People living with mental health problems know that it can be very hard to make it through the day in rough times. Even if you live in the province of red-sand beaches, delicious seafood, and stunning lighthouses, it can be difficult to function at times.
But enjoying all life has to offer doesn’t have to be hard! By getting an emotional support animal in Prince Edward Island, Canada, your quality of life can improve significantly.
Getting an Emotional Support Animal in Prince Edward Island, Canada
People with mental health disabilities should consider getting an emotional support animal in Prince Edward Island, Canada.
These animals have one job: to make their owners as happy as they can. ESAs can make coming home after a terrible day much easier. They’re always there to dote on their favorite human!
Definition of an Assistance Animal According to Canadian Law
An assistance animal is one that helps humans in their day-to-day lives. There are several types of service animals, and they all have different missions.
The first and probably most commonly known group of assistance animals are service animals. Service animals such as seeing eye dogs for the visually impaired or dogs that assist people in wheelchairs receive intensive training. They are trained to perform specific tasks to aid people with disabilities.
Psychiatric assistance animals also receive intensive training. However, they perform tasks for people suffering mostly from psychiatric or psychological illnesses or mental disorders. A psychiatric service dog can be trained to help someone with anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). They can retrieve medication or alert their owner of an oncoming panic attack.
Lastly, an emotional support animal (ESA) is also considered an assistance animal in some provinces. They help people with mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). An ESA’s job is to help support the mental health and wellness of their owners. They do this with love, support, and patience.
You might have also seen therapy dogs in public settings like hospitals and nursing homes. However, they’re not considered assistance animals.
What is an ESA Letter and Why You Need One in Canada!
An emotional support animal letter is the most important document you can have as an ESA owner. It states that your furry companion is not a pet but an important part of your clinical treatment plan.
If you want to reap the benefits of getting an emotional support animal in Prince Edward Island, Canada, then you need this ESA letter in order for your furry companion to have certain privileges when it comes to travel and housing.
But stay alert! There are a lot of companies out there scamming people with fake ESA letters for their money. Make sure to get a real, legitimate ESA letter, which can only be written by a qualified mental health professional who can practice in your province.
Travel Laws: The Canadian Transportation Agency
Getting an emotional support animal in Prince Edward Island gives you several rights. The first is to travel with your ESA by ferry, plane, and train.
No matter where in Canada you go with your companion, you won’t need to pay a pet fee!
Aircraft Accessibility for Persons with Disabilities
Traveling by plane? No worries. Bring your furry best friend with you and leave flight anxiety at home! The Aircraft Accessibility for Persons with Disabilities voluntary code gives you the right to fly with your ESA.
Now you can conquer the skies together! But with a condition: you need to follow the airline’s ESA policy. It’s the responsibility of every ESA owner to familiarize themselves with the rules and regulations of traveling with animals.
Take your emotional support animal letter with you and find out what other documents are required before you book your ticket. Once you have them, you’re good to go.
Navigating Canada’s Provincial ESA Laws
There aren’t any federal laws about housing or going to public places with an ESA in Canada. Each province drafts its own laws.
If you’re getting an emotional support animal in Prince Edward Island, read up on the Human Rights Act. Chapter 12 will have all the information you need.
Employment Laws
Unfortunately, no law gives you the right to take your ESA to work. But don’t frown! Talking to your manager or boss may help.
Show them your ESA letter and explain how important your ESA’s presence is to you. After all, your ESA boosts your morale and helps you to be more productive. You never know — they may make an exception for you!
Housing Laws
People with mental disabilities deserve fair housing in Prince Edward Island. They should be allowed to live with their ESA without any undue hardship from the housing provider’s side.
The Human Rights Code addresses discrimination against individuals with physical or mental disabilities. It states that: “A person must not deny to a person with a disability residential premises advertised or otherwise represented as available for occupancy by a tenant.”
Keep in mind, however, that some landlords simply might not allow an ESA. Make sure that yours is sympathetic before trying to bring an ESA home. Otherwise, look for accommodation where pets are allowed.
Exceptions to the Rules
Under some circumstances, you may lose your ESA rights. After all, with great power (or privilege) comes great responsibility! The following can get your rights revoked:
- Neglecting or endangering your emotional support animal’s welfare.
- Having a loud and misbehaved ESA on a plane or in rented housing.
- Showing a fake ESA letter to your housing provider or airline.
Punishment for Misrepresenting an Assistance Animal in Canada
Never try to pass off a pet as an assistance animal.
It’s not only morally wrong, but it is also a crime in some provinces that can result in a hefty fine.
Where to Start the Search for Your Ideal ESA!
There are no specific requirements for an emotional support animal. This means you can find an ESA easily.
If you already own a pet, they can become your new animal companion. If you don’t, there are plenty of animal shelters with cute four-legged friends looking for a new home. Look for one in your area and drop by. You may very well meet your new best friend!
Where to Take Your Emotional Support Animal in Prince Edward Island
Now that you have your emotional support dog by your side, it’s time to go for a walk. Soak up the sun, hit the beach, go to a seafood restaurant… The possibilities are endless!
Dog Parks and Dog Runs
- Kinlock Beach, Charlottetown
- Brackley Drive-In Theater
Dog-Friendly Restaurants and Bars
- Island Stone Pub, Kensington
- Peakes Quay Restaurant & Bar, Charlottetown
Resorts, Fitness, and Spas
- The Inn at St. Peters, Saint Peters Bay
- Rodd Mill River Resort, OLeary
Events
The best way to make animal-lover friends is by attending dog-friendly events! Search for events near you through Facebook or Google and drop by. You’ll surely have a blast!
ESAs in Prince Edward Island, Canada: How to Get Connected Today!
Are you interested in getting an emotional support animal in Prince Edward Island, Canada? To get started, take our free 5-minute pre-screening test. We’ll put you in touch with a qualified mental health professional who can practice in your province. They’ll book an appointment with you, and if you qualify, they’ll issue you an emotional support animal letter!
We are invoking the Human Rights Code when we issue these letters. The Human Rights Code provides the broadest protections to service animal users, as it extends the right to be free from discrimination, harassment, and reprisal in all of the social areas covered by the Code, including services, goods and facilities, accommodation, contracts, employment, and vocational associations. We are also fully aware and understand that an ESA does not have to be honored and can be denied. We make sure to let our clients know this. There is no legal obligation for the other party to approve an ESA request, but they may be motivated to do so on compassionate grounds. Animals that have little training, are poorly behaved or have damaged property will be rejected.
NOTICE: DECISION NO. 105-AT-C-A-2023
A new ruling on emotional support animals has been published by the Canadian Transportation Agency as of June 23, 2023 and will go into effect immediately.
Dogs will be the only animals accepted as ESAs, and only dogs that can fit in carriers are allowed in the cabin. The animal carrier must meet the carrier’s conditions and restrictions for carriage of animal carriers in the cabin (please see each carrier’s stipulations for sizing of carriers), and the ESD must remain in the carrier for the duration of its time in the passenger cabin.
This law does not affect ESAs for housing.
