Millions of Americans have pets that bring them joy and emotional comfort. But did you know that many people rely on animals for support to manage physical and/or psychological symptoms?
In most states, to qualify for an emotional support animal in public places, there must be a letter from a qualified mental health professional recommending your animal provides necessary help to maintain optimal functioning, or assess potential danger.
Most people are confused about what an emtional support animal is. So lets clear up a few misconceptions to broaden your knowledge and options.
Typically, there are four (4) categories of therapuetic animals:
- Emotional Support Animals
- Service Animals
- Comfort Dogs
- Animal Assisted Therapy
Emotional Support Animals
An Emotional Support Animal or ESA is an animal that provides emotional benefits if you have been diagnosed with a mental health disorder. An ESA can be an existing pet or one adopted for that purpose and does not require specialized training to assist you with your condition, although owners should ensure they’re well-trained in public. The animal’s job is to support you and your well-being. It is essential to mention that your emotional support animal does not have automatic access to every place a service dog (see service animal description below) may go. Therefore, it is best to ask establishments such as restaurants, shops, or malls whether your animal is allowed or if an exception can be made. Although ESAs do not have the same protections under the ADA as service animals, they may receive special consideration. Housing providers, however, must reasonably accommodate ESA owners even if they have a strict policy prohibiting pets. As of January 2021, emotional support animals are no longer recognized as service animals and are prohibited from flying with their owners unless as a pet.
Service Animals
Service animals are dogs, regardless of breed or type, that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of a qualified individual with a disability, including a person with physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability. A psychiatric service dog requires extensive training to perform tasks related to a person’s mental health disability. Psychiatric service dogs are afforded greater access and rights than emotional support animals.
Comfort Dogs
Organizations such as the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) frequently use comfort dogs in disaster response. Comfort dogs offer a calming presence and provide a needed distraction during a disaster or crisis. These animals and their owners are usually volunteers prepared for disaster response settings. Dogs are deployed to shelters and other sites to comfort individuals and families affected by the disaster. The difference between comfort dogs and emotional support animals is emotional support animals support just one owner. In contrast, comfort dogs offer support and comfort to the public during catastrophic events such as natural disasters, fires, or mass shootings.
Animal-Assisted Therapy
Animal-assisted therapy is a therapeutic intervention incorporating an animal into a treatment plan. Although various animals are used in animal-assisted therapy, the most common are dogs and horses. Animals perform intentional, goal-directed activities to complement traditional therapeutic interventions. Unlike service animals, who only work with one individual, therapy animals work with many individuals. Animal-assisted interventions are used for various therapeutic goals, such as to improve trust and attachment wounds, promote social development and socialization skills, reduce isolation, fight obesity, combat bullying, battle PTSD, and enhance physical health.
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Things you might not know:
You might not know that in some states, housing managers or landlords and colleges/universities may require a letter or documentation so its best to have one just in case.
You might not know that most people qualify to have a service animal or emotional support animal and no longer need to see a physician to get a prescription for it.
You might not know you do not need to look physically disabled to have an emotional support animal or service dog.
You might not know that emotional support animals do not legally require specific training.
You might not know that service dogs can be specially trained by their owner and do not require expensive professional training.
In the final anaylsis, the choice to have an animal for support is yours. Check your local area for qualified mental health professionals trained to complete an assessment, documents and/or write a clinical letter for you.