I just got my adopted teacup Yorkie (we came into each other’s lives when we needed one another the most) approved by my doctor to become my ESA. It’s been an amazing experience because he is so well behaved and small so very portable (I carry him in a sack on my hip made for puppies when in public) but I fear the day I’m turned away from a business during my regular errands. I am very disappointed that flying is no longer allowed, even if they are well behaved and I wish it was determined on a case to case basis and not outright banned. I carry my letter signed by my doc in my glove box but would be so humiliated to have to leave a business if I was in the middle of shopping and not just confronted at the door. I have anxiety about it every time I go out with him but his company and over all comfort keeps me from out right stopping from taking him out with me. The overwhelming anxiety of dealing with people solo is far worse. I just wanted to share my experiences and how the laws have effectively made this a wishy washy title. I hope they can have some sort of vetting process of these animals to at least see they are calm and capable of going out in public without being a danger. They should have more rights to be with those with disabilities. I was of course going to bring my dog to meet my doctor before he signed of on him and not until after the appointment did I understand that wasn’t normal protocol. He was happy to see my dog was so calm and well behaved but I think that should be standard for every approval.

I would contact an attorney for clarification on whether your licensed therapist has to be from California or can be from another state.