PIGS AS ESA VS SERVICE ANIMAL
There is a lot of debate recently about whether miniature pigs can serve as service animals. And the short answer to that is "No." Now let me clarify some things. Miniature pigs used to be legally recognized as service animals provided they had successfully completed the required training. That changed a few years ago however. Federally the only animals legally recognized as service animals are those with the necessary training and are either dogs or in some rare cases miniature horses. Let me emphasize that,only dogs or in some cases miniature horses are federally recognized as service animals. There is no exception to this. While the pigs that were recognized as service animals did not have their certification pulled due to the change in laws they are no longer protected or given the same rights as service animals.
Now, that doesn't mean you can't have your pig trained as a service animal. There are many cases where this is done, such as cats for diabetics. Any animal with the right temperament and personality can be trained as a service animal, however unless it's a dog or possibly miniature horse, it just won't be legally recognized as one by the federal laws. Some states laws aren't as restrictive to species as the federal law, but that those rights are only applicable for that state.
Now what is an ESA? It means Emotional Support Animal. There have been a huge variety of animals recognized as such. It doesn't require any specialized training. It also doesn't provide the same rights and protection from liabilities that being a service animal does. This doesn't mean that any animal should be an ESA. Only those with easy going temperaments, that are mellow and harder to become overstimulated should be considered. It takes a special personality to be a successful ESA just like it does to become a service animal. In my opinion only those pigs that have a personality and temperament that would enable them to become service animals, if they could, make good ESAs. Otherwise the animal adds stress to the handler instead of reducing it as is meant to happen.
So, what does that mean for you? Well, ESAs have a lot less rights and a whole lot more liability attached to them than service animals do. They basically have two rights; they are guaranteed against pet-housing discrimination and with proper documentation can travel in the cabin of an airplane with their handler. Service animals on the other hand are guaranteed access to anywhere the general public has access. You can take ESAs into public, however I would strongly suggest you get approval beforehand to avoid any legal and liability issues.
Let's expand on this a bit, the guarantee against pet-housing discrimination does not preclude zoning laws. This means you cannot register your pig as an ESA and expect an exception to zoning laws that specify no livestock, or specifically pigs, in order to attain your dream of owning a pet pig. It is my opinion, that trying to do so undermines the cases where there is a real need for an Emotional Support Animal.
Now, the proper documentation. This means the prescription for an ESA must come from a licensed mental health professional that is legally able to prescribe drugs and treatments and that you have regular ongoing professional contact with. No family doctors, or one or two time visits to get the letter. This letter of prescription should be written on official letterhead and should be carried any time you travel. Also, there are different laws pertaining to pigs traveling outside of an state border, this include flying across them. According to the USDA you must have your pig micro-chipped or tattooed and have a USDA licensed veterinary issue a health certificate within ten days of travel. In some cases, not having these will result in your pig being confiscated. Do not risk it!
ESAs aren't required to be licensed or registered. However, doing so can help by lending a professional atmosphere to a well trained animal. The only registry I suggest using however is the National Service Animal Registry.
Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns in this matter.
Written By: Nichole Beck with DB FARMS PETITE PIGGY
Now, that doesn't mean you can't have your pig trained as a service animal. There are many cases where this is done, such as cats for diabetics. Any animal with the right temperament and personality can be trained as a service animal, however unless it's a dog or possibly miniature horse, it just won't be legally recognized as one by the federal laws. Some states laws aren't as restrictive to species as the federal law, but that those rights are only applicable for that state.
Now what is an ESA? It means Emotional Support Animal. There have been a huge variety of animals recognized as such. It doesn't require any specialized training. It also doesn't provide the same rights and protection from liabilities that being a service animal does. This doesn't mean that any animal should be an ESA. Only those with easy going temperaments, that are mellow and harder to become overstimulated should be considered. It takes a special personality to be a successful ESA just like it does to become a service animal. In my opinion only those pigs that have a personality and temperament that would enable them to become service animals, if they could, make good ESAs. Otherwise the animal adds stress to the handler instead of reducing it as is meant to happen.
So, what does that mean for you? Well, ESAs have a lot less rights and a whole lot more liability attached to them than service animals do. They basically have two rights; they are guaranteed against pet-housing discrimination and with proper documentation can travel in the cabin of an airplane with their handler. Service animals on the other hand are guaranteed access to anywhere the general public has access. You can take ESAs into public, however I would strongly suggest you get approval beforehand to avoid any legal and liability issues.
Let's expand on this a bit, the guarantee against pet-housing discrimination does not preclude zoning laws. This means you cannot register your pig as an ESA and expect an exception to zoning laws that specify no livestock, or specifically pigs, in order to attain your dream of owning a pet pig. It is my opinion, that trying to do so undermines the cases where there is a real need for an Emotional Support Animal.
Now, the proper documentation. This means the prescription for an ESA must come from a licensed mental health professional that is legally able to prescribe drugs and treatments and that you have regular ongoing professional contact with. No family doctors, or one or two time visits to get the letter. This letter of prescription should be written on official letterhead and should be carried any time you travel. Also, there are different laws pertaining to pigs traveling outside of an state border, this include flying across them. According to the USDA you must have your pig micro-chipped or tattooed and have a USDA licensed veterinary issue a health certificate within ten days of travel. In some cases, not having these will result in your pig being confiscated. Do not risk it!
ESAs aren't required to be licensed or registered. However, doing so can help by lending a professional atmosphere to a well trained animal. The only registry I suggest using however is the National Service Animal Registry.
Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns in this matter.
Written By: Nichole Beck with DB FARMS PETITE PIGGY