We all have anxious moments in life, but some people have them with debilitating frequency. Many live with chronic anxiety that hampers their ability to live the life they want. Many treatments are available for various anxiety disorders ranging from prescription medication to cognitive behavioral therapy. Emotional support animals are another way that individuals with anxiety disorders are able to overcome their condition. In this article, we’ll explain what an emotional support animal is and how one can help with anxiety.

If you experience anxiety and are ready to work with a licensed mental health professional for an ESA Letter, complete the form in the link below to qualify your pet as an emotional support animal.

What is an Emotional Support Animal?

While pets as companions have been popular for thousands of years, an emotional support animal is a fairly new concept.

An emotional support animal is a pet that has been ‘prescribed’ by a psychologist, psychiatrist or therapist to a patient as part of their plan towards wellness.

An emotional support animal can provide stability and comfort during times of need, when a person may not have any nearby friends or family to rely on. An ESA can be a wonderfully calming presence during emotionally tumultuous times. 

Can Any Animal be an Emotional Support Animal?

Almost any animal that is typically kept in the home as a pet can be an emotional support animal. The most typical ESAs are cats and dogs, but they are also frequently pets like birds, rodents, and fish. Wild animals however are not allowed to qualify as ESAs. 

Unlike service dogs, ESAs do not require any special training or certification – their job is purely to provide emotional support, rather than physical assistance to the owner. An ESA in other words does its job just by being present in the owner’s life during difficult times. 

How to Legally Make My Pet an Emotional Support Animal 

To legally make your pet an emotional support animal, a licensed therapist or doctor must recommend an ESA for your mental health. That means you’ll need to meet with a licensed healthcare professional so they can complete a thorough assessment of your mental health.

You are not required to register your ESA on any registration site or purchase an emotional support animal vest for your pet. An ESA letter is the only document you need to legally prove that you have an emotional support animal.

How Can I Get an ESA Letter from ESA Doctors?

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Emotional Support Animals for Anxiety  

In order to qualify for an ESA, a person’s anxiety must qualify as a disability under Fair Housing rules. The term “disability” has a specific meaning in this context. It means that a person’s anxiety is so severe, that it limits one or more major life activities. For example, an individual may struggle to get through the workday because excessive worrying, restlessness, nervousness, and racing thoughts make it difficult to complete their tasks. It is up to a licensed healthcare professional to determine whether someone meets that criteria.

How Can an Emotional Support Animal Help with My Anxiety?

Emotional support animals can help a person with an anxiety disorder in many ways. As pet owners know, having an animal around can have a general calming effect in a household. Many individuals suffering from an anxiety disorder often report loneliness as a significant contributing factor towards their anxiety, and simply having an ESA around can also stave off the feeling of being lonely. 

Emotional support animals can ward off feelings of anxiety through the provision of affection. Petting animals has been shown to have a calming effect on humans. Cuddling up to a dog or cat during stressful times can provide immense relief. 

Simply owning an ESA can help a person with anxiety by taking the focus off their inner thoughts. If an individual is spending time grooming, feeding, walking, and playing with their ESA, versus dwelling on thoughts that trigger their anxiety, it can contribute to a steadier, more positive outlook on their life.

Emotional Support Animals are a great way to help with your anxiety!

Because animals can provide an enormous amount of emotional support in a variety of ways, having an ESA is a fantastic way to help you with your anxiety. Although simply having an emotional support animal isn’t guaranteed to cure you of your anxiety on its own, it can be a great addition to your healthcare professional’s mental health improvement plan.

Start the ESA questionnaire to see if you qualify for an Emotional Support Animal.

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Disclaimer: For informational purposes only.