Generally speaking the two main differences between service dogs and emotional support animals center on 1 the animal s level of training and 2 the severity of the owner s needs.
Emotional support dog virginia laws.
While this may seem counter intuitive there s very little point in thinking of any type of support animal as an animal when it comes to housing laws.
West virginia enforces the laws established in the federal fair housing act that protect those in need of an emotional support animal from discrimination from landlords.
In order to get an emotional support animal in virginia you ll be required to consult a licensed mental health professional.
West virginia laws on service dogs and emotional support animals by lisa guerin j d.
Under virginia s disability rights law and the federal americans with disabilities act ada people with disabilities may bring their service animals to all public accommodations including stores businesses.
By lisa guerin j d.
Under west virginia s white cane law and the federal americans with disabilities act ada people with disabilities may bring service animals to all public accommodations including restaurants theaters schools stores businesses motels and more.
When virginia laws allow you to bring a service dog or emotional support animal to public places or housing.
However this is not something that you can simply ask for and receive.
For example the virginia code defines a service dog as a dog that was specifically trained to perform tasks that benefit a person with a disability.