The most common question at the heart of any dispute is simple: Is your emotional support animal legally a pet? The answer is, it depends. When it comes to your housing, the law says no. Under the Fair Housing Act, your ESA is considered a medical necessity, not a pet. But when you’re at a coffee shop or grocery store, the answer is yes. This critical difference is the source of most confusion and conflict. To protect yourself and your animal, you need to understand these distinctions clearly. This article will explain the emotional support animal laws Missouri residents should follow for housing, travel, and public spaces.

Key Takeaways

Your ESA’s rights are for housing, not public spaces: The Fair Housing Act protects your right to live with your ESA in most “no-pet” buildings without extra fees, but this protection does not apply to businesses like stores or restaurants.
Secure a valid ESA letter from a licensed professional: This is the only documentation legally required for housing accommodations. Avoid online registries and certificates, as they hold no legal value and won’t protect your rights.
Uphold your responsibilities as an owner: Your housing rights depend on your animal being well-behaved and not causing damage. You are also responsible for providing your landlord with a current ESA letter to validate your accommodation request.

Emotional Support Animals vs. Service Animals: Know the Difference

It’s easy to get confused by the terms “emotional support animal” and “service animal.” While both play important roles, the law views them very differently. Understanding this distinction is the first step to knowing your rights and responsibilities as an owner in Missouri. Let’s break down what sets them apart.

What is an Emotional Support Animal?

An emotional support animal (ESA) is a companion animal that provides comfort and therapeutic benefit to someone with a mental or emotional health condition, like anxiety or depression. Unlike service animals, ESAs don’t need specialized training to perform specific tasks. Their very presence is what helps alleviate symptoms and provide a sense of calm. Think of them as a crucial part of a person’s mental health treatment plan, often recommended by a licensed mental health professional. Their role is to offer companionship and support simply by being there for their owner.

Key Differences Between ESAs and Service Animals

The biggest difference comes down to training and tasks. Service animals are almost always dogs (though federal law also recognizes miniature horses in some cases) that are individually trained to do specific work for a person with a disability. These tasks must be directly related to the person’s disability—like guiding someone with vision loss, alerting a person who is deaf, or calming someone during a PTSD episode. Emotional support animals, on the other hand, are not required to have any task-specific training. Their job is to provide comfort through companionship, which is valuable but legally distinct from the work of a service animal.

Why Legal Definitions Are Important

These definitions aren’t just about semantics; they have significant real-world implications for your rights. Federal and state laws use these classifications to determine where your animal is allowed to go and what protections you have. For example, the Fair Housing Act (FHA) offers protections for ESAs in housing, meaning a landlord generally can’t enforce a “no pets” policy or charge extra pet fees for a legitimate ESA. However, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which grants service animals access to public places like restaurants and stores, does not extend those same protections to ESAs. If you believe your housing rights have been violated, it’s wise to seek legal guidance.

Federal Laws That Protect Your ESA Rights in Missouri

When it comes to your rights as an Emotional Support Animal owner in Missouri, the most powerful protections don’t actually come from state-specific legislation. Instead, a few key federal laws shape where you and your ESA are welcome. Understanding these laws is the first step to confidently asserting your rights, whether you’re dealing with a landlord, planning a trip, or just going about your day. It’s easy to get confused about what is and isn’t allowed, especially since the rules can feel different depending on the situation.

The three main federal acts you need to know are the Fair Housing Act (FHA), the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA), and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Each one governs a different part of your life. The FHA is your strongest ally, providing significant protections for your right to live with your ESA. The ACAA covers air travel, and its rules have changed recently, which is crucial to know before you book a flight. Finally, the ADA addresses access to public places like restaurants and stores, and it’s where the distinction between an ESA and a service animal becomes incredibly important. Knowing which law applies to which situation will help you understand your rights and responsibilities as an ESA owner. If you ever feel your rights under these laws have been violated, especially in housing, it’s important to know your legal options.

Your Housing Rights Under the Fair Housing Act

This is where your rights as an ESA owner are strongest. The federal Fair Housing Act (FHA) requires landlords to provide “reasonable accommodation” for individuals with disabilities, and this includes allowing them to live with their Emotional Support Animals. This rule applies even if the building has a strict “no-pet” policy. Your request for an ESA is not a request to have a pet; it’s a request for an accommodation that is necessary for your well-being.

Because an ESA is considered a medical tool and not a pet, landlords cannot charge you pet fees, a pet deposit, or extra “pet rent.” They are legally required to waive these fees as part of the reasonable accommodation. This protection is a cornerstone of your housing rights and ensures you aren’t financially penalized for needing an assistance animal.

Recent Changes to ESAs on Airplanes

If you’re planning to fly, it’s important to know that the rules for traveling with an ESA have changed. A few years ago, the U.S. Department of Transportation updated its regulations under the Air Carrier Access Act. As a result, airlines are no longer legally required to allow Emotional Support Animals to fly in the cabin with their owners. This was a major shift, and it means you can’t assume your ESA will be able to accompany you.

Now, the decision is left up to each individual airline. Some may still permit small ESAs to fly in a carrier as a carry-on pet (which requires a fee), but others may not allow them at all. Before you book a ticket, you must check the airline’s specific pet policy to see what their rules are.

Why the ADA Doesn’t Cover ESAs

You’ve probably seen service dogs in grocery stores, restaurants, and other public places. Their access to these spaces is protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). However, the ADA does not extend these same protections to Emotional Support Animals. This is one of the most common points of confusion for ESA owners. Businesses are not legally required to allow your ESA inside.

The key difference comes down to training. Under the ADA, service animals are individually trained to perform specific tasks for a person with a disability—like guiding someone who is blind or alerting someone to an impending seizure. ESAs, while incredibly important, provide therapeutic support through their presence and are not required to have this specialized task training. This distinction is why they don’t have the same public access rights.

Your Housing Rights with an ESA in Missouri

Navigating housing rules with an emotional support animal can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re faced with a lease that has a strict “no-pet” clause. The good news is that your rights as a tenant with an ESA are protected by powerful federal laws. The most important one to know is the Fair Housing Act (FHA), which prevents housing discrimination based on disability. This law ensures that landlords provide reasonable accommodations for tenants who need an emotional support animal, giving you a solid legal foundation to stand on. Understanding these protections is the first step to securing housing for you and your companion without unnecessary stress or conflict.

Living in “No-Pet” Housing

If you’ve found the perfect apartment but it has a firm “no-pets” policy, you don’t have to give up. Under the Fair Housing Act, landlords are required to make an exception for your emotional support animal. This is because, legally, an ESA is not considered a pet. Instead, it’s viewed as a medical tool necessary for your well-being, similar to a wheelchair or prescription medication. Your landlord cannot evict you or refuse your application simply because you have an ESA, as long as you provide the proper documentation. This protection applies to most types of housing, including apartments, condos, and single-family homes.

What is a “Reasonable Accommodation?”

You’ll hear the term “reasonable accommodation” a lot when discussing ESAs, and it’s a simple concept. It just means your landlord must make a fair and sensible adjustment to their rules to allow you to live comfortably with your disability. For an ESA owner, the most common reasonable accommodation is waiving a “no-pet” policy. The request shouldn’t create an excessive financial or administrative burden on the landlord. For example, allowing your cat to live with you in a no-pet building is reasonable. Asking the landlord to build a custom outdoor enclosure for your animal would likely be considered unreasonable. The goal is to ensure you have the same opportunity to enjoy your home as any other tenant.

Can Landlords Charge Pet Fees for an ESA?

No, landlords cannot charge you extra fees for having an emotional support animal. Because an ESA is a medical necessity and not a pet, standard pet-related charges do not apply. This means you cannot be charged a pet deposit, a one-time pet fee, or a monthly “pet rent.” This protection saves you from extra costs that could make housing unaffordable. However, it’s important to remember that you are still responsible for your animal’s behavior. If your ESA causes damage to the property, your landlord can charge you for the cost of repairs, just as they would for any damage caused by a tenant.

What Your Landlord Can (and Can’t) Do

While your rights are protected, landlords have rights, too. If your disability is not immediately obvious, your landlord is allowed to ask for documentation to verify your need for an ESA. This is typically your official ESA letter from a licensed healthcare provider. However, they cannot ask you about the specifics of your medical condition or demand access to your medical records. A landlord can legally deny your ESA request in a few specific situations: if the animal poses a direct threat to the health and safety of others, would cause substantial property damage, or creates an undue financial burden. Understanding these boundaries can help you have a productive conversation with a potential landlord and ensure your legal needs are met.

Get the Right Documentation for Your ESA

To ensure your rights are protected, you need more than just a pet you love. The law requires specific documentation that verifies your need for an Emotional Support Animal. This isn’t just a formality; it’s the key that unlocks your housing protections under the Fair Housing Act. Without the right paperwork, a landlord can treat your ESA just like any other pet, which could mean facing “no-pet” policies, extra fees, or even eviction.

The cornerstone of this documentation is the ESA letter. This official letter serves as proof to your landlord that your animal is not just a pet, but a necessary part of your well-being. It’s important to understand what makes a letter valid and who is qualified to write one. Getting this right from the start can save you a lot of stress and potential conflict down the road. It also helps you avoid common scams that prey on people who are unfamiliar with the process. Let’s break down exactly what you need.

The Essentials of a Valid ESA Letter

A valid ESA letter is an official document written and signed by a licensed mental health professional. Think of it as a prescription. Its purpose is to confirm that you have a mental or emotional disability and that your animal provides essential support to help you manage it. To be considered legitimate, the letter should be printed on the professional’s official letterhead and include their license number, the date it was issued, and their signature.

The letter doesn’t need to disclose your specific diagnosis, but it must state that you have a disability and that the ESA is a necessary part of your treatment plan. This official letter is what grants you legal protections and allows you to request a reasonable accommodation for your animal in housing.

Who Can Write an ESA Letter?

Not just any doctor can write a valid ESA letter. The letter must come from a licensed mental health professional who is qualified to assess your condition. This includes professionals like psychiatrists, psychologists, licensed clinical social workers (LCSW), and licensed professional counselors (LPC). A letter from a family doctor might not be sufficient unless they are also treating you for a mental health condition.

Crucially, the professional who writes your letter must be licensed to practice in the state of Missouri. A landlord has the right to verify their credentials, and a letter from an out-of-state provider who has never treated you may be rejected. Ensuring your documentation is from a qualified, local professional is a critical step in securing your rights. If you’re facing challenges with documentation, our firm handles a wide range of legal matters and can offer guidance.

How to Spot Fake ESA Registries and Scams

One of the biggest points of confusion surrounding ESAs is the idea of “registration.” Let’s be clear: there is no official, legally-recognized government registry for Emotional Support Animals in the United States. Any website that offers to “register” your ESA for a fee in exchange for a certificate and an ID card is selling you a product that has no legal value.

These online registries are not required by law and do not provide any additional rights. The only document you need is a valid ESA letter from a licensed mental health professional. Be cautious of any service that promises instant approval or suggests that buying a vest or ID is necessary. These are often signs of a scam. If a landlord insists on a “registration number” or you feel your rights are being violated, it may be time to contact an attorney for help.

Where Can You Take Your ESA in Public?

While your emotional support animal has protected rights in your home, the rules for public spaces are entirely different. This is one of the most common areas of confusion for ESA owners, and it’s where the distinction between an ESA and a service animal becomes critical. In Missouri, businesses, transportation services, and other public areas have specific guidelines you’ll need to follow, and knowing them ahead of time can save you a lot of stress.

Rules for Public Places: What You Need to Know

In Missouri, emotional support animals do not have the same legal protections as service animals in public places. Federal laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) mandate access for trained service animals, but these protections do not extend to ESAs. This means that places like restaurants, shopping malls, and parks are not legally required to allow your ESA inside. While it can be frustrating, it’s important to know that Missouri’s laws align with federal standards on this issue, treating ESAs as pets in public settings. Always check a location’s pet policy before you go.

Can a Business Deny Your ESA Entry?

Yes, a business in Missouri can legally deny entry to your emotional support animal. Because ESAs are not classified as service animals under the ADA, public establishments like stores, hotels, and theaters are within their rights to refuse access. A business must allow a service animal, but they are not required to make the same accommodation for an ESA. Some businesses are pet-friendly and may welcome your animal, but this is at their own discretion. It’s always best to call ahead and ask about their policy to avoid any difficult situations at the door.

Traveling with Your ESA in Missouri

When it comes to travel, your ESA is generally subject to the same rules as any other pet. Airlines are no longer required to allow emotional support animals to fly in the cabin for free, a major change from previous regulations. You will need to check each airline’s specific pet policy, which often involves fees and carrier requirements. The same applies to other forms of public transportation like buses and trains. You can find more information about traveling with an ESA, but the safest approach is to always confirm the rules with the transportation provider before you book your trip.

Common Myths About Missouri ESA Laws

There’s a lot of confusion out there about what an emotional support animal is and what rights come with having one. This misinformation can lead to frustrating and stressful situations with landlords, business owners, and even neighbors. When you rely on your animal for support, the last thing you want is a conflict based on a misunderstanding of the law. That’s why it’s so important to separate fact from fiction. Many people mistakenly believe that the rules for ESAs are the same as those for highly trained service animals, which can create unrealistic expectations and lead to disappointment or legal trouble.

In Missouri, the laws are specific, and knowing them helps you advocate for yourself effectively. It also helps you be a responsible ESA owner who respects the boundaries of the law and the rights of others. By understanding what is and isn’t true, you can avoid common pitfalls and ensure your relationship with your support animal is protected where it matters most—in your home. Let’s clear up some of the most common myths so you can feel confident about your rights and responsibilities.

Myth: ESAs Have the Same Public Access as Service Animals

This is one of the biggest misconceptions. While you often see service animals in public places like grocery stores and restaurants, the same rules don’t apply to ESAs. Under federal and state law, emotional support animals are not granted the same automatic access to public accommodations. This means businesses are not legally required to allow your ESA inside. While the Fair Housing Act protects your right to have an ESA in your home, that protection doesn’t extend to places like malls, movie theaters, or hotels. It’s always up to the individual business to decide whether to welcome your animal.

Myth: Your ESA Needs Special Training or Registration

Unlike service animals, which are trained to perform specific tasks for a person with a disability, ESAs don’t need any specialized training. Their purpose is to provide comfort and support through their presence alone. You may have seen websites offering to “register” your ESA for a fee, often providing a certificate and a vest. It’s important to know that these registries are not legally recognized. An official-looking ID card from an online service holds no legal weight and doesn’t give you any extra rights. The only documentation you need is a legitimate ESA letter from a licensed mental health professional.

Myth: ESAs and Service Animals Are Legally the Same

The law makes a clear distinction between emotional support animals and service animals, and it all comes down to function. A service animal is almost always a dog that has been individually trained to do work or perform tasks directly related to a person’s disability—like a guide dog for someone who is blind. An ESA, on the other hand, provides therapeutic benefits through companionship. Because their roles are different, their legal protections are, too. Understanding these legal definitions is key to knowing where your animal is and isn’t allowed, and it’s a core part of our firm’s focus on client advocacy.

Your Responsibilities as an ESA Owner

While federal and state laws provide important protections for you and your emotional support animal, those rights are balanced with clear responsibilities. Think of it as a partnership: the law protects your need for an ESA, and in return, you have a duty to be a responsible owner. Understanding these obligations is the key to a smooth and positive experience with landlords, property managers, and even your neighbors. It’s about more than just having the right paperwork; it’s about ensuring your animal is a positive presence in the community.

By taking these responsibilities seriously, you not only protect your right to live with your animal but also help uphold the integrity of ESA provisions for everyone who needs them. When ESA owners are conscientious, it reduces friction and misunderstandings with housing providers. Fulfilling your obligations is the best way to prevent conflicts, address concerns before they become problems, and ensure you and your companion can live peacefully in your home. This includes everything from maintaining control over your animal in common areas to promptly cleaning up after them and ensuring they don’t disturb others. These simple acts of consideration go a long way in building a good relationship with your landlord and community.

Keeping Your Animal Well-Behaved

Your right to housing with an ESA doesn’t excuse destructive or disruptive behavior. Landlords can legally require the removal of any animal, including an ESA, that is out of control, poses a threat to others, or causes significant property damage. This is why it’s essential to ensure your animal is well-behaved and potty-trained. Think of it as being a good neighbor—your ESA should not be a nuisance to others in the building. Basic obedience and good manners go a long way in preventing conflicts with your landlord or other tenants. You are responsible for any damages your animal causes, so proactive training is key.

Keeping Your ESA Letter Up-to-Date

To receive housing accommodations, you must have a valid ESA letter written by a mental health professional who is licensed to practice in Missouri. This letter is the official documentation that establishes your need for the animal. It’s important to remember that these letters often need to be renewed, typically on an annual basis, to remain valid. An expired letter can put your housing rights at risk. Always check the expiration date on your letter and schedule an appointment with your provider ahead of time to get it updated. Keeping your documentation current is a simple but critical step in maintaining your legal protections under fair housing laws.

When and How to Disclose Your ESA to a Landlord

You are required to inform your landlord about your ESA and provide them with your letter to receive a reasonable accommodation. It’s best to do this in writing before you move in or as soon as you get the animal. If your disability and your need for the ESA are not obvious, your landlord is permitted to ask for documentation to verify your request. They cannot, however, ask for specific details about your medical condition. If your landlord is resistant or denies your valid request, it can be a stressful situation. If you find yourself facing an unfair denial, it may be time to seek legal guidance to understand your options.

What Happens When a Landlord Denies Your ESA?

It can be incredibly stressful and disheartening when a landlord denies your request for an emotional support animal. You might feel stuck, but it’s important to know that you have rights. A landlord can’t simply turn down your request without a valid reason, especially since your ESA is a necessary part of your well-being. Understanding the rules that protect you is the first step toward finding a solution. If your landlord is pushing back, their denial could be more than just an inconvenience—it might be a violation of federal law. Let’s walk through what this means and what you can do about it.

Understanding Fair Housing Violations

In Missouri, a landlord generally cannot deny your emotional support animal, even if their building has a strict “no pets” policy. This protection comes from the federal Fair Housing Act (FHA), which prevents housing discrimination against people with disabilities. An ESA is considered a reasonable accommodation, not a pet. If your disability and your need for the animal aren’t immediately obvious, your landlord is allowed to ask for documentation, like a valid ESA letter from a licensed professional. However, an outright refusal without a valid, legally recognized reason can be a direct violation of your housing rights.

Potential Penalties for Landlords

When a landlord improperly denies an ESA, they are not just breaking a rule; they are violating federal law, and there can be serious consequences. Landlords found guilty of housing discrimination may face significant fines and penalties. They also cannot charge you extra fees, like a “pet deposit” or “pet rent,” for your assistance animal. It’s important to remember that these protections are for legitimate ESAs. Missouri law also includes penalties for individuals who falsely represent a pet as an assistance animal, so ensuring your documentation is in order is a key step in protecting your rights.

How to Take Legal Action

If you believe a landlord has unlawfully denied your ESA, you don’t have to accept it. Your first step is often to file a formal complaint. You can file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), which investigates FHA violations. You can also file a complaint with the Missouri Commission on Human Rights. Because federal laws often provide more comprehensive protections than state laws, the process can feel complicated. If you’re unsure how to proceed or if your landlord is refusing to cooperate, it may be time to contact an attorney to discuss your specific situation and explore your legal options.

How Missouri State Law Affects Your ESA Rights

When it comes to emotional support animals, Missouri law primarily follows federal guidelines. This means your most important protections, especially for housing, come from the Fair Housing Act. However, the state does have specific rules you need to know, particularly concerning how you represent your animal. It’s also smart to remember that laws can change from one city or county to the next. Understanding these layers of law—federal, state, and local—is the best way to protect your rights and meet your responsibilities as an ESA owner.

Missouri’s Stance on ESAs

You might be surprised to learn that Missouri doesn’t have a specific statewide law dedicated to emotional support animals. Instead, the state relies on federal law to handle ESA-related issues. The most significant of these is the Fair Housing Act (FHA), which protects your right to live with your ESA, even in buildings with “no-pet” policies. Under the FHA, landlords are required to provide a “reasonable accommodation” for tenants with a valid ESA letter. This means they generally cannot deny your housing application or evict you because of your assistance animal. Think of federal law as the foundation for your rights in Missouri.

Penalties for Falsely Representing an ESA

While Missouri law supports legitimate ESAs, it takes a firm stance against fraud. It is illegal in Missouri to knowingly misrepresent a pet as an assistance animal to receive accommodations you aren’t entitled to. This law is in place to protect the integrity of the system and ensure that people with genuine needs receive the support they deserve. If you falsely claim your pet is an emotional support or service animal, you could face legal penalties. This is why it’s so important to follow the proper process and obtain a legitimate ESA letter from a licensed mental health professional.

Checking Your Local City and County Rules

While state law defers to federal guidelines, your local government might have its own rules. For example, some cities or counties may have specific ordinances that affect housing associations or define local enforcement procedures. The Missouri Human Rights Act can also offer protections at the local level. Before you sign a lease or if you encounter an issue with a landlord, it’s a good idea to check the specific regulations in your city or county. If you’re dealing with a complex situation involving a homeowners association or a landlord who seems unaware of the law, it might be time to get legal advice to understand your options.

Where to Find Help and Legal Resources

If you’re facing challenges with your landlord over your emotional support animal, it’s important to know where to turn. Understanding your rights is the first step, but knowing how to enforce them is what makes a difference. Here are the resources and steps you can take if you encounter resistance.

How to File a Fair Housing Complaint

If your landlord denies your request for a reasonable accommodation for your emotional support animal, you don’t have to just accept it. Under the federal Fair Housing Act (FHA), landlords in Missouri must allow ESAs, even if they have a “no pets” policy. Refusing to do so can be considered housing discrimination.

If you believe your rights have been violated, you can file a complaint online with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). You can also file a complaint with the Missouri Commission on Human Rights (MCHR). Be prepared to provide details about your situation, including your ESA letter and any communication you’ve had with your landlord. Acting promptly is important, as there are deadlines for filing.

A Quick Review of Your ESA Rights

It’s easy to get overwhelmed by legal details, so let’s simplify what you need to remember. Your most important right is that your emotional support animal is protected in housing under both federal and state laws. These protections are outlined in the Fair Housing Act, which prevents landlords from discriminating against you because of your need for an ESA.

However, it’s crucial to remember that ESAs do not have the same public access rights as service animals. This means that while your landlord must accommodate your ESA at home, businesses like restaurants, grocery stores, or hotels with “no pet” policies are not required to let your animal inside. Understanding this distinction helps you know where your rights apply.

When Should You Call a Lawyer?

While filing a complaint is a great first step, some situations are more complex and benefit from legal guidance. If your landlord denies your ESA request without a valid reason, tries to charge you illegal “pet fees,” or retaliates against you for asserting your rights, it may be time to consult a lawyer. An attorney can help you understand your specific options, communicate with your landlord on your behalf, and ensure your rights are protected.

Navigating housing laws can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. If you’re facing pushback and aren’t sure what to do next, speaking with an attorney can provide the clarity and support you need to move forward.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to tell a potential landlord about my ESA before I sign the lease? While you are not legally required to disclose your emotional support animal before signing a lease, it’s often best to be upfront. You can make the request for a reasonable accommodation at any time, even after you’ve moved in. However, providing your valid ESA letter along with your rental application can make the process smoother and prevent any misunderstandings with your landlord from the start.

What if my emotional support animal is a breed that’s normally banned by the apartment complex? Under the Fair Housing Act, a landlord’s breed or weight restrictions do not apply to emotional support animals. Since an ESA is considered a medical necessity rather than a pet, a landlord must make a reasonable accommodation. They cannot deny your animal based on its breed alone. The only exception would be if your specific animal, regardless of its breed, poses a direct threat to the safety of others or would cause substantial property damage.

Can my landlord evict me if my ESA is loud or damages the apartment? Yes, they can. Your rights as an ESA owner come with responsibilities. The protections of the Fair Housing Act do not cover an animal that is a nuisance, is destructive, or poses a threat to other tenants. You are responsible for your animal’s behavior and for any damages it causes. If your ESA is consistently disruptive or destructive, your landlord can take action, which could include revoking the accommodation or even eviction.

Is a certificate I bought from an online registry the same as an ESA letter? No, they are not the same, and this is a critical distinction. Those online registries that sell certificates, ID cards, or vests hold no legal authority. The only document that legally protects your right to have an ESA in housing is a legitimate letter from a licensed mental health professional who is treating you for a condition and is licensed to practice in Missouri.

So, just to be clear, where can I not take my ESA? You generally cannot take your emotional support animal into public places where pets are not allowed. This includes most restaurants, grocery stores, shopping malls, and movie theaters. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) grants public access rights to trained service animals, but those protections do not extend to ESAs. Always assume your ESA is not permitted unless the business has a specific pet-friendly policy.

Emotional Support Animal Laws in Missouri: Know Your Rights