What is an Emotional Support Dog?
An Emotional Support Dog is a pet prescribed by a licensed therapist to provide health benefits for someone with an emotional or mental condition. Unlike service dogs, these animals don't require specialized task training. Instead, they provide support for their owner through affection, companionship, comfort, and positivity.
A crucial distinction: any pet may comfort its owner, but only a dog specifically prescribed by a licensed mental health professional qualifies as an Emotional Support Dog.
Who Qualifies for an Emotional Support Dog?
People suffering from mental or emotional conditions may benefit from an Emotional Support Dog. Qualification requires consulting a licensed health professional who can issue an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) letter — a signed, dated document confirming the dog provides therapeutic value and supports normal daily functioning.
What Conditions Do Emotional Support Dogs Help With?
These dogs assist individuals with:
- Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)
- Autism
- General Anxiety Disorder
- Bipolar Disorder
- Learning Disorders
- Depression
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
- Panic Attacks
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
- Sexual Disorder
- Mood Disorder
- Phobias
- Suicidal Thoughts
- Stress conditions
Emotional Support Dogs are in tune with their owners' moods and may nuzzle them when they sense an oncoming panic attack or obsessive episode.
Benefits of Getting an Emotional Support Dog
Two primary laws protect ESA owners:
- Fair Housing Amendment Act — guarantees housing access regardless of no-pet policies or breed restrictions
- Air Carrier Access Act — permitted qualifying ESAs to travel in commercial airplane cabins
Note: As of January 2021, the DOT has instituted a new rule which allows airlines to consider emotional support animals as pets and to charge additional fees.
Interested in Getting an Emotional Support Dog?
Registration through official channels — obtaining ID tags and vests designating status — can streamline travel and housing interactions.