What You Should Know About Emotional Support Animals (ESAs)
Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) play a crucial role in providing comfort and companionship to individuals struggling with mental health conditions. Unlike service animals, ESAs do not require specialized training but must be prescribed by a licensed mental health professional.Â
On this page, we’ll discuss the difference between ESAs, service dogs, and therapy dogs. We’ll also provide information on how to get an emotional support dog or animal and other legalities surrounding this therapeutic option.Â
An Emotional Support Animal (ESA) is a pet or companion animal that a licensed mental health professional designates in writing as a therapeutic aid for someone with a chronic mental health disorder recognized as a disability [1]. Unlike service animals, ESAs do not require formal training or certification. Instead, a mental health professional evaluates the patient’s condition and the emotional or psychological benefits their companion animal provides before making this designation.
Emotional support animals fall into an intermediate category between pets and service animals. While ESAs are protected under state and federal laws and granted certain rights beyond those of a typical pet, they do not have the same legal rights and protection as service animals. Service animals, such as guide dogs or seizure response dogs, undergo specialized training to perform specific tasks directly related to their owner’s disability [2]. However, ESAs are primarily recognized for their emotional and psychological support rather than for a trained task.
A key distinction is public access rights. ESAs are protected under housing laws but do not have unrestricted access to places like hospitals, restaurants, or other non-pet-friendly establishments. Service animals have more liberties and cannot be denied entry to these places due to their essential role in assisting their handlers.
Additionally, ESAs differ from therapy animals. For example, therapy dogs are trained for specific tasks to provide comfort and psychological benefits in public settings such as hospitals, schools, and senior living centers. Unlike ESAs, therapy dogs do not serve one individual but instead serve multiple people in a professional or volunteer capacity. We’ll explore these benefits in greater detail below.
Now that we’ve clarified how emotional support animals differ from service and therapy animals, we can explore their role, benefits, and the specific legal protections they receive.
The central role of an emotional support animal (ESA) is to provide psychological relief and emotional stability to individuals with debilitating mental health conditions. While the way an ESA helps its owner may vary, the overarching goal remains the same—reducing symptoms of anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other mental health disorders through companionship and emotional connection.
For example, a person with severe anxiety may benefit from an ESA, as an ESA is typically a well-behaved, calm animal (often a dog or a cat) that will allow its owner to pet and interact with them [7]. Research has shown that petting an animal can lower blood pressure, reduce stress, and improve mood [3]. Additionally, emotional support dogs can be particularly helpful for people with social anxiety, as their presence can provide a sense of security, act as a social icebreaker, and serve as a calming distraction from psychological distress.
While many animal breeds can perform a service or task for their owner, the government only recognizes dogs as legitimate service animals [9]. However, ESA can be any domesticated animal, including dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, mice, hedgehogs, and more. That said, state, city, and zoning laws impose certain restrictions on which animals can qualify as ESAs. For example, ferrets are illegal in California. While farm animals like pigs or miniature horses may be approved as ESAs, they must still comply with federal, state, and local housing regulations. These laws exist not only to protect public safety but also to ensure the well-being of the animals in appropriate living environments.
The history of service animals goes back centuries, with seeing-eye dogs documented as early as 1 A.D. in European wood carvings and Chinese scrolls. However, the development and use of service dogs expanded significantly during World War I, as many soldiers were blinded in combat and required assistance [4]. Dogs were trained to aid them, and as these resources evolved, so did the laws protecting service animals.
In 1988, the Fair Housing Act (FHA) was amended to protect the rights of service dogs. Over time, emotional support animals (ESAs) were also included under FHA protections, allowing individuals with disabilities to keep ESAs in housing, even where pets were not typically allowed. While service dogs are protected under the FHA, they also have more substantial legal protections under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA was passed in 1990 to clarify service animal rights, and later, in 2010, clarifications were made to define the differences between service dogs and ESAs [4]. Unlike service dogs, ESAs are not covered under the ADA, as they do not require specialized training to perform a necessary task for their handler.Â
Another significant law that impacts ESAs and their handlers is the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA). Before 2020, ESAs were allowed to fly free of charge, but due to loose regulations and fraudulent ESA documentation, most airlines revised their policies and removed ESA rights. While service animals are still permitted on flights, ESAs are now only accepted on certain airlines, often requiring transportation fees similar to typical pet policies. Additionally, there is no federally recognized ESA certification, making it difficult to regulate ESA legitimacy [1].Â
While the legalities of emotional support animals continue to be refined, the benefits of ESAs should not be dismissed. Many individuals struggling with severe mental health challenges have found breakthroughs in their recovery due to the added support of an ESA.Â
Research on the benefits of Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) is still in its early stages. However, a 2019 study [1] published in the Journal of Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Mental Health examined the impact of ESAs and provided guidelines for mental health clinicians regarding their use.
The study highlighted several key findings, confirming that ESAs provide meaningful emotional support, including empathy and social connection. Research indicated positive outcomes for individuals with serious mental health conditions, as companionship from an ESA can help alleviate symptoms by offering comfort, reducing distress, and providing external motivation.
Additionally, owning and caring for an ESA fosters responsibility, a sense of purpose, and daily routine. Even those without mental health illnesses can benefit from the structure, purpose, and joy that dogs and other pets bring into our daily lives. These basic yet impactful changes can be particularly beneficial for individuals working to establish a healthier lifestyle and strengthen social confidence and connections as part of their mental health recovery.
Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) provide both physical and psychological benefits, enhancing overall well-being for individuals with mental health challenges. While their primary role is emotional support, studies suggest that companion animals can also contribute to better physical health and encourage healthier lifestyle habits.
By fostering both physical activity and emotional stability, ESAs can play a crucial role in enhancing their owners’ mental health and quality of life.Â
Obtaining an emotional support animal can happen in a variety of ways. Unlike service dogs, emotional support animals are not specifically bred, raised, or trained for a particular task. In essence, there are no specific emotional support dog requirements, as any legal pet can become an emotional support animal with the approval of your licensed mental health professional (LMHP).
To ethically determine your eligibility, an LMHP must:
Once these criteria are met, your LMHP can issue an ESA letter. This letter can be used to request housing accommodations for your pet, even in dormitories or housing communities that normally do not allow animals. While ESA letters should be honored in most cases, they are not federally protected under the same laws as service animals, meaning there may be circumstances where your request is denied. When possible, it is best to seek ESA-friendly housing to ensure a smooth approval process. Additionally, if you are living with others, consider their comfort and needs—such as allergies or personal preferences—when making arrangements. If necessary, requesting a solo dorm or private living space may be the best option for you and your ESA.Â
Emotional support animals can include a wide range of domesticated pets, as there are no strict species requirements.Dogs and cats are the most common ESAs, but other animals, such as rabbits, birds, fish, and even miniature pigs, can all provide comfort and companionship.Â
The key component is that the animal helps alleviate symptoms of a diagnosed mental health condition. However, landlords or housing providers may impose reasonable restrictions, such as prohibiting exotic or excessively large animals. When choosing an ESA, consider your living situation, the animal’s temperament and individual needs, and their ability to provide sustainable emotional support.Â
Finding the right ESA for you is a two-way street; be sure to determine if you can adequately meet its needs before adopting or purchasing an ESA.Â
Unfortunately, the rise of fake service animals has led to increased scrutiny of emotional support animals (ESAs), often causing confusion about their legitimacy. Unlike service dogs, ESAs are not trained for specific tasks and do not have the same legal protections. Some individuals falsely label their pets as ESAs to bypass pet fees or access restricted areas, undermining the credibility of legitimate ESAs.Â
This misuse creates safety risks, ignites public skepticism, and negatively impacts those who genuinely rely on ESAs for mental health support. Additionally, growing doubt about ESAs contributes to increased skepticism toward legitimate service dogs, further disadvantaging individuals with disabilities [8]. Adhering to the proper ESA process and maintaining clear distinctions between ESAs and service dogs is essential to preserving their rightful roles in society. Raising awareness and enforcing stricter regulations can help protect their legitimacy.
An Emotional Support Animal (ESA) is a companion pet designated by a licensed mental health professional as a beneficial part of a treatment plan for someone with a mental health disability. ESAs do not have the same rights, training, or responsibilities as service animals, and their primary role is to provide comfort and therapeutic benefits to their owner.
Yes, severe anxiety can qualify an individual for an ESA if it significantly impacts daily functioning and is diagnosed as a mental health disability. A licensed mental health professional must assess the individual’s condition, determine if it meets the criteria for a disability, and evaluate whether an ESA would provide adequate emotional support to help alleviate symptoms.
Mental health conditions that may qualify for an ESA include anxiety disorders, depression, PTSD, panic disorders, OCD, and other chronic psychiatric disabilities. The key requirement is that the condition significantly impairs one or more major life activities and is recognized as a disability by a licensed mental health professional, making an ESA a positive therapeutic accommodation.
To legally recognize a pet as an ESA, the owner must obtain an ESA letter from a licensed mental health professional. This letter must confirm the individual’s mental health condition and explain how the ESA provides emotional or psychological benefits to help manage their symptoms.Â
That said, there is no federally recognized ESA certification or registration that an individual can obtain.Â
Emotional support animals can be a significant stepping stone towards healing, but if you find that you or a loved one may need further care—consider Connections for the best inpatient mental health care in Southern California.Â
At Connections, your mental health is our priority. Our staff provides compassionate and knowledgeable care with evidence-based treatment plans. Our mental health treatment homes offer a variety of personalized plans tailored to your goals and needs, including:
Get the help you need today! Call Connections at 844-759-0999 for immediate assistance.Â
[1] https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40737-019-00146-8
[2] https://www.umassmed.edu/TransitionsACR/resources/emotional-support-animals-101/
[3]Â
https://cerebral.com/blog/how-an-emotional-support-animal-can-help-with-anxiety
[4] https://members.aagla.org/news/a-short-history-on-emotional-support-and-service-animals
[7] https://cerebral.com/blog/how-an-emotional-support-animal-can-help-with-anxiety
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