Emotional Support Animal (ESA) Service Disclosure

Project Recovery & Serenity Paws

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Project Recovery may assist eligible participants in navigating Emotional Support Animal (ESA) documentation when the human-animal bond is creating a legitimate barrier to stable housing or recovery.

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ESA DOES NOT MEAN SERVICE DOG

Project Recovery and Serenity Paws recognize and respect the significant distinction between an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) and a trained Service Dog.

A Service Dog is individually trained to perform specific work or tasks for a person with a disability. Service Dogs may undergo extensive specialized training, often representing thousands of hours of work and significant financial investment.

An Emotional Support Animal serves a different purpose. An ESA may provide emotional support, companionship, stability, comfort, and therapeutic benefit to an individual, but ESA status does not make an animal a Service Dog and does not grant the same public-access rights as a Service Dog.

We do not represent an ESA as a trained Service Dog.

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ESA STATUS DOES NOT REMOVE RESPONSIBILITY

While an animal is housed with Serenity Paws, we take the participant's responsibility as a pet owner seriously.

Our goal is not simply to help preserve the human-animal bond. We want participants to leave our program better prepared to maintain that bond successfully in housing, recovery, employment, and the community.

Participants may receive education and support regarding:

• Basic obedience, handling, and appropriate behavior

• Leash skills and applicable leash laws

• Cleaning up after and properly caring for their animal

• Appropriate kenneling and crate routines

• Feeding, exercise, and daily schedules

• Grooming, hygiene, and routine veterinary care

• Safe interactions with people and other animals

• Responsible ownership in apartments, sober living, shared housing, and public spaces

• Understanding the limitations and responsibilities associated with ESA status

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THE STANDARD STILL MATTERS

An ESA designation is not an excuse for an animal to be uncontrolled, unsafe, destructive, neglected, or disruptive.

We believe preserving the human-animal bond also means teaching people how to become stronger, more responsible animal owners.

The animals leaving our care should be safe, manageable, appropriately cared for, and respectful members of the communities in which they live.

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IMPORTANT DISCLOSURE

Project Recovery and Serenity Paws do not certify, train, or represent Emotional Support Animals as Service Dogs. We do not guarantee housing approval, public-access rights, or any particular legal accommodation.

When ESA documentation is appropriate, documentation should come from a qualified healthcare professional acting within their professional scope and applicable law. Project Recovery's role is to help participants navigate legitimate resources and reduce barriers—not to manufacture a disability designation or misrepresent an animal's legal status.

We protect the bond. We respect the law. And we expect responsible ownership.