Can I require proof a dog is a service/therapy dog?
I allow dogs in my rentals, but not breeds excluded in my insurance policy. Rotts, pitbulls, Dobermans. When I informed an applicant of these restrictions, she told me her dog was a pitbull, but a therapy dog, and she could get paperwork. How would I know what paperwork is authentic and not something paid for online? Am I even allowed to require documentation verifying the dog is a therapy dog? Will insurance make an exception as well if the dog is a therapy dog?
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I hate this topic. It makes my blood boil because it is such an abused gray area.
Here is what I know.... the ADA does NOT recognize emotional support animals as service animals and will not certify them. A service animal by their definition, is an animal that is trained (with actions and responses) to function alongside the person it is helping, not just be a fuzzy friend to cuddle.
Fair Housing extends this to include emotional support animals. However, there are still requirements including a letter from a mental health care professional. So, it can't just be a letter from the Tenant's PCP or family dr. It has to be a letter from a MENTAL HEALTH CARE PROVIDER.
My guess is that you can draw red flags if the letter is NOT local (maybe online), and not from a mental healthcare professional....then it isn't legit.
FYI, I have never heard of a pit bull who was certified as a service animal. German shepards all day long (which area also on the breed list), but not 1 pit.
IF you are able to validate the service animal, it is NOT considered a pet, and you have to allow for it, and CANNOT charge pet rent or collect a pet fee/deposit.