An Emotional Support Animal (ESA) is more than a pet. The ESA is part of the treatment for individuals suffering from a psychological or mental illness, such as anxiety, depression or PTSD. They provide comfort and support to their handlers in times of need. The most common type of ESA is an Emotional Support Dog, [...]
Emotional support animals (ESA) are helping some of the 26% of Americans who struggle with a mental health disorder. Each year, millions of people are diagnosed with a mental disorder, and ESAs help them manage and overcome their challenges. OCD, a form of anxiety, can be treated with an emotional support animal's help. What is [...]
You may have heard from someone that you can’t qualify for an ESA online. We’re here to break that myth: you absolutely can qualify for an ESA online, as long as it’s done the right way. In fact, the latest guidelines from the U.S. Department of Housing specifically approved ESA letters obtained through healthcare professionals [...]
Most pet owners will say that their animals brighten their day. While it’s true that most pets offer amusement and affection, emotional support animals (ESA) do so much more. For people who struggle with a mental or emotional disorder, an ESA can be what helps them to heal. And although some people might feel ashamed of [...]
According to the American Kennel Society (AKC), emotional support animals (ESA) are vital to an individualized treatment plan for an emotional or mental disorder. A licensed therapist or physician orders an ESA through the documentation of an ESA letter. What Is an ESA Letter? An ESA letter notes that an animal is an authorized component [...]
In 2021 the U.S. Department of Transportation announced new rules that protected the rights of service dog owners (including psychiatric service dog (PSD) owners) on flights. Airlines must allow psychiatric service dogs to board the cabin of flights without any additional charges or fees. Psychiatric service dogs are also exempt from size and weight restrictions applicable [...]
Download the DOT Form - Service Animal Air Transportation Form (pdf) here. If you want to board a flight with your psychiatric service dog or service dog, this article will explain the one document you need for all airlines. In 2021, the U.S. Department of Transportation completely updated its rules for assistance animals on flights. [...]
Service dog owners are granted many legal rights in the United States. They are allowed in places many pets normally can’t go, including the cabin of airplanes free of charge. When most people think of service dogs, they picture dogs that help people with physical disabilities like visual impairment or mobility issues. Service dogs, however, [...]
According to Mental Health America, a psychiatric service dog (PSD) is a trained service animal that assists people diagnosed with a mental illness. There’s no specific mental illness that qualifies a person for a psychiatric service dog; what’s more important is what tasks the psychiatric service dog can do for the person they serve. This article [...]
You can feel the history in Virginia. It’s the “birthplace of a nation” and the site of Jamestown, one of the original 13 Colonies of the United States. Virginia is known for the Chesapeake Bay and the gorgeous Appalachian mountains. The history and romance of Virginia are what makes it the perfect place for lovers... [...]
Pet fish may not be the first thing you think of as a treatment for depression. After all, fish don’t communicate—at least not in the traditional sense—and they’re not the cuddliest of animals. Fish, however, may be most underrated. They do much more than swim and eat. It turns out that they’re great emotional support [...]