Where happy "tails" begin! 

      

What is an Emotional Support Animal?

Emotional support dogs are dogs that provide comfort and support in forms of affection and companionship for an individual suffering from various mental and emotional conditions. An emotional support dog is not required to perform any specific tasks for a disability like service dogs are.

Do you have a program for military veterans and support dogs?

Yes we do! It is called Cody's Heroes, and you can learn more about the program by clicking here!

Does my Emotional Support Dog need to be Certified?

No, ESA’s do not require certification or special training.


I already have a dog that I think would be a great therapy/ESA dog. Can you help me with that?

Yes our trainers can help with that! If you would like to learn more about the classes we offer and enrollment for your current dog, send an email to traininghtr@hotmail.com for more info!

Do I need a Doctor’s note for an ESA?

No, although if you are in need of one for emotional disability reasons and need certification for housing or flying you will need a certified letter from a psychiatrist verifying your emotional disability.

Can any dog be an ESA?

Technically yes, but we also are a firm believer that not all dogs are born to be Emotional Support Animals. This cannot be trained into them. Some dogs are born with the natural ability to be support animals.

Can I pick my own emotional support dog?

Yes and No, Our team works with you to carefully select the best fit for you from a handful of potential candidates.

What is the benefit of our training program?

Our Program offers the specific training needed for your dog to become a well-mannered canine in public. Once your dog finishes the training program your dog will be certified as a Canine Good Citizen through the American Kennel Club.

What if I want an ESA without training?

Happy Tails requires training with all adoptions, regardless if they are ESA dogs or not. If you would like to go through your own training program and would just like help selecting a possible ESA dog, Happy Tails will be happy to help with an added pairing fee!

Where is your training held?

The training classes take place at our adoption center in Fridley, MN. (about 10 minutes north of Minneapolis) If you want to go through this program with Happy Tails you will have to make the drive to the center once a week for classes.

How do I sign up for this program?

Your first step is to fill out and ESA Dog Adoption application by clicking here

What happens after I fill out the application?

Someone from the program will be in touch with you with a phone interview this is where we get to understand you and your needs better to help find your fit.

What happens after my phone interview?

This is when the search starts. We may already have a few candidates that fit your needs. If we do not, we start looking. Once we find the match we will set up meet and greets for you to meet and decide if one of them is right for you.

How does the adoption process work once I find the dog for me?

You will finalize paperwork, pay fees and receive your training schedule.

We are so excited to help you find the right dog to provide the emotional support you need!




Want to learn more about our ESA trainers and the Canine Good Citizen program? Click on their pictures below!