Emotional Support Animal in Co-op

[s]

I plan on getting an emotional support animal (a small dog) but I live in a co-op with a no dog rule. Cats are allowed as far as I know. Has anyone ever dealt with this issue? What steps did you take to get approved besides getting a note from a medical professional?

[am315]

If you haven't already you should call the building's management and contact the board and ask what the requirements are, if any. I suggest you contact them first so that you get their buy in on this and you bring them in early on in the process. They may not have developed any protocol on this and your heads up may get them started on doing so.

[Ms. Jackson]

The person seeking the emotional support animal must have a verifiable disability (i.e., a doctor's note stating the need for an emotional support animal; the reason cannot just be a need for companionship). The animal is viewed as a "reasonable accommodation" under the Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988 (FHA or FHAct) to those housing communities that have a "no pets" rule.

[s]

I've already contacted my management company and they are being very slow with a response.

[rhydewithdis]

The person seeking the emotional support animal must have a verifiable disability (i.e., a doctor's note stating the need for an emotional support animal; the reason cannot just be a need for companionship). The animal is viewed as a "reasonable accommodation" under the Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988 (FHA or FHAct) to those housing communities that have a "no pets" rule.

these rules are flaunted way too often - folks have been getting crazy with their emotional support animals on planes
https://abcnews.go.com/US/airlines-crack-emotional-support-animals-plane-cabins/story?id=56791124

[mkn567]

Yes, you can have one. Two people in my building have emotional support dogs and there is nothing the coop board can do about it so long as it is recommended by a doctor.

If it is necessary, do it. And don't feel bad. Other people can have cats and screaming, stomping children, but you can't have a dog? please. enjoy

[carrefour_ny]

The two articles below offer context on a tenant's rights as well as on coop's rights:

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/11/07/realestate/do-pets-pose-a-covid-risk.html and https://www.nytimes.com/2018/07/21/realestate/emotional-support-pets-in-pet-free-buildings.html