CertaPet Emotional Support Animal Assessment

There is significant confusion in Canada with what is an Emotional Support Animal (ESA), how to have an animal certified as one (properly, and legally), and what rights ESA's have vs. do not. Navigating this process can be very challenging as there are many fake Emotional Support Animal "registries" that can sell you a registration online...with no assessment or examination of the criteria required by law.

To qualify as an emotional support animal, the animal must meet certain standards and clearly alleviate symptoms of a diagnosable disability in their handler. Only dogs, cats, and (in some cases) rabbits are considered.

ESA's differ from Psychiatric Service Dogs (PSD's), which have the right of public access and are required to undergo training, a behavioural and veterinary evaluation, and public access test. The standard for a PSD is much higher, as they are certified as medical devices (similar to vision guide dogs). Rules regarding age, health, and mandatory retirement age apply to Psychiatric Service dogs - like all Service Dogs. 

Mr. Colton Arkhangel has been trained and certified to conduct these assessments, and is passionate about the rights of people with disabilities and the scientifically proven benefits that ESA's and PSD's provide people.