Even though the ada is very clear that cats cannot be considered as service animals many pet owners still utilize cats for some of the same tasks that service dogs do on a daily basis.
Can you register a cat as a service animal.
Service animals are not required to wear a vest or badge.
All domesticated animals may qualify as emotional support animals and they can be any age as these animals do not need any specific task training like a service assistance animal because their very presence alleviates the symptoms associated with a personal psychological or emotional disability and the only requirement is that the animal is fully under control in public and does not create a nuisance in or around the domestic environment.
Want to register your cat as an emotional support animal.
The registration does not give them any additional rights.
Cats can however still be beneficial companions and they can be registered as emotional support animals.
There are limited benefits to registering your service animal as they already have rights under the americans with disabilities act ada.
While for some landlords a registration may be acceptable they can legally require that you have a dr.
Here s how to become an emotional support animal owner legally.
Employers must allow service animals in the work place under the ada.
People are not required to possess any certification or identification for a service animal.
Once your pet is considered an emotional support animal he or she can stay with you at your residence even if they do not allow pets.
As of today dogs are the only animals allowed to be considered service animals.
Unfortunately cats cannot be recognized as service animals.
Simply registering your animal does not make your pet into an esa.
Although there are rigorous formal service animal training programs americans with disabilities have the right to train their animal themselves.
No but cats can qualify as emotional support animals if you have doctor write a letter for an emotional support animal.
Emotional support animals can fly in the cabin of an aircraft and can live in no pets apartments but they do not have the same level of access as service animals and cannot be taken everywhere service dogs are allowed.
That means a cat cannot be a service animal.
However ada allows cats and other animals to be emotional support animals if a licensed mental health professional provides a letter that you have mental health related problems and you need your cat to alleviate or treat your mental health illnesses.