What is an Emotional Support Animal(ESA)?
An emotional support animal can be a cat, dog, or another animal that can help relieve emotional or mental disability traits. They provide help in day-to-day life by giving warmth, love, and care.
Are you confused between emotional support animals and service animals or assistance animals? ESAs are not explicitly instructed, while therapy animals or service animals, notably service dogs, are individually prepared to perform specific tasks for people with injuries.
The prominent role of an ESA is to provide support and partnership.
Although dogs are the most prevalent emotional support animals, cats are also omnipresent nowadays. Other types of animals such as pigs, ducks, monkeys, miniature horses can also be an ESA.
Types of Emotional Support Animals
Wondering what type of pets are suitable for the emotional support animal character? We have solved your problem.
Generally, cats and dogs are the most popular ESAs, but other creatures can also be used as emotional support animals.
The following is a list of adequate types of emotional support animals:
Dog as an ESA
As stated above, emotional support dogs are the usually expected assistance animals. All types of dog breeds can present help to those dealing with psychic or emotional disabilities.
The relationship between dogs and humans is the best thing to witness. Research says that dogs interact and understand humans better than other creatures. They are the most loyal pet. No surprise why people trust and tell their dogs everything.
Dogs are very enthusiastic and appreciative creatures. Besides providing you the needed support, they also show you how to enjoy life and other little things and moments.
Cat as an ESA
Dogs are certainly the most common ESAs. But cats also play an essential part in the life of people with a weakness. If you are a cat person, you will agree that cats are very loving creatures.
While cats might have a moody attitude at times but just like dogs, they also adore their humans unconditionally. It does not imply if you own a dog or cat; all pet owners know how their partner animal can help them.
Rabbit as an ESA
What is more relaxing than holding a small, fuzzy animal live with you?
Do you know what the best point about a rabbit as an emotional support animal is? They are calm and shy animals.
Since bunnies are remarkably quiet, they are well accommodated for an apartment. Your next-door neighbor will not be disturbed by you for keeping a pet. Also, bunnies have an amiable nature that will help you bond with them.
Bird as an ESA
Do you want a creature that you can communicate with?
As per scientific analysis, birds are the only creatures that can copy human speech. Birds are intelligent animals. This is the best motivation to get a bird as your emotional support animal.
Primarily parrots. If you train your parrot how to speak, you will perpetually have a conversation partner with you. Your bird will be there to reply to you and talk to you utilizing the words you taught it.
An added reason to have birds is that you will not have to keep in mind their litter cases or take them for a walk each day. All you have to do is clean their pen, but that’s acceptable compared to taking care of a cat or dog.
Hamster as an ESA
These miniature little balls of fur can prove to be an excellent companion for you. Hamsters have a very calm temperament. Their peaceful presence can really help an intellectually disturbed person. They will just roll up on your lap to provide you mental satisfaction.
The best part about having a hamster as an emotional support animal is that they are modest, independent, and occupy minimal area.
Having an emotional support animal should not crash your bank. Feeding a hamster is also very easy and economical. All you need is a big pack of hamster mix, which includes all the necessary components like grains, seeds, and proteins.
Horse as an ESA
Just like cats and dogs, horses are also kept as companions. Horses have powerful trainability, due to which it is more comfortable to keep them in the backyard of your residence. However, you will need adequate space to hold a standard-sized horse. In case you have more limited space, you can get a baby horse as your ESA.
Besides being spirited, another benefit of petting a horse is that horses have an extended period related to other animals. So, you can have a long-lasting relationship with your friend.
What Other Types can be Emotional Support Animals?
There is no rule described as to what type of creatures can or cannot be an ESA. However, only an authorized mental health therapist can sign a verifiable ESA letter for you.
Along with the letter, the pet must be helpful for your mental health.
Almost all tamed animals can be emotional support animals, including cats, dogs, rabbits, birds, mice, parrots, rats, etc.
But it is necessary that the animal is simple to manage in public areas and should not be dangerous for others.
What Kind of Animals Could not be ESAs?
As we have mentioned above, any animal could be an emotional support animal. Accidentally, many people take it as an advantage to keep mysterious and vulnerable animals as their ESAs, like a moving support snake or pixy hippo that is threatening but not fit to live in a home. When picking an ESA, make sure to explain to your landowner and airline officials when you choose a domesticated animal.
Not all kinds of creatures could be justifiable ESAs, and this is something you should acknowledge when choosing a creature to be your ESA.
