This is the first in a three-part series to showcase emotional support animals, therapy dogs (or animals) and service dogs.

There is a lot of confusion about what each designation means and where and how animals in each of these categories can legally and legitimately be used to assist their handlers or the recipients of their services.

This week’s column will focus on emotional support animals, what they are and where they are allowed to accompany their handlers.

Every pet lover understands and cherishes the unwavering love and support their pet provides.

They’re always by your side, never argue and even encourage you to get outside for a little exercise.

For some people with diagnosed emotional/psychiatric disabilities, an emotional support animal — usually a dog, but not always — is critical to their ability to manage the day-to-day challenges of life.

But doesn’t every dog/

animal offer emotional support? Of course. But to legally be considered an emotional support dog/animal, they must be “prescribed” by a licensed mental health professional to a person with a recognized, disabling mental illness, ideally in conjunction with their treatment plan.

A licensed professional must issue a letter, or “prescription,” that outlines their patient’s current diagnosis and treatment as it relates to established medical protocol, supported by their professional credentials.

Currently, with a valid Emotional Support Animal Letter (ESA Letter), emotional support animals currently enjoy protections provided by law for both housing and travel.

Housing

Those who require the support of an emotional support animal may secure housing, even in buildings where pets are prohibited. Under the terms of the Fair Housing Act, landlords may not deny housing simply because they do not want an ESA on their property.

They may not evict dogs because they are younger or considered puppies, although handlers are responsible for any damages caused by an ESA.

Landlords may also not assess an additional fee in order to accommodate an ESA. Renters, however, must supply their potential landlord with a correctly executed ESA Letter prior to bringing their ESA home.

There are occasions, however, when a property owner may reject an ESA: If the animal is too large (i.e., a horse, llama or very large dog) for the physical space being rented; if the building has fewer than four units and one is occupied by the owner; if the animal creates an undue financial hardship for the owner; or if the animal causes harm or damage to other occupants or to the building.

Travel

Under the terms of the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA), an animal may be able to travel a commercial flight if it provides emotional support to a mentally/

emotionally disabled individual as they travel. In addition, with a properly executed ESA Letter as well as current vet records, the owner of the prescribed animal may be exempt from additional fees charged by an airline.

But of course, there’s a downside: Naturally ESA protections for housing and travel have spawned an ugly subculture of those who want to skirt the system for their own enrichment.

Out-of-control emotional support peacocks, snakes, alligators and more have made the headlines after they’ve created havoc at airports.

Because ESAs are not required to perform any specific task except providing comfort, there is a booming business of fraudulent online “therapists” who are all too willing to provide you with a “certified” ESA Letter — for a price.

Of course, they’ve never met you or your emotional support animal, so they really have no idea if you have a disability or if your animal is able to provide you with any sort of comfort.

These “ESA mills” are in it for profit and do nothing but harm the legitimacy of ESAs who provide a much-needed service to their owners.

They offer glowing testimonials from satisfied “clients” who have discovered that they may now travel freely with their pet, even though it is not a recognized ESA.

As a result, many airlines are rethinking their ESA policies. And many state legislatures are now considering measures that make it a crime to misrepresent an animal as an ESA.

For those who depend on the comfort and support of an ESA, these punitive measures will strike a crushing blow.

Sue Williams is a lifelong pet enthusiast. She has been actively involved in animal rescue, dog performance sports, responsible pet ownership and animal advocacy for more than 20 years. She can be contacted at altoonapets@gmail.com.