A child and a pocket bully running together on a park. showing why pocket bullies make great family pets.

How to Make Your Dog An ESA: A Guide For Micro & Pocket Bully Owner

06/05/2023 | Southeast Bully Kennels |

ESA stands for Emotional Support Animal, which works as a companion for a person with a mental health condition. 

ESAs are often wrongly considered service animals, but they’re not. Unlike service animals, they are not trained for specific tasks but provide comfort and support to an emotionally distressed person who is dealing with depression, PTSD, or other mental health conditions. ESAs do not have similar rights of public access according to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). 

If you’re wondering how to make your dog an ESA, then this guide is for you, as the Southeast Bully Kennels team will help you with the steps to get your dog ESA certified. 

Easy Steps to Get Your Dog ESA Certified

  • Professional Mental Health Consultation:

First things first. Complete your checkup with a licensed mental health professional. The professional can be a psychologist, psychiatrist, counselor, or therapist. They have the expertise and experience to evaluate your condition and determine whether you need an ESA. If your condition deserves an ESA, they will offer you an ESA letter.

  • Dog’s Assessment: 

The next step is to determine if your American or Exotic Bully meets the requirements of being an ESA. Your dog must meet behavior and temperament requirements. It should be non-aggressive and well-behaved. It should be capable of handling varying conditions. Let the dog undergo basic obedience training, during which it learns to follow basic commands and behave appropriately in public.

  • Registration (Optional):

While registering your ESA is not compulsory in the U.S., it can be helpful in certain conditions. Registration can be done through online ESA registration service providers. However, you must ensure you do your research thoroughly before selecting a provider. This step is an optional way to get your dog ESA certified further.

  • Know Your Rights:

Next, you need to have a thorough understanding of your rights and the legal protection offered by the Fair Housing Act (FHA) to ESAs. Another applicable law in this matter is the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA). FHA permits the entry of ESAs in no-pet housing without additional charges. ACAA allows ESAs to fly in-cabin with their owners (extra charges may or may not apply).

By following these steps, you can officially make your dog an ESA and enjoy the emotional benefits of having a supportive companion by your side.

For more such informative dog-related information, stay in touch with Southeast Bully Kennels.