Does a medical letter guarantee an animal is classified as an assistance animal?

A medical letter alone does not guarantee that an animal qualifies as an assistance animal because the classification is based on a specific set of criteria established by fair housing laws. While a medical letter indicating a need for the animal can support the request, it is important that the individual demonstrates that the animal provides a needed service or emotional support related to their disability.

For an animal to be classified as an assistance animal, it must be directly related to a person's disability; thus, additional criteria typically include the animal's training, behavior, and the nature of the assistance it provides. Landlords or housing providers have the right to ask for specific documentation that supports the need for the assistance animal and may assess whether the animal poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others or would cause significant property damage.

This nuanced approach ensures that while medical letters are important, they are part of a broader assessment process rather than a sole determining factor.