Walmart locations may allow ESAs, especially if the store has a pet-friendly policy. Always call ahead to confirm their ESA rules.

Can I Take My Emotional Support Dog To Stores?

Emotional support dogs are generally not allowed in most retail stores, as stores are not required to accommodate ESAs under the law. Some stores may have pet-friendly policies, so it’s best to check ahead of time.

Can My Emotional Support Animal Be In The Common Areas?

Emotional support animals are typically allowed in the common areas of housing under the Fair Housing Act (FHA). However, in public housing or shared living spaces, the policies may vary, so it’s best to check with your landlord or building management.

Can My Emotional Support Animal Come To Class With Me?

Many schools and universities allow emotional support animals in dormitories under the Fair Housing Act, but policies for bringing them to classrooms vary. You should check with your school’s administration for specific ESA policies.

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Patricia Thompson

Prince Sharma

Prince Sharma is a content manager with a passion for reading, design, and cats. When he's not working, he enjoys discovering new design trends or relaxing with a good book and his furry friends

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