Limited to no-pet housing accommodations.
Evaluations are provided for one ESA only (one dog or one cat).
ESAs do not need to be trained to perform specific tasks but must be well-behaved in public settings.
Protected under the federal Fair Housing Amendments Act (FHAA), which prohibits landlords and homeowner associations from denying housing to ESA owners—even in no-pet buildings. These entities also cannot charge additional pet deposits or fees.
Property exemptions include:
An Emotional Support Animal (ESA) is not considered a pet. It is a companion animal that provides therapeutic benefits to individuals with psychiatric disabilities.
Grants full public access, including airplanes, restaurants, public transportation, stores, workplaces, hotels, and more.
Psychiatric Service Animals (PSAs) are a type of service animal. Only dogs can qualify as PSAs.
Evaluations are provided for one PSA only (one dog).
Protected under the federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Service animals are defined as dogs that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities. The task(s) performed must be directly related to the individual’s disability.
Carla Mannino, LCSW-R, CAS, CCTP, CAMS is a licensed clinical social worker authorized to practice in the following states: New York, Connecticut, New Jersey, Florida, California, and Massachusetts.
Individuals aged 18 and older who reside in any of these states are eligible to schedule an evaluation.
Eligibility is not guaranteed. To qualify, you must have a debilitating mental health disability that has been formally diagnosed by a licensed mental health professional and that necessitates the use of an animal letter.
The evaluation includes a comprehensive mental health assessment. During this session, Carla will gather detailed information regarding your symptoms and challenges to formulate an accurate diagnosis and determine whether you meet the criteria for an animal letter.
Please be advised that Carla does not provide animal letters for the following breeds due to safety concerns commonly associated with aggressive behavior:
American Pit Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Terrier, Doberman Pinscher, Rottweiler, Akita Inu, Presa Canario, Tosa Inu, Mastiff, Gull Dong (Pakistani Bull Dog), Bandog, Chow Chow, Great Dane, Alaskan Malamute, Siberian Husky, Caucasian Ovcharka, and Wolf Hybrid.
