In Maryland, emotional support animals (ESAs) are protected under both state and federal laws, including the Fair Housing Act (FHA). These laws allow individuals with qualifying mental health conditions to keep their ESAs in housing units, even those with no-pet policies. An ESA letter, written by our licensed mental health professional, will help you get your rights as an ESA owner.
If your letter isn’t valid, you’ll receive a full refund.
If you are struggling with a mental or emotional health condition recognized in the DSM-5, you may be eligible for an ESA letter in Maryland. Our team of licensed therapists is here to help determine if an emotional support animal can support your emotional well-being and assist in your recovery.
Conditions that may qualify you for an ESA letter include:
If you are coping with any of these challenges, you may be eligible to receive an ESA letter, which grants housing and other protections under the law. Get started now and discover if you qualify!
Start My Free EvaluationIn Maryland, emotional support animals are protected under both federal and state laws. Thus, ensuring that individuals with qualifying conditions can keep their ESAs in housing without discrimination.
While ESAs are protected under housing laws, they do not have the same public access or workplace accommodations as service animals. Understanding these legal distinctions helps ESA owners navigate their rights and responsibilities:
Under the FHA, landlords cannot deny housing or charge extra fees for an ESA. Tenants must provide a valid ESA letter, and the animal must not be dangerous or disruptive.
ESAs do not have public access rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Businesses, restaurants, and stores can refuse entry unless they choose to allow ESAs.
Employers are not required to allow ESAs at work. Some may allow them as a reasonable accommodation, but this is decided on a case-by-case basis.
Understanding these laws helps ESA owners in Maryland know their rights and responsibilities.
Under the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA), emotional support animals are no longer recognized as service animals on airlines. Each airline sets its own pet policy, and most now classify ESAs as regular pets, requiring them to travel in a carrier and pay a pet fee.
Here are the restrictions to keep in mind:
Make sure to check airline-specific policies to ensure a smooth travel experience with your emotional support animal.
Discover how our ESA letters have made a positive impact on our clients’ mental health and everyday lives.
No, you do not need to register an emotional support animal (ESA) in Maryland. There is no official ESA registry. The only thing required is a valid ESA letter from a licensed mental health professional. Websites offering ESA registration or certificates are not legally necessary.
Yes, you can get an ESA letter online in Maryland, but it must come from a licensed mental health professional. The letter should include the professional’s name, license number, and a statement saying that the person has a mental health condition that qualifies them for an ESA.
Not always. The ESA letter must come from a licensed mental health professional, but they do not have to live in the same state as the person getting the letter. However, the professional must be allowed to provide services in Maryland. It is important to check if they have the right license.
No, to get an assistance animal in Maryland, you must have a mental disability diagnosed by a licensed therapist or healthcare provider. This condition must be listed in the DSM-5, such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, or other qualifying conditions.
Yes, it’s recommended to renew your ESA letter annually to ensure it remains valid for housing or travel purposes. Your letter should be current and issued by a licensed professional to meet legal requirements.
The cost of an ESA letter in Maryland can vary, depending on the provider and services included (e.g., online consultation, assessment, etc.). If you choose us, you can get an ESA letter for both housing and PSD travel for just $199.00.
No, your landlord cannot deny your ESA if you have a valid ESA letter. Under the Fair Housing Act, landlords are required to provide reasonable accommodations for tenants with emotional support animals.
Yes, you can have more than one ESA in Maryland if your mental health professional determines that multiple animals are necessary to support your emotional or mental well-being. However, each animal must be properly documented.
If your ESA letter is not accepted by your landlord, you can request a written explanation for the denial. If necessary, you can take legal action by filing a complaint with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) or consult an attorney to protect your rights under the Fair Housing Act.
No, an ESA is not the same as a service animal. Service dogs or animals are trained to help with disabilities, like guiding the blind. ESAs provide comfort but need no training. They don’t have the same legal rights and can be denied entry to public places.
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