About this Q&A

The Q&A below is designed to provide simple answers to common questions. For more in-depth information, we invite you to engage with the STESA community via our forums, messaging, live events, and articles. Our members include many experts, so please take advantage of their knowledge and experience. STESA is not meant to be the ultimate authority or provider of everything; rather, we serve as a hub where people connect across a spectrum of needs, resources, and questions. We are a community—the more we engage together, the more valuable STESA membership becomes for everyone.

Is there a difference between a Service, Therapy, and Emotional Support Animal?

Yes, there is a difference. While some may argue that these distinctions are blurry, for our purposes, the differences are clear. Service animals, like guide dogs for the blind and K-9 rescue dogs, are highly specialized and trained. Therapy animals are selected for specific traits and receive targeted training before being deployed. In both cases, training and certification are key. With emotional support animals (ESAs), the focus is on the person qualifying for legal protections, not the animal. Each person seeking ESA rights must be evaluated and receive a prescription from a doctor, psychologist, or psychiatrist.

Do I need a prescription to have an ESA (Emotional Support Animal)?

Yes, a prescription is necessary if you wish to have the legal protections associated with an ESA.

Where can I get a prescription?

You can obtain a prescription from your doctor, psychologist, or psychiatrist. If you don’t have one, or if your provider is unable or unwilling to evaluate you, there are practitioners who specialize in ESA-related evaluations. You can find specialists listed under Professional Services on this site or seek recommendations from other members in our group chats or forums.

Do I have to show my prescription everywhere I go?

No, due to medical privacy laws, you generally don’t need to show your prescription in most situations. You only need to present it in specific circumstances. Since laws change, we recommend consulting recent articles, member experts, or the laws themselves if you have questions.

Isn’t it easy to cheat the rules regarding ESAs?

One reason STESA was founded is that many people have taken advantage of legal loopholes, which harms those who truly need protections. Ethical practices are crucial. If a STESA member is found to be intentionally deceiving a proprietor, we will cancel their membership. Advocacy for those in need includes advocating against those who exploit or diminish ESA protections.

My dog or cat provides a lot of emotional support. Can I take them into restaurants, hotels, or on planes?

While all animals provide emotional support, most are pets, not ESAs as defined by law. You can bring them into pet-friendly establishments, sometimes for a fee.

Is it illegal to claim my pet is an ESA without a prescription?

While this is not legal advice, generally, it is not illegal to describe your pet as an ESA to friends and family. However, claiming the legal rights reserved for ESAs without qualification is unethical and possibly illegal. For example, demanding a landlord who doesn’t allow pets to accommodate your pet as an ESA requires a legitimate prescription.

Do I have to be a beneficiary of a Service, Therapy, or Emotional Support Animal to join STESA?

No. Anyone who loves animals and supports those who need them is welcome to join. More members mean more benefits for everyone.

My animals are pets, not true STESA animals. Should I join?

Yes, we welcome you. There are many benefits for pet owners at STESA, and increased membership enhances the benefits for all.

What does STESA do for Service and Therapy animals and their owners?

STESA brings together owners of Service, Therapy, and Emotional Support animals and their supporters into one inclusive community. Our primary advocacy is for ESAs and their owners, but we partner with organizations that advocate for and train Service and Therapy animals. We don’t replace them; we complement their efforts.

Where can I go for other questions?

Our site is continually updated with resources, including articles, newsletters, and member-created groups and forums. If your question isn’t covered, start a new forum topic or group chat. Our community is here to help.

Are you looking for additional content?

Yes, we are seeking writers, researchers, and content creators. There are many ways to volunteer. Let us know if you’re interested or know someone who would be great at this.

Is STESA an emotionally safe place to connect and meet up?

Yes, we strive to provide a safe environment. We have a code of conduct for online and in-person interactions through STESA.org and our social media. We are family-friendly and inclusive, embracing kindness and compassion. While we can’t guarantee all online and offline behaviors, we take action against inappropriate situations. We protect our members from abuse and are prepared to prosecute offenders when necessary.