Have you heard about emotional support animals, aka ESAs, but you’re not really sure if you might qualify one? Or maybe you’re thinking of asking a health professional, but not sure what to ask or how to go about it?
Read on to learn about what may qualify you for an emotional support animal, how they may help, and where to take the next steps.
Do you have a mental health condition or illness?
Yes, straight to the point! One in four Americans do experience mental illness throughout their lives. So if you do, you’re not alone. That’s 25% or one-quarter of the population living with any one of a number of invisible illnesses that can be debilitating and disabling.
Emotional support animals are ‘prescribed’ by licensed mental health professionals. They are part of a treatment plan for people with a range of psychological and emotional conditions. Mental health conditions may include, but are not limited to:
- anxiety
- depression
- fear/phobias
- mood disorders
- panic disorder/panic attacks
- personality disorders
- post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- seasonal affective disorder
- social anxiety disorder.
To qualify for an emotional support animal you will need assessment by a licensed mental health professional in your State. Your diagnosed condition must be in the current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM).
Are you an animal lover?
The next thing to be upfront about is that the purpose of emotional support animals is to help you alleviate and manage your symptoms – not add to them! So if you’re not really that keen on animals or taking care of them, then an ESA isn’t recommended! An emotional support animal is all about the companionship and comfort that they may add to your life.
The type of emotional support animal is up to you. Practically speaking, the most appropriate types of ESAs are usually dogs and cats, and other small animals such as rabbits. The same types of domestic pets many people already love and know about caring for.
You also need to take into consideration the costs of having an emotional support animal. Allow room in your budget for the costs of their food, grooming, regular flea treatments and healthcare, and so forth.
How an ESA May Help You
Anyone who has ever lived with a pet, probably already understands the joy and pleasure that can come from sharing your life with an animal. Over the past 20-30 years, more and more research has been backing this up.
Studies in North America, and around the world, have indicated that there are many benefits to both our physical and mental health. If you feel you need help in one of these areas, then an ESA may be right for you.
Social support
The name emotional support animal actually says it all. ESAs really are a form of social support in many ways.
- They share your life on a daily basis and pass no judgment or comment about your illness, what you’re wearing, or the way you look.
- On a daily basis, an ESA is a companion in life. The unconditional love of an ESA can help with feelings of isolation and loneliness and getting through both good and not so good times.
- Having an animal in your life can also help with connecting to other people. If you’re shy or struggle with meeting people, they can be great topics of conversation with anyone else who may also have a pet in their life.
Relief from anxiety and stress
ESAs can help relieve anxiety and stress in a few ways.
- There are the calming and relaxing motions involved in patting and grooming a furry friend.
- They are also a distraction or diversion. Having an ESA can help turn potential negative thinking around or take your mind away from something that is worrying you.
- An ESA can provide a sense of security and confidence to be in your home, or to venture out of your house in their company.
- Then there are the doggone funny or kooky cat things that they may do that make you laugh!
Routines and Responsibility
An emotional support animal needs daily care and attention from their feeding, to grooming, to exercise needs. Living with an animal can help with building structure and routines into your life. They can also help to develop or regain confidence and a sense of responsibility.
Do You Live in Rental Housing or Need to Fly?
There are two federal laws in the United State that help people with emotional support animals. These cover flying with an emotional support animal and living in rental housing with an ESA.
Air carriers and landlords can ask for documentation or a letter from a licensed mental health professional. This will confirm your eligibility for your ESA.
Do be aware that in either scenario it’s not always a given. There are exceptions to refuse ESAS for health and safety reasons.
Living in rental accommodation with an ESA
The Fair Housing Act protects your rights to live with an emotional support animal in rental housing. Property owners or landlords cannot discriminate or refuse accommodation on the sole basis that you have an ESA. Nor can they charge you extra fees in advance.
Flying with an emotional support animal
The Air Carrier Access Act allows you to fly with your ESA in the cabin free of charge. Your condition may mean you need your emotional support animal with you during the flight, or at your destination. All airlines do have their own policies and exclusions and can ask for at least 48-hours’ notice, so always be sure to check in advance.
Next steps
To take the next step in establishing whether you might qualify for an emotional support animal, there are a couple of ways you can go about it. You can talk with a licensed health professional you trust such as your regular doctor or therapist. Or take an online pre-screen to connect with a licensed mental health professional in your State for a full assessment.
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