Question
Can I be denied my emotional support animal and be kicked out of government housing because my dogs are not up to date on vaccinations, even though I am working with a vet to get them done?
I asked for a reasonable accommodation, but it was denied. The housing manager said that city ordinances state it is the owner’s responsibility to have the vaccinations completed, which I understand and am currently working on with my vet. She only stated that it is against the law to not have them vaccinated.
Previously, I went to court because my dogs were loose and received a ticket for dog at large/animal at large. However, they never cited me or did anything regarding the vaccinations at that time.
Can they deny my reasonable accommodation request to give me time to get the vaccinations done before they evict me or remove me from housing?
Answer
I suggest immediately contacting an attorney or legal services organizations/clinics in your area in addition to immediately getting the dog vaccinated and licensed, and not allowing the dog to run at large or be kept in a manner that violates public health and safety laws.
It is important to have a letter from a health care provider which states that there is a nexus between a person’s disability and the need for the animal.
People with emotional support animals have rights to a reasonable accommodation but if an animal’s behavior constitutes a direct threat (such as biting), that could affect rights. People with emotional support animals must comply with public health and safety laws regarding the keeping of animals, such as vaccination laws.
Complaints about housing discrimination, including the right to have an emotional support animal, may be made to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD): https://www.hud.gov/reporthousingdiscrimination or by calling 800-669-9777. Also, complaints may be made to the Missouri Commission on Human Rights. Some localities have human rights agencies too.
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