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Emotional support animals (ESAs) are pets that are prescribed by licensed mental health professionals to provide comfort and support to individuals with emotional or mental health disorders. These animals can provide a range of benefits, including reducing stress, anxiety, depression, and loneliness. ESAs can be any type of animal, but certain animals are more commonly used than others. In this article, we will discuss the different types of animals used as ESAs and the benefits they can provide.


Introduction


ESAs have become increasingly popular in recent years, as more people are recognizing the benefits that these animals can provide. ESAs are not the same as service animals, specially trained to perform tasks for individuals with disabilities. ESAs, on the other hand, do not require any special training, and their main role is to provide emotional support to their owners.





Dogs as ESAs


Dogs are the most commonly used animals as ESAs and for good reason. Dogs are loyal, loving, and intuitive animals that can sense their owners' emotions and provide comfort when needed. They are also highly trainable and can be taught to perform specific tasks to help their owners manage their mental health disorders.


If you have chosen to get an emotional support dog then you probably know that you will need a special esa letter to make it legal. This letter is a licensed document given to you by a licensed medical healthcare professional. Basically, it says that you can have an ESA.


Benefits of dogs as ESAs


Some of the benefits of dogs as ESAs include:

• Reducing stress and anxiety: Dogs can help their owners feel more relaxed and calm, which can reduce feelings of stress and anxiety.
• Increasing social interaction: Dogs are social animals and can help their owners feel more connected to others, which can reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation.
• Providing a sense of purpose: Dogs require daily care and attention, which can provide their owners with a sense of purpose and responsibility.
• Increasing physical activity: Dogs require daily exercise, which can help their owners stay active and improve their physical health.

Cats as ESAs


Cats are also commonly used as ESAs, although they are not as popular as dogs. Cats are independent animals that can provide comfort and companionship to their owners in their own unique way.


Benefits of cats as ESAs


Some of the benefits of cats as ESAs include:

• Reducing stress and anxiety: Cats can help their owners feel more relaxed and calm, which can reduce feelings of stress and anxiety.
• Providing companionship: Cats can be affectionate and loving companions, which can reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation.
• Lower maintenance: Cats are generally lower maintenance than dogs and can be a good option for individuals who cannot commit to the daily care needs of a dog.

Birds as ESAs


Birds are another type of animal that can be used as an ESA. While they may not provide the same level of companionship as dogs or cats, they can still provide emotional support and comfort to their owners.


Benefits of birds as ESAs


Some of the benefits of birds as ESAs include:

• Providing a calming presence: The sounds and movements of birds can be calming and soothing to individuals with anxiety or depression.
• Offering a sense of responsibility: Caring for a bird requires daily attention and care, which can provide a sense of responsibility and purpose to its owners.

Miniature horses as ESAs


While less common than dogs, cats, and birds Miniature horses are another option for individuals looking for an ESA. These animals are smaller than regular horses and are trained to provide emotional support to their owners.


Benefits of miniature horses as ESAs


Some of the benefits of miniature horses as ESAs include:

• Increased mobility: Miniature horses can be trained to perform tasks such as pulling wheelchairs or providing physical support to their owners, which can increase mobility and independence.
• Calming presence: Miniature horses have a gentle nature and can provide a calming presence to individuals with anxiety or other mental health disorders.
• Unique option: Choosing a miniature horse as an ESA can be a unique and fulfilling experience for some individuals.

Other animals as ESAs


While dogs, cats, birds, and miniature horses are the most common types of animals used as ESAs, any animal can technically be prescribed by a licensed mental health professional as an ESA. Some other options include:

• Rabbits
• Guinea pigs
• Ferrets
• Reptiles
• Fish

However, it's important to note that certain animals may not be practical or safe to keep as pets in certain living situations. It's also important to consider the individual needs of the person with the mental health disorder and choose an animal that will provide the best support.


Legal rights of ESA owners


Under the Fair Housing Act and the Air Carrier Access Act, individuals with ESAs are allowed to live with their animals in rental housing and fly with them on airplanes without additional fees or charges. However, it's important to note that ESA owners may still need to provide documentation from a licensed mental health professional to prove that their animal is necessary for their mental health.


How to get an ESA


To get an ESA, individuals must first be diagnosed with a mental health disorder by a licensed mental health professional. This professional can then prescribe an ESA as part of the individual's treatment plan. The individual will need to provide realesaletter of their need for an ESA to their landlord or airline.


Conclusion


Emotional support animals can provide a range of benefits to individuals with mental health disorders. While dogs are the most common type of animal used as an ESA, other animals such as cats, birds, and miniature horses can also be effective. It's important to choose an animal that will provide the best support for the individual's needs and to follow the proper legal procedures for obtaining an ESA.


More Resources:


Is it Good To Have an ESA if You Have Young Children at Home? | 2023


Begineers Guide About Nutrition and Grooming Plan for LaPerm Cat Breed - 2023


A Guide to Train an Emotional Support Dog In Less Time - 2023


The Best Ways to Keep Your Emotional Support Animal Happy In an Apartment - 2023