Everybody knows that pets are very beneficial to our health and the homes of those who have them. Great companies, are good with babies and kids, help detect physical and psychological illnesses, reduce stress, assist in weight loss, and are great for health.
Based on this, a law that allows the presence of emotional support animals in public transportation and establishments for individuals with mental, intellectual, or sensory disabilities was passed in Brazil.
THE Emotional support animals (esas)
The so-called Emotional Support Animals (ESAs), assist patients with psychological disorders such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and autism to have a better quality of life.
Dogs, cats, rabbits, and even turtles are on this list, as long as they are not notoriously dangerous, fierce, poisonous, or venomous. They must be gentle and exhibit predictable behaviors, once they have to hang out and don´t be a menace to society.
HOW CAN I HAVE ONE?
First of all, it’s necessary to have a medical assessment with a mental health professional. Search for and consult a psychologist, psychiatrist, or therapist and they will evaluate if the support animal is indicated for you or not.
If the professional recommends an emotional support animal as a treatment, they will provide you with a letter of recommendation. In this letter, it is essential to include details about your condition, the need for ESA, and how the animal will contribute to alleviating your symptoms. Only people with a recommendation letter may have the right to have a certified emotional support animal.
THE LAW
The law was approved in 2022 and brought a new perspective of life for those who need a company 24/7. Now they have their legislation that aims at the mobility and independence of these individuals.
The presence and permanence of these animals in collective places and means of transport are free if the tutor has the medical report. The pet must be registered, wear a specialized vest when working, and be appropriately trained by a specialized and multidisciplinary team to enter service.
It is important to emphasize that the law may vary depending on the country and local laws. You have to check the particular laws and regulations applicable in your country or state concerning ESAs. Some locations or occasions, such as flights, might impose extra prerequisites, such as documentation or records for emotional support animals.
It also considers any attempt to prevent or hinder the exercise of this right as an act of discrimination, which can result in a fine or even closure of the establishment or location. However, misuse for self-defense, coming from the owner’s side, attack, or any aggressive behavior can lead to the loss of custody of the animal.
YOUR PET
The emotional support animal is, for sure, a service animal. But those animals go far beyond service. They encourage their tutors to face daily challenges that they couldn’t do by themselves. They can offer presence, affection, and partnership and become a companion for any kind of occasion.
Once you get custody of the animal, you are solely and exclusively responsible for the welfare and care of the animal. Like any other pet, it should be treated with love and proper care.
Therefore, these animals can genuinely bring comfort, tranquility, and greater autonomy to their guardians. The love of a pet for its owner is undeniable; they are born knowing how to love.
Through this love and thanks to this approved law, humans can finally face various adversities in the company of their best friend.
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The article above was edited by Beatriz Oliveira.
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