Savannah, an 11-year-old indoor cat, provides Erin with emotional support for her debilitating anxiety and depression. But coping with her symptoms wasn’t actually helping Erin improve.

“My doctor reminded me about how active I was when I had my old dog, and we agreed that I would have no choice but to get out and exercise if I had another one,” Erin said.

The mobile home park where Erin lives only allows one pet per household, and Erin was told the rule applies for emotional support animals as well.

“The park owner sent me a lease addendum to be signed by me saying the dog would have to be the only animal in my home and my cat would have to go,” she said. “I need Savannah with me to help with my anxiety.”

Noncompliance with the park’s rules would put her at risk of eviction, and Erin knew that her landlord had a lot more resources than she did if things came to a legal battle.

“I was extremely worried. I did hours of research, but I could not find anything about my specific situation. I called Disability Rights Center – New Hampshire. They said that an emotional support animal should not be counted as a pet. But they also suggested I get in touch with legal aid, just in case, which I did.”

Maria Eveleth, a paralegal with New Hampshire Legal Assistance’s Fair Housing Project, spoke with Erin.

“She treated me with respect and dignity,” said Erin. “And that was before we spoke about the legal issues. Her even-keeled approach gave me so much confidence right when I was ready to give up.”

Maria described how Erin could explain to her property manager that she wasn’t breaking any rules by having two animals, with each one helping her with a particular issue. However, once the property manager learned that Erin was working with NHLA, she said Erin could keep Savannah and her new dog, Zephyr.

“I honestly feel like just having Maria on my case made a difference in what the property manager would accept,” Erin said. “It’s like she knew I would know my rights.”

After feeling powerless on her own, NHLA helped Erin find the strength to fight for her rights.

“With NHLA’s support, people who might otherwise get trampled on can actually get what the law allows for. I’m now able to get fresh air and talk with people comfortably with Zephyr by my side.”