Emotional support animals (ESAs) are animals who support those battling emotional or mental health disabilities. However, there is a lot of confusion surrounding the role these animals have, and crucially, what types of emotional support animals are available.
To ensure you’re fully informed about this therapy option, we’ll cover all you need to know about ESAs below. We’ll discuss how they’re defined, the ways they differ from service animals, and the various types of emotional support animals. We’ll also clear up some common misconceptions.
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What Are Emotional Support Animals?
Emotional support animals are animals who provide their owners with immeasurable therapeutic relief from symptoms of emotional or mental health disabilities. They achieve this through the comfort their companionship brings.
Emotional support animals differ from service animals. Although they both provide therapeutic support, service animals are specially trained to perform tasks that ease disability-related symptoms.
For instance, they may help individuals with vision impairments navigate around obstacles, or alert those with hearing difficulties to important noises.
Service animals are classed as working animals and are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), while emotional support animals are not. ESAs are still protected under certain laws, such as the Fair Housing Act (FHA), but they do not receive the same scope of protection as service animals do.
An ESA’s exact legal protections can vary depending on where you reside. However, they typically only receive housing privileges (exemption from a landlord’s no-pet policies). They are not usually granted public access rights, nor reasonable accommodation within the workplace or on airlines.
What Types of Emotional Support Animals Are Allowed?
Only dogs (and in rare exceptions, miniature horses) can become legally recognized as service animals. This leads many to believe that emotional support animals are subjected to the same conditions.
However, this isn’t the case: Any animal, regardless of their species, size, or age, can become legally recognized as an emotional support animal. This is primarily because ESAs aren’t required to undergo training. Their only requirement is that their presence provides therapeutic relief.
Most Common Types of Emotional Support Animals
While any animal can become an ESA, some animals tend to be better suited than others. We’ll touch on the most common types of emotional support animals below and discuss the traits that make them shine in this role.
ESA Dogs
Dogs are the most common type of ESA in the US, and for good reason: They make for incredibly affectionate, gentle, and loving companions.
They also form strong bonds with their loved ones and seem to have a sixth sense when it comes to knowing ways to cheer them up.
While every breed will have their own unique quirks, most are generally easy to train and can readily adapt to their owner’s lifestyle and home situation.
They can also be reasonably accommodated in virtually all properties, meaning you won’t have to worry about their housing rights being denied.
ESA Cats
Cats tend to be more reserved than dogs, though they still make for incredibly loving and loyal companions.
They are also relatively low maintenance and are a lot quieter, which can make them great ESAs for people who appreciate a peaceful, relaxing home environment.
ESA Rabbits
Rabbits are playful, sociable, and expressive animals who can quickly “hop” their way into their owners’ hearts and provide immeasurable comfort.
They form strong bonds and will often encourage their loved ones to play with them. Just be mindful that rabbits are best kept in pairs and can take some time to become accustomed to being handled.
ESA Rats
Rats are some of the most misunderstood animals around. While they are often portrayed in a negative light, they’re incredibly loving and affectionate companions who see their owners as their whole world. These traits alone can make them incredible ESAs.
However, they do bring plenty more to the table: They won’t take up a lot of space, they keep themselves clean, and are bright enough to learn tricks.
ESA Fish
Fish aren’t as cuddly as other animals featured here. However, many people find watching them swim an incredibly soothing, therapeutic experience. Fish also don’t require as much attention as other pets, which can make them good ESAs for people who work unpredictable hours or lead busy lifestyles.
Learn More About the Types of Emotional Support Animals Today
Dogs, cats, rabbits, fish, and rats are some of the most common types of emotional support animals today.
However, any species can become recognized as an ESA if you can prove that they provide you with therapeutic relief from a disability.
Just be mindful that if you do opt for a more “exotic” or unusual pet, it might be slightly harder to take advantage of the housing protections outlined in the FHA.
This is because landlords are still within their rights to deny your pet housing if they can’t be reasonably accommodated or pose a health and safety risk.
To learn more about ESAs and their legal rights, make sure to reach out to the Emotional Support Animal team.
They’ll also ensure you’re given the knowledge, guidance, and resources required to effectively advocate for your animal and disability-related needs.
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