service dog in ny state?

[mariahleadme]

What you are speaking of is what is known as an Emotional Support Animal (ESA). There is no such thing as "certified service dogs for people who have bad depression". Service dogs are for those who meet the legal definition of 'disabled', not those who are depressed.

To have an ESA in 'no-pets' housing, the person must be elderly or meet the legal definition of being mentally ill or disabled, be under the continuous care of a professional psychiatrist or psychologist, have an established treatment plan in place for the mental illness or disability, and have the psychiatrist or psychologist make an assertion that the presence of the animal is deemed a necessary part of the ongoing treatment regimen.

Then the person must file and have approved a "Request for Reasonable Accommodation" with the landlord/manager/owner BEFORE bringing the animal on the premises. The Request should state why the animal is being requested, include the treating psychiatrists or psychologists written affirmation (on the office letterhead) that the animal is part of the persons treatment regimen for their mental illness or disability, and show that the person has the proper levels of liability insurance on the animal being requested.

You cannot simply have a 'doctor' write a 'note' which will magically allow you to have your dog with you. You must follow the proper protocol and procedure.

There is no 'national registry' from which one can have their dog 'certified' from, as every registry currently available is nothing but a scam and a fraud intended to separate stupid people from their money. ALL of the websites offering to 'certify' or 'register' any dog are frauds and scams, as there is no legal 'certification', 'registration' or 'ID' recognized or required by law with regards to service dogs. Landlords are becoming more aware of this and when someone shows up with one of the wastepaper 'certifications', they are turned down right away.

ESA's are subject to weight and breed limitations. See here for more information:

http://www.fairhousing.com/include/media…

You will also be financially and civilly liable for any damage done to the premises by the animal while the animal is present on the property.

The handler of an ESA has no public venue access rights with the animal. The handler of an ESA cannot take the animal with them in the public venue. No stores, no restaurants, no taxis or buses, nothing.

Be certain that this is something you really want to do. The designation of being mentally ill or disabled by a mental illness is something that will affect you for the rest of your life. The designation of being mentally ill or disabled by mental illness is part of your public record which is available for viewing by potential employers, law enforcement agencies, business owners, landlords and rental agencies, real estate offices, banking institutions, credit extenders, social services agencies, and anyone else who wishes to view your public records.