I think they should be covered if there could be a way to create reasonable guidelines that would work across the board.
I've taken this description from the article below:
“an emotional support animal is an animal that might provide necessary emotional support or comfort for an individual that enhances their ability to live independently,”
I think pets should be allowed for anyone, regardless of whether a therapist says they are needed. As long as the pets needs are met and cleanliness is kept up. Years ago I noticed my back problems improved when I was horseriding regularly and I thought my medical insurance should have allowed some of the cost (I'm not kidding), but apparently it wasn't covered. A different issue than living arrangements, so kind of off topic. But I think most pets are very important to the emotional welfare of their owners, even if they don't have a special disability.
Unfortunately some renters do not meet a basic standard of looking after their pet mess/damage. I rented a home to a lady and let her keep dogs there and it was a supreme disaster in the long run. I don't know how often that happens, but I don't think I would do that again, even though I feel pet ownership should be a basic right. It's like breathing air as far as I'm concerned. So I guess I'm a hypocrite.
-- Edited by Marlene on Thursday 5th of April 2012 03:50:03 PM