Animal Welfare Professionals

The Sasawin Safe Haven program of the Women's Center supports the animal companions of domestic violence survivors.  We have a situation that is frustrating and I'm hoping for suggestions and help.  One of survivors moved to an apartment (rented) two months ago and the management has delayed on making decision on permitting Emotional Service Animals for the survivor.  The survivor obtained a letter from her physician saying that the survivor needs an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) but unfortunately the letter refers to just one animal.  We, at Sasawin, have requested and shown evidence that there are two bonded cats that the survivor would like to live with her.  Today we found out that property management replied she may have one animal.  So now the survivor has to choose between two adults cats who have been together since they were kittens?   We are very aware that the property management cannot deny the ESA, without good reason, based on the the civil rights associated with the Federal Housing Act.   Any suggestions?  An agency to contact for help?  Thank you.   Helen

It's frustrating because cats are normally easy to get in. Can they charge a pet deposit that you guys cover?

The Sasawin Safe Haven program of the Women's Center supports the animal companions of domestic violence survivors.  We have a situation that is frustrating and I'm hoping for suggestions and help.  One of survivors moved to an apartment (rented) two months ago and the management has delayed on making decision on permitting Emotional Service Animals for the survivor.  The survivor obtained a letter from her physician saying that the survivor needs an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) but unfortunately the letter refers to just one animal.  We, at Sasawin, have requested and shown evidence that there are two bonded cats that the survivor would like to live with her.  Today we found out that property management replied she may have one animal.  So now the survivor has to choose between two adults cats who have been together since they were kittens?   We are very aware that the property management cannot deny the ESA, without good reason, based on the the civil rights associated with the Federal Housing Act.   Any suggestions?  An agency to contact for help?  Thank you.   Helen

The Sasawin Safe Haven program of the Women's Center supports the animal companions of domestic violence survivors.  We have a situation that is frustrating and I'm hoping for suggestions and help.  One of survivors moved to an apartment (rented) two months ago and the management has delayed on making decision on permitting Emotional Service Animals for the survivor.  The survivor obtained a letter from her physician saying that the survivor needs an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) but unfortunately the letter refers to just one animal.  We, at Sasawin, have requested and shown evidence that there are two bonded cats that the survivor would like to live with her.  Today we found out that property management replied she may have one animal.  So now the survivor has to choose between two adults cats who have been together since they were kittens?   We are very aware that the property management cannot deny the ESA, without good reason, based on the the civil rights associated with the Federal Housing Act.   Any suggestions?  An agency to contact for help?  Thank you.   Helen

The Sasawin Safe Haven program of the Women's Center supports the animal companions of domestic violence survivors.  We have a situation that is frustrating and I'm hoping for suggestions and help.  One of survivors moved to an apartment (rented) two months ago and the management has delayed on making decision on permitting Emotional Service Animals for the survivor.  The survivor obtained a letter from her physician saying that the survivor needs an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) but unfortunately the letter refers to just one animal.  We, at Sasawin, have requested and shown evidence that there are two bonded cats that the survivor would like to live with her.  Today we found out that property management replied she may have one animal.  So now the survivor has to choose between two adults cats who have been together since they were kittens?   We are very aware that the property management cannot deny the ESA, without good reason, based on the the civil rights associated with the Federal Housing Act.   Any suggestions?  An agency to contact for help?  Thank you.   Helen

Thank you for your replies and ideas.  I'm not sure if it's different in Michigan where we are located but a letter for one emotional support animal means just one.  If a second emotional support animal is requested it must be for support also.  I know, it's stupefying considering there are no specific laws that govern emotional support animals in Michigan or the U.S. The only "laws" are those that pertain to discrimination under the Federal Housing Act.

We think we have a solution.  The survivor has a daughter.  She is getting a second letter for the second cat of the bonded pair.  That way the property manager cannot say "no" since there is one ESA per person living in the same apartment.  

Stay tuned.  I will let you know how this plays out.

The Sasawin Safe Haven program of the Women's Center supports the animal companions of domestic violence survivors.  We have a situation that is frustrating and I'm hoping for suggestions and help.  One of survivors moved to an apartment (rented) two months ago and the management has delayed on making decision on permitting Emotional Service Animals for the survivor.  The survivor obtained a letter from her physician saying that the survivor needs an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) but unfortunately the letter refers to just one animal.  We, at Sasawin, have requested and shown evidence that there are two bonded cats that the survivor would like to live with her.  Today we found out that property management replied she may have one animal.  So now the survivor has to choose between two adults cats who have been together since they were kittens?   We are very aware that the property management cannot deny the ESA, without good reason, based on the the civil rights associated with the Federal Housing Act.   Any suggestions?  An agency to contact for help?  Thank you.   Helen