It’s that time of year where we take stock and plan for the future. You may want to focus time on budgeting this year. As a CPA and mother of 3, I have some great tips to start the process and get you thinking.
Pets and Mental Health
However, since the days when Sigmund Freud would bring his pet dog to therapy sessions as a way to help his patients relax, evidence has shown that animals can indeed have a positive impact on our mental health. While much of the more in-depth research is still in its infancy, recent studies have indicated that simply petting and talking to an animal can alleviate anxiety and lower blood pressure. Adults who live alone can benefit from the companionship offered by an animal in helping stave off loneliness, and animals often help children who have a hard time socializing to open up.
What to Know About ESA's
Since the Americans with Disabilities Act doesn’t include ESAs in their definition of a service animal, the burden of proof falls to the ESA’s owner to show that their animal serves a genuine therapeutic purpose. For those who have a legitimate need to own and travel with an ESA, here’s what you should know:
- When flying, be prepared to submit a signed letter from your doctor or licensed mental health professional along with proof that the animal has undergone formal training and is current on its immunizations. You may also need to provide a document stating the animal poses no threat to crew members or fellow passengers. Some airlines, like the aforementioned United and Delta, require these documents 48 hours in advance of your departure.
- Renters and homeowners with ESAs are protected to some degree by the Fair Housing Act, which guarantees you certain rights. Neither your landlord nor the building’s management or association can ask about your mental health status, but they can require documentation from a physician, psychiatrist, social worker or other mental health professional certifying that your ESA provides you with “emotional support that alleviates one or more of the identified symptoms or effects of an existing disability.” Different communities have different expectations as to what constitutes suitable proof of an animal’s ESA certification, so if you’re considering moving into a place where non-service animals are prohibited, it’s best to have those conversations with the landlord or property manager well in advance of signing a lease or purchase contract.
If you and your therapist agree that an animal could play a role in your treatment, it’s important that you educate yourself on the rules governing ESAs. There are plenty of resources out there, and your therapist can talk with you more about whether or not an ESA would serve your individual needs.
Clarity Clinic
