Emotional Support Animal Conundrum
In Episode 15, Abby Volin and Isabel dive into the emotional support animal conundrum. Abby hates the term "emotional support animal" and explains that it's not only a misnomer, but has also become a punch line. Abby doesn't know why the highly incorrect term has taken off but feels that it further stigmatizes those with disabilities, something she works tirelessly to prevent. She, instead, insists that the term for animals that do not qualify as "service animals" is "assistance animals" and she coined the term Animal Accommodation Law to ensure that companies, government entities, and people with assistance animals can work together to accommodate these important animals, protecting their important role in the lives of many Americans.
The episode dissects what makes a service animal a service animal and what qualifies them as such in the eyes of the law. Throughout the discussion and while sipping on a sparkling limoncello cocktail, Abby shares a wealth of information including considerations for looking for housing and engaging in air travel with assistance animals, especially due to recent changes in the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA,) which has limited the species and qualifications of animals that may be allowed on board.
BIO:
With her experience as an attorney and policy specialist as well as a lifetime animal lover, Abby fills a unique niche by integrating the legal, policy, and animal management aspects needed to craft safer, progressive, and smarter pet policies that increase revenue and hold tenants accountable.
As a nationally recognized subject matter expert on animal accommodation law, she uses her advocacy and creative problem-solving skills to facilitate positive outcomes and supportive environments for people and pets.
Prior to starting Opening Doors, Abby worked as a policy specialist at The Humane Society of the United States and began her career as a litigator. She has extensive experience developing programs, forging strategic partnerships, employing innovative solutions, and conducting public policy work at the local, state, and federal levels.
Abby has been working in the animal welfare and policy sphere since 2009; but, it was her passion for working with people and business acumen that inspired Opening Doors. Her work has been featured in The New York Times, The Washington Post, USA Today, ABA Journal, Bloomberg, and Cosmopolitan magazine.
Opening Doors is a legal and consulting firm that assists property managers and residents with their pet-related housing problems. We also specialize in animal accommodation law. Their goal is to facilitate conversations that result in good pets, safe communities, and happy neighbors.