Updated November 2019: You are permitted to have more than one Emotional Support Animal. However, the Department of Transportation recently released new information clarifying that the airlines can limit the number of Emotional Support Animals you may fly with. If this impacts you, learn more about Flying with your ESA.
As the stresses of this world seem out-of-control, there are more and more people turning to the aid of a companion of a different kind, the emotional support animal.
Whether it be a dog or cat, or one that sports a body full of feathers or scales, the Emotional Support Animal is providing those individuals that struggle with an emotional disability the help they need in troubled times.
In this post, we will cover some important facts about the difference between an Emotional Support Animal and the Service Animal, as well as answer the question of; can I have more than one ESA?
If you are ready to qualify for an emotional support animal, complete the questionnaire in the link below and connect with a licensed mental health professional.
ESA or Service Animal?
There may be some confusion when it comes to the difference between an Emotional Support Animal and a Service Animal.
The ESA does not need to be specifically trained, whereas a Service Animal (which is usually of the canine species) requires special training.
Service Dogs provide those with physical disabilities the ability to live a normal life by guiding (as with the blind), opening doors, or pulling wheelchairs. These working dogs are also given full access rights because they are a necessary part of the individual’s way-of-life.
The Emotional Support Animal, albeit just as important, does not need to be specifically trained. For this reason, the ESA is only legally allowed into “no pets” policy rental units and into the cabin of an aircraft.
Why Do Some People Need More than One ESA?
The law allows you to have more than one emotional support animal. Please note that the request must be reasonable.
It is acceptable under the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) for a person who has been diagnosed with a legitimate condition to have more than one Emotional Support Animal. Since an ESA can be of any species, a person may feel at peace when listening to the gentle chirping of a songbird, but bringing this type of feathery friend into public would not be advised. This person may then opt for another ESA in a small dog that can travel with them when out-and-about.
Second, although landlords and building owners must make “reasonable accommodation” for an Emotional Support Animal, when it comes to a number of animals, both the tenant and the landlord would have to agree to the terms (i.e., the person will have complete control over the animals, so they do not pose a threat to the other tenants or the property).
Having multiple animals may not always be beneficial or even advisable. Depending on the person’s diagnosis, having multiple animals to care for may be too much stress which can burden the individual further, causing even more emotional distress.
Click the image above to start the process to qualify for an ESA letter today.
When Would Multiple ESA’s Be Too Many?
Having 4 large ESA dogs in a small apartment may not be considered reasonable.
Having multiple animals to care for can be time-consuming. Feeding, bathing, walking, cleaning of cages, etc., are all tasks that will need to be performed on a daily basis. For some people, these extra chores can become burdensome.
Having animals also require additional finances to feed and provide them with veterinarian care. For those folks on a fixed income, this extra expense can be too much.
Lastly, if you are in a small apartment or share a space with a roommate, keeping a large number of animals may not be wise or even permitted.
Deciding what is right for you
If you have been prescribed an Emotional Support Animal by a licensed mental health professional, then be sure to choose one carefully. Having multiple animals may seem like a good idea but remember they will each need time, space, and money to keep them happy and healthy for the duration of their lifetime.
Complete the questionnaire below to qualify for an ESA:
Get the Love and Support you deserve.
You may find the articles below helpful:
I currently have a cat this is registered with my leasing office as an ESA certified animal. However, my depression and anxiety has been getting worse. I find little desire to get out of bed, have a hard time sleeping or waking up, and find little motivation to do the most menial tasks. My panic attacks have also gotten more frequent. Having my cat is still important to me but she’s very minimal care and mostly distant as cats are. She made my anxiety better by not coming home to an empty house everyday and having a reason to get out of bed – to feed her. But I now find myself getting back into bed, wasting away the day and ignoring all responsibilities because I just want to be left alone and wallow. I believe getting a dog would help me get into a routine – they require much more care and attention, I’d have to get out of the house to walk them, go out on hikes to get out their energy, keep them company and play with them. They’d also stick to my side whereas my cat is doing her own thing most of the day and sometimes it does feel like I’m alone. Would my leasing office allow two service animals under these circumstances?
It’s up to your licensed health care professional to determine if another ESA would benefit you. If you have a need for two emotional support animals and have documentation from a licensed professional for both ESAs, then your landlord should accommodate them.
Hi there, I have two ESA animals, I’m planning on getting another.They are treating me for Anxiety, Major depression because I have been very suicidal, panic attacks, Emotional overwhelm, stress problems and separation anxiety am I allowed to have 3 ESA ?
It is up to your licensed mental health professional to determine whether you need 3 ESAs to alleviate symptoms of your illnesses. You must also be able to safely accommodate all of the ESAs in your home. For air travel however you should be aware that airlines are limiting emotional support animals to one per passenger.
Hello I recently moved in to HUD housing for seniors. The pet policy is no more than one animal. However I have 4 cats all of which are emotional support animals. I have a letter from my psychiatrist who has been treating me for major depressive disorder, panic disorder and PTSD for the past twenty years. Site manager refused to even consider my letter and said she will “not break the rules’ for me. I have until April 13 to get “rid” of my cats except one. I have been suicidal since and honestly don’t think I can live without my cats. Please respond asap as time is of the essence. Thank you
HUD allows for more than one emotional support animal. You can either contact an ESA lawyer and/or file a complaint with HUD.