Here are the real laws effecting you ESA here in Illinios 

1. The Illinois Assistance Animal Integrity Act

Effective January 1, 2020, the Illinois Assistance Animal Integrity Act came into effect, impacting landlords and condominium associations. Here’s what you need to know:

• Restaurant Dining Rooms: Previously, ESAs were allowed in indoor dining areas of restaurants. However, the new bill prohibits ESAs from entering restaurants unless they are trained or being trained to perform specific tasks for a person with a disability1.

2. Qualifying for an ESA in Illinois

To qualify for an ESA in Illinois, you must obtain an ESA letter from a licensed healthcare professional. Here are the requirements:

• The ESA letter must:
  • Be in writing.
  • Be made by a person with whom the individual requesting an accommodation has a therapeutic relationship.
  • Describe the individual’s disability-related need for the assistance animal.
  • Note that the ESA letter does not need to contain a specific diagnosis or medical history1.

3. Provider Requirements

The ESA letter must come from one of the following providers:

• A physician or other medical professional.
• A mental health service provider (like a therapist or counselor).
• A non-medical service agency or reliable third party who is in a position to know about the individual’s disability (like a social worker I.e Bodie Care's as long as you are a member of our therapeutic care club).
• The provider must have a “therapeutic relationship” with the ESA owner, meaning they are involved in providing medical care or personal care services with knowledge of the person’s disability1.

4. Advocating for ESA Rights

While reliable documentation of the disability-related need for an ESA is still required, Illinois law emphasizes that landlords may not ask for extensive medical records. The focus is on ensuring responsible ownership and preventing discrimination2.

5. Join the Movement

Your support matters! Whether it’s advocating for ESA rights or promoting mental health awareness, let’s continue nurturing the bond between humans and animals. Consider donating to organizations that champion these causes. Every hug—whether from a furry friend or a compassionate heart—makes a difference. Donate A Hug 

Remember, ESAs provide more than companionship; they offer healing and hope.

Sources:

1. Illinois Emotional Support Animal Laws - ESA Doctors
2. New Illinois law creates hurdle for presence of emotional support animals
3. Emotional Support Animals in Community Associations: Complying with Federal and State Laws

Note: The names of individuals and animals have been changed for privacy.