I am wanting to get a PSD for my severe depression, panic attacks, etc..
The apartment I live in allows dogs, but they have a two animal limit. I was not told this when I moved in with my three ferrets, and they were informed of the amount of pets and were not concerned.

Now they're saying I can not have a dog without getting rid of my ferrets. I love them, but they don't help with my depression in the slightest. Let alone when I'm having a panic or anxiety attack, they'd rather run off and do their own thing.. So, I want to get a dog, and take it through all the necessary training.

I've read that they may be able to deny me because I already have pets, despite that these pets do not help with my mental status.

Please be very gentle in your answer, I honestly feel like I am about to completely freak out... I've been sobbing for hours, and haven't barely slept the past three nights because of the stress of this whole thing. My chest is extremely tight, and my therapist isn't answering her phone.

Help. :'(

Hello ABitofPanic, and Welcome to NT.

If I may, I have a few questions:

I'm inferring from your post that you are willing to give up your ferrets because your need for the PSD is greater. Is that correct or am I mistaken?

Who are "they" in the above quote, and where did you read this?
(NT guidelines do not allow new members to post links/quotes, but I think you should be able to tell us the name/title of the page if it's online).

Do you require a PSD specifically or would an ESA suffice?

Thanks,

Doc

The need for a PSD is greater, yes, but I am uncomfortable with rehoming my ferrets. One of them requires medical care and a strict diet, it would also be a great shock to them to be rehomed. I made a commitment to them when I brought them into my home, and it would only add stress to my situation.

I'm sorry, by "they" I meant the apartment complex. That they may force me to rehome my ferrets, and refuse me a PSD if I do not.
I do not have specific links I could point you to right now, I read literally about thirty different websites just this morning. I seemed to be getting mixed information from each site, some said they can't deny me even an ESA, and some said they can.

I think an ESA would suffice, but I'd prefer training for specific actions. I can get into long panic attacks that are extremely hard to get me out of, so something like having the dog nudge me a certain way or something would be helpful. I've read that even if you do train a PSD for certain actions, if it's only for helping with depression it won't hold in court against a landlord.

I had dinner with a veterinarian friend who treats the ferrets in the clinic where she works. She suggested contacting a ferret rescue/shelter; they would be able to advise you, and hopefully allay your discomfort, considering your situation.

Have you been qualified for a PSD or applied for one? The organizations that provide them should be able to advise you on the legal issues and procedure for getting one that will be able to perform what you need.

If you are disabled, you may be able to get some answers regarding your landlord from the Center for Disability Rights or Center for Independent Living in your area.

Hope this helps,

Doc

As of right now, I have a written prescription for a "support dog" for my mental health from my doctor.