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Emotional Support Animals

If you would like to apply for an Emotional Support Animal, please Download the ESA Form and return the completed form to anne@mtfamilycenter.org

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A Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor will review your submission and process your request within 72 hours.

Emotional Support & Service Animals:

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Know Your RightsUnder the Fair Housing Act (FHA), individuals with disabilities are protected from discrimination in housing. This includes accommodations for both service animals and emotional support animals (ESAs):​

  • Service animals are exempt from pet policies and pet deposits in federally funded housing.

  • Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) may qualify as reasonable accommodations under FHA, though they do not have the same public access rights as service animals.

 

In Montana, individuals with disabilities can have service animals in all housing accommodations without paying extra fees. However, they are responsible for any damage caused by their service animal.

Types of Assistance Animals
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Emotional Support Animals (ESA)

An ESA provides emotional support for individuals with disabilities. ESAs are not required to have specific training like service animals and do not have public access rights outside of housing and certain flights.
Note: ESAs may not be allowed in motels.

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Therapy Dogs

Trained to provide comfort in hospitals, schools, and nursing homes, therapy dogs do not have public access rights and are not considered service animals under ADA laws.
Note: Therapy dogs may not be allowed in motels.

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Service Animals

Service animals are trained to perform tasks for individuals with disabilities, such as guiding, alerting, or assisting in physical tasks. Under the ADA, service animals (typically dogs) have full public access rights and must be allowed in public spaces, including motels.

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Skilled Companion Dogs

These highly trained dogs provide emotional and physical support under the supervision of a facilitator. Unlike service animals, they may not have the same public access rights.


Note: Skilled companion dogs may not be allowed in motels.

Service Animal Guidelines Under ADA (Title II & III)

  • Service animals must be dogs or miniature horses individually trained to assist a person with a disability.

  • Emotional support and therapy animals are not classified as service animals under ADA.

  • Service animals must be under the handler's control and well-behaved. Businesses can refuse entry to animals displaying disruptive behavior.

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Public Access Rights:

Service animals are allowed in any area where the public is permitted. Businesses may only ask:

  • Is the animal required due to a disability?

  • What task is the animal trained to perform?

Flying with an ESA

Use the link below to learn about flying with an ESA, as regulations vary.

Click here for details by airline

Additional Resources:

  • Service Animals in Montana

  • Fair Housing Act & Assistance Animals

  • ESA & Rental Property Info

To submit your ESA Application, please:
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