Can You Have Two Emotional Support Animals?
- Published on:
- By: ASP Team
If you’ve been asking yourself, “can you have two emotional support animals?”, you’re not alone.
Many people rely on more than one animal for comfort and wonder if this is allowed under ESA guidelines. The good news? Yes, it is possible to have more than one ESA, depending on your mental health needs and your licensed provider’s recommendation.
In this article, we’ll explain how it works, what’s required, and how American Service Pets can help you navigate the process.
Yes, You Can Have Two Emotional Support Animals
Under the Fair Housing Act (FHA), individuals are permitted to have multiple emotional support animals, provided each animal serves a distinct therapeutic purpose that contributes to their mental and emotional well-being. For example, a person might have two ESAs for different, but related, needs:
- One ESA may provide a constant, calming presence that helps you manage day-to-day anxiety.
- Another ESA might be trained to offer deep pressure therapy or tactile comfort specifically during acute moments, like a panic attack.
Ultimately, there is no strict legal cap on the number of ESAs you can have. The crucial factor is whether your licensed mental health professional (LMHP) determines that each animal is necessary for your mental health treatment plan and documents this accordingly.
Want more details? See our full blog post here: How Many Emotional Support Animals Can One Person Have?
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What Your ESA Letter Must Include
For your documentation to support more than one Emotional Support Animal, your ESA letter from a licensed mental health professional must be detailed and specific. It needs to clearly state the following:
- That you have a qualifying mental health condition: This establishes the medical necessity for an ESA as part of your overall care.
- That each animal provides a unique form of emotional support: The letter should justify why more than one animal is needed. For example, it might explain how one animal helps alleviate anxiety through calming companionship while another assists with depression by encouraging a daily routine.
- That both animals are integral parts of your therapeutic treatment plan: It’s not enough for the animals to simply be present; the letter must confirm that each one plays a specific, necessary role in managing your mental health symptoms.
American Service Pets can connect you with licensed professionals across all 50 states. These experts will thoroughly review your unique needs and, if you qualify, provide compliant ESA documentation that accurately reflects your situation.
Important Considerations for Managing Multiple ESAs
Incorporating multiple Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) into your care plan can be beneficial, but it also comes with added responsibilities. Each ESA serves a unique role in supporting your mental and emotional health, so it’s crucial to carefully manage their presence.
🏠 Housing Considerations
Under the Fair Housing Act, landlords must reasonably accommodate ESA requests. However, if you have more than one ESA, you’ll need documentation explaining why each animal is necessary for your treatment. This often involves detailing how each ESA provides distinct support.
Additionally, the property must safely and hygienically accommodate multiple animals. Limited space or shared living situations may raise concerns from landlords about potential disruptions or safety issues.
✈️ Travel and Public Access
Unlike service animals, ESAs do not have public access rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This is especially important to understand when traveling, as many people assume they can bring multiple ESAs on flights. However, current Department of Transportation (DOT) guidelines only allow trained Psychiatric Service Animals (PSAs) on flights.
While ESAs offer valuable support at home, they typically don’t qualify for in-flight accommodations. Always check airline policies before traveling with your ESAs to avoid complications.
Learn more in this post: Travel ESA Letter
How American Service Pets Can Help
Here’s how American Service Pets simplifies the process:
✅ We connect you with a licensed mental health professional right in your state.
✅ Your need for multiple ESAs will be evaluated ethically and legally.
✅ You’ll receive a valid ESA letter if you’re approved.
✅ Renewing is a breeze through our secure client portal.
📌 Good to know: Some states, like California, Iowa, and Montana, have a 30-day waiting period before an ESA letter can be issued. We follow every local and federal rule to ensure your documents are 100% compliant.
Common Questions Answered
Can you have two dogs as emotional support animals?
Yes, you can! If a licensed provider thinks both dogs are essential for your mental health, it’s totally okay to have two ESAs.
Can I have a dog and a cat as ESAs?
Of course! There are no rules about species when it comes to ESAs, as long as the animals help you emotionally.
Will my landlord accept two ESAs?
Landlords are required to allow reasonable accommodations. You might need extra documentation to show both animals are necessary, but it’s definitely possible.
Can I register more than one ESA with American Service Pets?
Yes, you can! Just start the process by taking our qualification assessment and let us know you’re registering two ESAs.
Final Thoughts on Having Multiple ESAs
Yes, it is possible to have two emotional support animals, but this requires a licensed mental health professional to determine that both animals are essential for your well-being.
Each animal must serve a specific purpose in addressing your emotional or mental health needs as part of your care plan. At American Service Pets, we specialize in providing guidance throughout the evaluation, approval, and documentation process.
Our team ensures full compliance with legal requirements while maintaining a compassionate approach, making the process seamless and stress-free for you.
Ready to begin? Start your ESA approval here
The benefits of an Emotional Support Animal certification and a Psychiatric Service Dog certification are drastically different. Fortunately for you, American Service Pets’ network of active board certified doctor or other licensed mental health providers can help you find the right path to certification. To find out whether you need an ESA or PSD letter, take our easy, three-step Pet Owner Survey!
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