How To Make Your American Bully An Emotional Support Animal (ESA)

To make your American Bully or Exotic Bully an emotional support animal (ESA), follow these steps:

1. Obtain a letter from a licensed mental health professional: Consult a mental health professional (psychologist, psychiatrist, therapist, or counselor) who can evaluate your need for an ESA. If they determine that an ESA could help alleviate your emotional or psychological issues, they will provide an ESA letter.

2. Ensure your American Bully or Exotic Bully has the required temperament and behavior: Your dog should be well-behaved, non-aggressive, and able to cope with various environments and situations. You may want to consider basic obedience training to ensure that your dog can follow simple commands and behave appropriately in public.

3. Register your American Bully or Exotic Bully (optional): While registration is not legally required in the United States, it may help you keep your documentation organized and make it easier to prove your dog is an ESA in certain situations. Several online organizations offer ESA registration services, but research the company before registering, as some may not be reputable.

4. Understand your rights: Familiarize yourself with the legal protections offered to ESAs under the Fair Housing Act (FHA) and the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA). The FHA allows ESAs in no-pet housing without extra fees, while the ACAA permits ESAs to travel in-cabin on flights with their owners, sometimes without additional charges.

Remember, an ESA is not the same as a service dog, and they do not have the same public access rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).