Service dog

I know there are different levels of training service dogs receive. Also that there are emotional service animals that need minimal if any training. My T really wants me to get a dog that I will be able to take everywhere with me for emotional support. So I know just an ESA won't work. Does anyone have a dog that they can take to work with them? My problem is there are certain places at work the dog wouldn't be able to go. So it would have to be trained well enough to hangout in my office while I am not there.

Any resource anyone can point me to? I really like the idea but am also scared about it. Still not even sure if work will allow it. I will find out more tomorrow morning. I really think a dog could help distract me from my thoughts and give me responsibilities that I couldn't pass off to another.

Depends on your work environment. Very few office environments allow animals, regardless the reason. Most places will not consider that a "reasonable accommodation" under the law.

Your therapist is recommending an ESA, whether or not that "works" for you.

I'll probably get a lot of hate for saying this, but I guess my main concern would be the stigma and how people would react to it in the workplace.

I think a service dog or ESA or whatever would draw a lot of unnecessary attention at work and would raise some eyebrows. It's not about legality. It's the fact you can get fired for it, maybe because they hate dogs or because they think you're a psychopath who can't handle theirself "and therefore cannot in any way handle work".

All your employer has to do is make up some BS reason to fire you, and then you have to *prove* that your employer violated ADA, which won't be easy.

Many therapists idealize ESAs and tell people they need them, without knowing the regulations involved. They often put their clients through needless turmoil.

Please look into every aspect carefully.
It would be unfortunate to acquire a dog and not be able to use it for your intended purpose, or to later realize you truly don't want the work associated with having an ESA.


WC

I am sorry that what bluebicycle is saying here is sometimes the way it works out.

When someone states s/he needs an ESA, they'd truly better need one (as opposed to wanting one) because all kinds of things can happen, especially with employers (and landlords). Blue is right, proving an employer is in violation of the ADA can be impossible.

Just be aware of some of the possible drawbacks.


WC

Although there may be federal ADA regulations for ESAs at work, the decision of whether or not to honor any such federal regulation falls to each state.

Check your state's regulations for ESAs.
Some states have provisions, some do not.

An ESA is not a Service Dog.
There are Emotional Support Animals, Service Dogs and Psychiatric Service Dogs.


WC

The ASA does not discuss service animals. Therefor it is up to interpretation.

If the ADA does not address ESAs, then it's clearly entirely dependent upon whether or not there are provisions in state law.

If there were federal regulations for ESAs and a different state law or no state law, one might appeal to the HRC (Human Rights Commission).

Otherwise, without federal regulation for ESAs, it clearly falls to state law.

If there is no state law for ESAs, beware.

Many people get confused. Laws/regulations for Service Animals do not apply to ESAs. Any provision must specify ESA.


WC

See if you have a Disability Rights office in your state.
Also look for something like a Disability Law Project.
You might contact your state's Office of Independent Living, as well.

you can search your state laws with any search engine.


WC