Animals form a huge part of our lives, be it a pet dog or a cat.
In fact, some animals also walk that extra mile and provide emotional relief to people suffering from psychiatric disorders or mental health issues.
Through companionship, they help patients recover and lead healthy lives.
Read on to know more about emotional support animals!
1. License
Emotional support animals (ESAs) have to go through a licensing process, which involves a verified therapist submitting the proper applications and letters detailing the conditions of the patient Many patients suffering from PTSD, depression, bipolar disorders, and anxiety may get an ESA.
Working with a licensed physician can help to speed up the paperwork and get an authorized ESA. Thus, you can get a cat or dog certified by a professional easily!
2. Not limited to dogs
When we hear about ESAs, our minds naturally think of a large, fluffy dog. In most cases, a dog is the best kind of pet, but ESAs are not limited to just them.
Rabbits, hamsters, birds, or any other domestic animals can be there for emotional support.
Even large animals like horses can function as ESAs, but to keep them as pets can be tricky due to space problems.
3. Part of a bigger treatment plan
While it’s true that these animals comfort and care for mentally exhausted patients, the road to a mentally and emotionally healthy lifestyle doesn’t just include ESAs.
A proper treatment regime needs to be followed with respect to the patient’s ailments.
Medication may also be given to the patient if required. It is important to remember that this process can often be lengthy and slow, so do not lose hope.
4. Fair Housing Act
If you live in the United States, you must have heard about the Fair Housing Act. This Act states that landlords cannot refuse a potential tenant based on their color, creed, gender, caste, or disability.
ESAs fall under this category too.
So if you’ve chosen an apartment to live in with your baby pet, but the landlord seems to throw shade on you both, simply state the fact that you are protected under this Act!
However, be sure to carry all the required documents with you, such as a letter from a certified medical professional or a valid ESA letter.
5. Specialized training
This is some good news for you if you’re looking for an ESA! They don’t require any kind of special training to be with you.
The court rule states that these animals should facilitate their human companion’s ability to function with regards to their disability, but it does not entail any specialized training.
6. Nature of disability
There are various places where, if you are accompanied by your ESA, the authorities might ask you to show documents to verify.
But no authority will ask you to disclose the nature of your disability.
Your privacy shall be guaranteed, irrespective of whether you walk in with your pet or not.
The complete details of the nature of your disability shall be between you and your healthcare professional only.
7. ESAs and service dogs
It is important to remember that ESAs are not the same as service dogs. Service dogs are dogs that can accompany their owners anywhere, including malls or restaurants.
Unfortunately, most ESAs aren’t allowed in these places. Service dogs also have to be specially trained.
For example, a seeing-eye dog is trained to guide its owners or alert them in case any obstacle is present around their owners.
As mentioned earlier, ESAs do not need any such training.
8. Animal temperament
One very important aspect while getting an ESA is to check the animal’s temperament and behavior.
Nobody would want an unruly, ill-mannered dog growling every second of the day or a cat that scratches anyone nearby.
This will not only affect the patient’s mental health adversely but also cause harm to neighbors or other family members.
Therefore, choosing the right kind of animal is extremely important in this case. Most people opt for dogs since they can be trained easily and are well-behaved.
But other small animals can also be easily trained for basic commands.
Over to you…
Did you know that in 2019, there were nearly 200,000 ESAs in the US alone?
These animals are becoming extremely popular due to the positive impact they have on their human companions.
In today’s world of sadness and stress, you can also adopt an ESA and see how it benefits your emotional health!