5 Interesting Facts About Emotional Support Animals

Emotional support animals are increasingly used throughout the United States, but there are still so many misconceptions about them. We want to rectify that, so in this short post, we'll take you through five exciting facts about emotional support animals that we think everyone should know. Let's jump in!

1. Their Documents are Provided by Medical Professionals

Although emotional support animals aren't considered to be in the same category as service animals, they still require approval from a medical professional. This usually arrives as an ESA letter explaining the animal's purpose and how it benefits the owner. There are plenty of guides online describing how to ask doctor for ESA letter, but it isn't only doctors that can write them. You can approach numerous professionals for this, provided they have a valid medical license.

2. They Come in All Shapes and Sizes

When most people think of an emotional support animal, they think of a dog. This is understandable. They are humanity's best friend, after all! However, emotional support animals come in all shapes and sizes. It's not just dogs. It could be a cat, a pig, or even a bird! As long as it provides emotional support to its owner, it qualifies - and that isn't breed-specific. 

3. They Are Not the Same as Service Animals

A frequent misconception about emotional support animals is that they're the same as service animals, but this isn't the case. It's important to remember, as it means that emotional support animals do not receive the same legal protections as service animals. According to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a service animal is defined as an animal that has been trained for a specific purpose. Emotional support animals provide a far more general form of support. 

4. They Are Sometimes Allowed in No-Pets Housing

When searching for a property to rent, you often run into rules dictating that no pets are allowed on the premises. Emotional support animals are not considered pets, provided you have the proper documentation (such as an ESA letter) to support their validity. The only exception to this is if the ESA is unreasonably aggressive, loud, or would require significant adjustments to accommodation. 

5. They Are No Longer Legally Protected by the Air Carrier Access Act

Before 2020, emotional support animals were guaranteed a place alongside their owner on a flight thanks to the Air Carrier Access Act. However, this was changed in a final ruling, meaning that only service animals were granted this protection. This doesn't mean emotional support animals can't board the plane with you. In fact, more lenient airlines may permit you if you have an ESA letter to support your claim.

Emotional Support Animals Can Completely Change the Lives of Their Owners

One thing is for certain: emotional support animals can bring a lot of joy to the lives of their owners. They provide much-needed support and allow for greater accessibility in almost all walks of life, with solid companionship along the way!